Winter is upon us, and snow removal businesses—from the solopreneurs with a plow attachment to the full-service landscaping and property management companies—are getting ready for work. Whether you're in the business already or are looking to get your company started, snow removal services tend to be high-risk when it comes to accident potential. Learn more about the liabilities related to a snow removal company and how to mitigate them with better commercial insurance and business practices.
Snow Removal Companies and Their Liabilities
Snow removal is a big industry, pulling in over $20 billion per year in the US, according to a market research report by IBISWorld. Following that, big machines and big expectations also make snow removal a liability-prone industry. It’s critical to assess your risks and plan accordingly.
Street and Parking Lot Snowplowing
Although the most efficient way to clear snow from roads and parking lots, snowplowing frequently results in accidents, including hitting parked cars, knocking down mailboxes, driving over sprinkler heads, and damaging lawns on private property.
Snowblowers and Snow Shoveling
Most approaches to snow removal have a high potential for injuries. Even the simple act of shoveling snow sends 11,000 people on average to the hospital annually, according to WebMD. Other injuries include slipping or pulling muscles, especially in the lower back. To mitigate these issues, make sure your staff is well-trained and equipped with anti-skid boots.
Ice Removal, Deicing, and Anti-Icing
Preventative snow removal services such as anti-icing also raise potential liability concerns for your company. Ice-melting services are for homes and commercial businesses with common walking areas. Liabilities that can occur with this activity include slips and falls, pulled muscles, broken bones, and head trauma. These can be avoided by wearing shoes designed for icy conditions.
Insurance Policies for a Snow removal Company
Snow removal is a high-risk industry all around, and every business requires a different insurance plan. Consider which of the following policies would apply to your business:
- Business Owner's Policy Insurance can be suitable for snow removal companies because it includes both property and business interruption insurance as well as general liability protection.
- Commercial Vehicle Insurance covers bodily injury, property damage, medical payments, and personal injury protection in the event that a vehicle used by the snow removal company is involved in some sort of incident.
- Property Liability Insurance is also known as commercial property insurance. If you own or rent a physical space for your snow removal company, this insurance covers the building and property if damaged by certain accidents, events, and hazards.
- Workers' Compensation protects employers against lawsuits resulting from workplace accidents. It also provides medical care and compensation for lost income to employees hurt in workplace accidents. Workers' compensation is required by law in almost all states.
Regardless of how big or small the company is, snow removal services are accident-prone, so you must invest in the right insurance. With all these different policies, figuring out what is and isn’t needed for your unique business situation can be confusing. Contact an expert agent at World Insurance Associates today to discuss what coverage is right for you.
This article is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.