It’s Ground Hog Day, and according to Punxsutawney Phil we have 6 more weeks of winter in store although it doesn’t feel like it! Traditionally we have seen snow well into March so we still may have a few large New England snow storms to look forward to over the next few weeks. Surprisingly during this very mild winter we had had some inquiries about snow plow coverage and MA Auto Insurance so I thought it would be helpful explore some common insurance questions that you may want to consider if you are plowing this winter.
I have a Personal Auto Policy for my light truck and I would like to plow, do I now need a Commercial Auto Policy?
This depends on whether you will be performing any other business operation with your vehicle. Strictly plowing (even for money) is not outside the parameters of a Personal Auto Policy. You would need to contact your agent and have them amend your policy to include a class 30 Businesses rating or assess your business operation to see of a Commercial Auto Policy would be a better fit.
I have a Commercial Auto Insurance Policy would this cover slip and fall accident at a residence or business that I have plowed?
No, your Commercial Auto Insurance policy will only cover damages caused by your vehicle or your plow. You would need to have a plowing endorsement on your general liability policy that includes products and completed operations coverage to cover this type of liability claim.
Will my premium go up on my Commercial Auto Insurance policy if my business offers plowing services?
If plowing will be less than 20% percent of your business your premium may not go up. Trucks that are plowing more than 20% of the time will need to be rated as Commercial which is charged a slightly higher rate than a vehicle that is rated as a Service vehicle.
Is my snow plow covered for physical damage or theft?
Your plow will be covered only if the vehicle that it is attached to is carrying physical damage coverage. If you add a plow to a vehicle it is important to let your agent know so they can adjust the value of the vehicle to reflect the addition of the plow.
If you have any questions regarding plow coverage and you’re Massachusetts Commercial Auto Policy or your Massachusetts Personal Auto Policy please feel free to call to talk to one of our agents who can answer any additional question you may have. Happy Plowing!