Following the first day of spring and last week’ s Winter Storm Stella in Syracuse, New York, most of America has likely seen the last of the snow for many months to come.
But before all the snow is washed away by the changing of the seasons, it’s pushed off roads by snow plows and their drivers – and brokers should know how snow plow drivers are using their vehicles now that the snow has mostly melted, advised Ken Bowman, a Progressive Commercial Auto Product Manager.
“I would encourage brokers to learn and consider all the customer’s exposures, coverage needs and coverage requirements. For example, some municipal contracts require specific coverages. Brokers should also consider carriers with broad acceptance as some may have restrictions based on the type of snowplowing work being done,” Bowman said in an email.
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“Additionally, brokers should ask customers about their off-season coverage needs. Many drivers use their vehicle for other business operations in the off-season, and they may need to adjust their coverages for those needs. Or they may simply want to maintain comprehensive coverage to protect their vehicle in storage and eliminate coverage gaps. As the insurance expert, brokers should make sure the insurance they provide is meeting the customer’s individual business needs.”
Then there’s the risks snow plow drivers face.
Any occupation operating a vehicle has inherent dangers and consistently working in stormy precipitation, like snow plow drivers, carries a heightened level of peril.
“Snow plow drivers work on active streets, often in hazardous conditions alongside vehicles that may not be as well equipped to handle the snow,” Bowman said. “It’s important drivers remain aware of their surroundings and keep their vehicle in good working condition, including proper maintenance of things like tires, lights and wipers. Additionally, drivers can experience fatigue due to working long hours under stressful conditions. Staying hydrated and taking breaks as needed are keys to operating safely.
“For many snow plow operators, their vehicle is their business. It’s important that operators have the right commercial auto coverages with responsive anytime claims handling to keep their business going in the event their vehicle is damaged. For example, drivers need to consider coverage that includes their vehicles’ expensive permanently attached equipment (PAE) and the option of additional value of PAE.”
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