Plenty of people put a blade on their truck and clear a dozen driveways for neighbours each winter. It is good money for a few hours of work. It is also a business, and the insurance you have for your personal truck and home almost certainly was not written for it.
The Two Gaps
Your truck. Personal auto policies are for personal use. Plowing for payment is commercial use in the eyes of most insurers, and an undisclosed commercial use can lead to a denied claim after an accident. See does personal auto insurance cover plowing.
Liability. If a customer, a visitor or a delivery driver slips on a driveway you cleared, your home insurance liability is unlikely to respond to a business activity. You would be on your own. See slip and fall liability.
What Small Operators Actually Need
- Commercial use declared on the truck, or a small commercial auto policy. See plow truck insurance.
- A basic general liability policy, often $1 million to $2 million
- Coverage for the blade if it represents a meaningful investment. See equipment insurance.
Part time operations are generally priced to reflect their size. A specialist broker can find options that make sense for a small route.
Keep It Simple and Safe
Stick to residential driveways, avoid commercial lots and sidewalks until you are properly covered, write a one page agreement with customers, and keep a log of when you plowed. See do I need insurance to plow snow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance to plow a few driveways for cash?
If you are paid, it is a business activity and your personal policies may not respond. A small commercial policy is the safe route.
Will insurance cost more than I make plowing part time?
For small residential routes, coverage is usually priced to reflect the size of the operation. A broker can give you a real number quickly.