Insurance for Snow Plowing and Landscaping Contractors in Connecticut

Short answer: A Connecticut snow plowing or landscaping business typically needs commercial general liability that specifically includes snow and ice removal operations (many policies exclude it), commercial auto on every truck including the plow, workers' compensation once it has employees, and inland marine coverage for equipment. Slip-and-fall claims from parking lots and sidewalks drive most losses, and Connecticut's sidewalk liability rules push property owners to require contractors to carry strong coverage and name them as additional insureds.

Why plowing is underwritten differently

Snow and ice removal produces frequent slip-and-fall claims, often filed months after the storm, and disputes over whether the contractor or the owner was responsible for a refreeze. Many landscaping liability policies exclude snow removal or limit it to residential driveways. If you plow commercial lots, confirm in writing that your general liability covers commercial snow and ice operations, and at what limits.

The coverages that matter

• General liability with snow and ice operations included, commonly $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, with completed operations.
• Commercial auto for every plow truck. Personal auto policies generally exclude using a vehicle to plow for others for a fee, and the plow attachment itself may need to be scheduled. See commercial auto in Connecticut.
• Workers' compensation for every employee and, in practice, uninsured subcontractors. Connecticut's principal employer rules can make you responsible for a sub's injured worker; see the premium audit and uninsured subs.
• Inland marine / contractor's equipment for plows, spreaders, mowers, skid steers and trailers.
• Commercial umbrella, since commercial property managers often require $2 million to $5 million in total liability.
• Pollution coverage for landscapers applying fertilizers or pesticides, because general liability usually excludes pollution. Commercial pesticide applicators also need Connecticut DEEP certification.

Contracts: where most disputes are won or lost

• Hold-harmless and indemnity clauses often shift liability to the contractor. Your general liability must include contractual liability coverage for the agreements you sign.
• Additional insured status for the property owner or manager is standard. Read what the endorsement actually grants.
• Service triggers and timing: write down the snow depth trigger, response times and who handles salting and refreeze checks. Vague contracts create shared liability.
• Documentation: GPS logs, time-stamped photos and salt application records are your best defense when a claim arrives in April.

For property owners hiring a plow contractor

Under Connecticut General Statutes section 7-163a, many towns shift sidewalk snow and ice liability to the abutting owner or occupant. Hiring a contractor does not by itself transfer that duty, so require a certificate of insurance showing general liability with snow operations, commercial auto and workers' comp, and an additional insured endorsement naming you. See icy sidewalk liability in Connecticut.

New England Insurance, an independent Connecticut agency in Bridgeport since 2012, writes contractor programs and reviews contracts before the season starts. Request a review or see contractor insurance.