COI requirements by trade / Snow removal
Snow removal COI requirements
Snow and ice vendors carry some of the highest slip-and-fall exposure in property management. Many insurers restrict or exclude snow work, so the certificate deserves a careful look before the season starts.
What makes snow removal risky
- Slip-and-fall claims on parking lots and walkways.
- Plow damage to curbs, cars, and landscaping.
- Vehicle accidents during storms.
- Disputes over when and how often the site was serviced.
Coverage to require on the certificate
| Coverage | What's common, and what to check |
|---|---|
| General liability | $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate is a common minimum; many property owners require more. Confirm snow and ice removal isn't excluded. |
| Commercial auto | $1M combined single limit for plow trucks. |
| Workers' compensation | Statutory, plus employers' liability. |
| Umbrella / excess | Commonly required for retail and high-traffic properties. |
On top of the coverage itself, most contracts also require additional insured status for you (and the owner, where applicable), a waiver of subrogation, and primary and noncontributory wording. Those come from endorsements, so ask for copies.
Red flags on snow removal certificates
- A landscaping GL policy that excludes snow and ice operations.
- A coverage period that ends before the snow season does.
- No additional insured status for the property owner, which matters most for slip-and-fall claims.
Tip
Collect snow vendor certificates before the first storm, and make sure the policy dates cover the whole season. Many landscapers' policies renew mid-winter.
Review checklist
- Insured name matches the company on your contract.
- Every coverage above that your contract requires is listed.
- Each limit meets your minimum.
- No policy expires before the job ends. Track each expiration date separately.
- ADDL INSD and SUBR WVD are marked, with endorsements on file.
- You've asked the agent about any snow removal exclusions that matter.
New to reading certificates? Start with how to read an ACORD 25, grab the free COI checklist, or log dates in the free expiration tracker.
Common questions
What insurance should a snow removal subcontractor carry?
Common requirements include general liability, commercial auto, workers' compensation, and umbrella / excess. Your contracts and broker set the actual minimums.
Are these limits required by law?
Generally no. Insurance requirements for subcontractors and vendors are set by your contracts, your own insurer, and any owner, lender, or public agency on the job. Workers' compensation requirements are set by state law. The figures here describe common practice only.
Does the ACORD 25 show exclusions?
Usually not. A certificate summarizes policy types, limits, and dates. Exclusions like height limits, residential work, or pollution are in the policy itself, so ask the agent directly when they matter for the trade.
Who should issue the certificate?
Ask the sub's insurance agent or broker to issue it, not the sub. Agents issue certificates daily and can send the endorsements at the same time.
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