{"id":1333,"date":"2017-09-18T15:48:54","date_gmt":"2017-09-18T15:48:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mitchellagy.com\/?p=1333"},"modified":"2022-09-19T10:43:41","modified_gmt":"2022-09-19T10:43:41","slug":"snowplowing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mitchellagy.com\/snowplowing\/","title":{"rendered":"Transitioning from Landscaping to Snowplowing"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s that time of year when the weather starts to turn cooler and the winter months are not too far off. For those businesses that switch from doing lawn care\/landscaping to snow removal during the colder months, there are some steps you need to consider doing now to be ready for that first snowfall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Making Sure You Have Adequate Snowplow Insurance<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Snowplowing is NOT<\/strong> normally part of your commercial auto insurance. This means you need to have additional insurance coverage that covers liability and equipment when used to remove snow.<\/p>\n

Not all insurance companies offer snowplowing insurance, so check with your agent to make sure you have the proper coverage. This can include Business Owner\u2019s, Hired and Non Owned, Workers\u2019 Comp, General Liability, Property, and Commercial Auto policies. For more on this topic go to Things You Need to Know about Snowplow Insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Adjusting Employee Numbers<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

For many in the lawn care\/landscaping business, the winter slowdown means laying off employees. This is not something anyone looks forward to, but is necessary. As an employer, you want to be sure to properly handle a layoff. If you haven\u2019t done this before, you may want to seek legal counsel.<\/p>\n

Employees should be aware of a possible slowdown early so they can do some planning.\u00a0\u00a0 Show you are concerned for your employee\u2019s well-being, be honest, and treat everyone with respect. For more helpful suggestions in this area go to When Layoffs Occur<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Good Time to Take Stock of What You Have<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

As the lawn care business slows, now is a good time to get a good inventory of all your equipment. This includes tools in the trucks and gang boxes, machinery on the job site, and equipment used for off-season lawn work like deck railing<\/a> installation. Some of this equipment could have been\u00a0loaned out to someone, and you should account for your vehicles and their condition, along with\u00a0 office equipment and furniture. Getting a complete picture of what material, tools and office equipment\/furniture you have is going to help your business run more efficiently and profitably.<\/p>\n

Let the Mitchell Agency Help<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

At the Mitchell Agency we can help tailor your insurance program to protect against common landscaping and snowplow exposures including:<\/p>\n