For contractors, winter doesn’t always mean the “off-season.” Whether you are rushing to finish a build before the ground freezes, pivoting to snow removal to keep cash flow moving, or handling emergency roof repairs, the cold brings a unique set of liabilities that standard summer coverage might not address.
Operating in freezing temperatures, ice, and reduced daylight changes the risk profile of your job site. If your insurance policy hasn’t adapted to the season, you could be leaving your business exposed to costly claims.
Here are the four critical areas contractors need to review as the temperature drops.
1. The “Snow Removal” Trap (General Liability)
Many landscape and paving contractors switch to snow plowing and ice management during the winter months. It seems like a natural pivot, but it is one of the most common coverage gaps we see.
The Risk: Standard General Liability (GL) policies for landscapers often exclude snow and ice removal operations, or they have specific limitations on “completed operations” regarding ice. If you plow a parking lot and someone slips on black ice an hour later, you could be facing a massive bodily injury lawsuit.
The Solution: Never assume your GL covers plowing. You likely need a specific Snow Removal Endorsement or a separate policy. Be sure your coverage includes “completed operations” to protect you after you have left the site.
2. Workers’ Comp: Slips, Trips, and Cold Stress
Winter introduces environmental hazards that go beyond the usual construction risks.
The Risk:
- Slips and Falls: Icy scaffolding, frozen ladders, and slippery walkways significantly increase the frequency of worker injuries.
- Cold Stress: Frostbite and hypothermia are legitimate reportable injuries. If a worker isn’t properly equipped for sub-zero wind chills, you are liable for their medical recovery.
The Solution: Review your safety protocols. Mandate proper winter footwear with traction, schedule regular warm-up breaks, and ensure your Workers’ Compensation policy is up to date with your current payroll estimates.
3. Inland Marine: Protecting Equipment in the Cold
Your tools and heavy machinery take a beating in the winter.
The Risk:
- Freezing Damage: Fluids can freeze, causing engine blocks to crack or hydraulics to fail. Standard property insurance often excludes damage caused by temperature changes unless specifically endorsed.
- Theft: Shorter days mean more hours of darkness. Job sites are vulnerable for longer periods, increasing the risk of theft for generators, heaters, and power tools.
The Solution: An Inland Marine policy (Tool & Equipment Floater) is essential. Verify that it covers theft from job sites and check if there are exclusions for temperature-related mechanical breakdown.
4. Builder’s Risk: Protecting the Structure
If you have a project midway through construction, the unfinished structure is highly vulnerable.
The Risk: Unsealed buildings are prone to pipe bursts if temporary heating fails. Furthermore, the use of temporary space heaters is a leading cause of winter construction fires.
The Solution: Ensure your Builder’s Risk policy remains active and covers “testing” of systems (like turning on the plumbing for the first time). Implement strict “hot work” and temporary heating safety programs to satisfy carrier requirements.
The Bottom Line
Winter work demands winter coverage. A policy that worked perfectly in July might leave you exposed in January.
Don’t wait for the first freeze to check your policy. Contact Inszone Insurance Services today to review your coverage and ensure your business is protected against the unique hazards of the season.