Question 1

Why is snow removal one of the highest-risk services for property managers?

Accepted Answer

Slip-and-fall claims on icy surfaces are the most common and most expensive premises liability claims for commercial property managers. A single slip-and-fall settlement can range from $50K to $500K or more for serious injuries. When you hire a snow removal contractor, you share responsibility for maintaining safe surfaces, and plaintiffs' attorneys will name both the property owner and the contractor in any claim.

Question 2

What documentation should my snow removal contractor maintain?

Accepted Answer

Require detailed service logs for every visit documenting: arrival time, departure time, areas serviced (map if possible), type and amount of de-icing material applied, weather conditions, and photos of completed work. These logs are the primary defense against slip-and-fall claims. Claims may be filed months or years after the incident, making contemporaneous documentation invaluable.

Question 3

Should the snow removal contract specify response times and trigger depths?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The contract should specify the accumulation depth that triggers service (commonly 1–2 inches), the maximum response time after a trigger event (commonly 1–4 hours), and the areas of responsibility (parking lots, sidewalks, building entrances, fire lanes). Ambiguity in these terms is the primary source of coverage disputes in slip-and-fall litigation involving snow removal contractors.

Question 4

How do I handle salt damage claims from tenants or vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Salt and chemical de-icers can damage concrete surfaces, landscaping, and vehicle paint. The snow removal contract should specify acceptable de-icing materials and application rates. If excessive salt causes property damage, tender the claim to the contractor's GL policy. Consider requiring the use of alternative de-icers (calcium magnesium acetate, beet juice blends) in sensitive areas to reduce damage risk.

Question 5

Do snow removal contractors in New Hampshire need a license?

Accepted Answer

Licensing requirements for snow removal contractors vary by municipality in New Hampshire. Check with your local licensing board and always request proof of current licensure on the COI.

Question 6

What happens if my snow removal contractors's insurance expires in New Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

In New Hampshire, you as the property manager could be held liable for injuries or damages caused by an uninsured snow removal contractors on your property. New Hampshire courts have consistently ruled that property owners have a duty to verify contractor insurance before allowing work to begin.

Coverage Type	Recommended Minimum	Notes
General Liability	$1,000,000 / $2,000,000	Slip-and-fall claims from icy surfaces are among the highest-frequency premises liability claims. Many commercial properties require $2M/$4M GL for snow removal. Verify completed operations coverage extends through the statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
Workers Compensation	Required (Any employer)	RSA 281-A:5 requires WC for all employers regardless of employee count. Sole proprietors performing construction work must carry WC under most commercial contract requirements.
Commercial General Liability	$1,000,000 / $2,000,000	Must include completed operations for slip-and-fall claims on treated surfaces. Many snow removal GL policies are occurrence-based to cover claims filed long after the winter season ends.
Workers' Compensation	Statutory limits	Required for all snow removal operators. Work occurs in hazardous conditions (ice, snow, limited visibility, cold stress). Employers' liability of $500K/$500K/$500K is standard.
Commercial Auto	$1,000,000 combined single limit	Plow trucks operate in parking lots and on sidewalks near pedestrians. Verify coverage for plow attachments and specialized snow removal equipment.
Umbrella / Excess Liability	$1,000,000	Recommended for all snow removal contractors due to the high frequency and severity of slip-and-fall claims. Large commercial properties may require $2M–$5M umbrella.
Inland Marine / Equipment	$100,000	Covers plows, loaders, salt spreaders, and other snow removal equipment. Equipment failure during a snow event can leave your property unserviced.

Snow Removal Contractors Insurance Requirements in New Hampshire

Snow Removal Contractors Insurance Requirements in New Hampshire

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