There are two very important things we do as a year-round landscaping and snow removal company that help us provide the high level of service we know our clients want, plus the comfort and peace of mind that comes with dealing with a business you know you can trust. The first is that we take the time to fully train each of our employees in all aspects of landscaping and snow removal. They are all taught safety protocols on site, how to use the equipment in the safest manner possible, and exactly how we want our clients’ properties to look when the job is done. In short, we want the result to be pristine, and will not leave until we reach that standard.
The second most important thing we do is to maintain our insurance coverage and licensing. Unfortunately, in our business, this is sometimes not the case with everyone. Some unscrupulous business owners, or those who are doing snow removal as a “side gig,” forego obtaining insurance coverage, crossing their fingers that nobody will ask and nothing will happen. That’s why we highly advise that anyone looking for snow removal services to be very cautious about who they choose. Be sure to check that anyone who you are considering hiring has proper snow removal insurance coverage. This not only protects you, it protects those who visit your property.
Snow removal insurance: The basics
Recently we have been hearing from our colleagues that many have been subject to massive hikes in their snow removal insurance rates. Indeed, the problem is so prevalent that it was recently reported on by CBC News. Some companies have been quoted coverage prices of more than 400% higher than last year, others are saying the cost of their deductible has skyrocketed, and the most unfortunate are having difficulty even finding an insurance company to cover them. And, when they are able to find coverage, it is not as extensive as it was previously.
While insurance costs are rising for the snow removal business, some unfortunate side effects are emerging. Several snow removal companies are simply choosing to download the extra costs on to their clients. Others are taking whatever coverage they can find, however inadequate. And others, like we said, have decided to go without any coverage at all.
Check the snow removal insurance coverage of your company and look for the following:
- Coverage should be up to date and valid for the entirety of the snow season.
- Minimum liability coverage should be $2 million at the very least. $5 million has become the industry standard.
Liability is the most critical component of snow removal insurance coverage. The reason why the cost of premiums is soaring, according to the CBC.ca, is because the payouts for liability claims has risen by about 108% over the last eight years. Additionally, it was more common for homeowners to be held responsible for slip-and-falls on their property in the past, but now those sorts of claims are being transferred to snow removal contractors. Alberta leads the country for slip-and-fall claims (in 2017 $337 million was paid out), which greatly increases risk levels for insurance companies. That is why the cost for snow removal insurance has gone up so dramatically.
Mandates we live by as your snow removal company
After three generations of working in the southeast area of Calgary – where we live and raise our families – we at Mirage Landscaping have developed several mandates that we know help us provide the very best in snow removal services.
- Prompt service after a snowfall. We have tons of manpower, a fleet of trucks, and the snow removal equipment necessary to respond to all our customers as quickly as possible after a major snowfall.
- Our employees matter to us and they care about you. Our employees have our support, always. We train everyone in how to operate equipment with proper safety techniques, and ensure our equipment is well taken care of, safe, and good quality.
- We bill monthly with clear terms of service and caution against snow removal contracts that contain wording allowing for additional visits.
- We are always easily contactable in case you need us at any time, and will communicate to ensure we are doing the job exactly how you want us to.
Southeast Calgary snow removal services from Mirage
Our Commercial and residential clients rely on our professionalism and expertise to ensure Calgary’s snow removal bylaws are adhered to, and we look forward to the challenge presented by every snowstorm. We hustle to clear your sidewalks, pathways, driveways, and parking lots as quickly as possible, removing snow down to the bare pavement so that ice doesn’t even have a chance to form. Contact us for a fast and free quote today.
