Snow Plowing Contract Template: Protect Your Business
A handshake agreement works until it doesn't. Proper contracts protect you from liability claims, scope creep, and customers who don't pay.
Snow removal is high-liability work. Slip-and-fall lawsuits, property damage claims, and payment disputes can devastate an unprotected business. A solid contract is your first line of defense.
This guide covers the essential elements every snow removal contract needs, plus sample language you can adapt for your business.
Essential Contract Elements
1. Parties and Property
Clearly identify who's responsible for what:
Service Provider: [Your Company Name], located at [Address]
Client: [Customer/Business Name], located at [Address]
Service Location: [Property Address - be specific]
2. Scope of Services
Define exactly what you will (and won't) do. Ambiguity leads to disputes.
Included Services:
- • Snow plowing of parking lot (approximately [X] sq ft)
- • Snow removal from sidewalks and walkways
- • De-icing/salt application to all cleared surfaces
- • Snow stacking in designated areas
Excluded Services:
- • Roof snow removal
- • Snow removal from loading docks (unless specified)
- • Hauling snow off-site
- • Ice dam removal
3. Service Trigger
When does service begin? This is critical for avoiding disputes.
Sample Language: "Service will be initiated when snowfall accumulation reaches [2 inches]. Contractor reserves the right to begin service during an active storm to prevent excessive accumulation. Client will be notified via [text/email] when service is initiated and completed."
4. Pricing Structure
Choose and clearly document your pricing model:
Option A: Per-Push Pricing
• 2-4 inches: $[X]
• 4-8 inches: $[X]
• 8-12 inches: $[X]
• 12+ inches: $[X] per additional inch
• Salt/de-icing application: $[X] per application
Option B: Seasonal Contract
• Season rate: $[X] total for [November-April]
• Payable in [3/4/5] equal installments
• Includes unlimited plowing events over 2" trigger
• Salt applications charged separately at $[X] each
5. Payment Terms
- • Per-push: Invoice sent within 48 hours of service, due within [15/30] days
- • Seasonal: Installments due on [dates], late fees of [1.5%] per month
- • Acceptable methods: Check, credit card, ACH transfer
- • Deposit required: $[X] due at contract signing (non-refundable)
Critical Liability Clauses
6. Hold Harmless / Indemnification
This clause protects you from slip-and-fall lawsuits. It's the most important clause in your contract.
Sample Language: "Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Contractor from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, and expenses arising out of or resulting from slip and fall incidents, property damage, or personal injury occurring on the Service Location, except to the extent caused by Contractor's gross negligence or willful misconduct."
7. Limitation of Liability
Sample Language: "Contractor's total liability under this agreement shall not exceed the total fees paid by Client during the current contract term. In no event shall Contractor be liable for consequential, incidental, or special damages."
8. Weather Conditions Disclaimer
Sample Language: "Client acknowledges that winter weather conditions are inherently hazardous. Despite Contractor's best efforts, ice and slippery conditions may develop between service visits. Contractor cannot guarantee ice-free conditions at all times."
9. Property Damage
Sample Language: "Client shall clearly mark all obstacles, lawn edges, and sensitive landscaping prior to the first snowfall. Contractor is not responsible for damage to unmarked obstacles, including but not limited to: sprinkler heads, landscape lighting, parking blocks, curbs, or lawn edges obscured by snow."
Operational Clauses
10. Service Priority
Sample Language: "During major storm events, Contractor services properties in priority order. Commercial properties are serviced before residential. Exact timing cannot be guaranteed during active storms or multiple-day events."
11. Access Requirements
"Client shall ensure that all vehicles are removed from the service area before Contractor's arrival. Contractor is not obligated to return if access is blocked. A trip charge of $[X] applies if Contractor must return due to access issues."
12. Documentation
"Contractor will photograph the service location before and after each visit. These records will be retained for [X] months and provided to Client upon request."
Contract Checklist
Before signing, verify your contract includes:
- ☐ Complete contact information for both parties
- ☐ Exact service location with property description
- ☐ Detailed scope of services (included and excluded)
- ☐ Snow accumulation trigger point
- ☐ Pricing structure with all rates specified
- ☐ Payment terms and late fee policy
- ☐ Hold harmless / indemnification clause
- ☐ Limitation of liability
- ☐ Weather conditions disclaimer
- ☐ Property damage provisions
- ☐ Contract term (start and end dates)
- ☐ Cancellation policy
- ☐ Signature lines with dates
Get It Signed Before the Snow Flies
The best time to sign contracts is October, before the first storm. Customers are thinking about snow removal, but not yet desperate. You have leverage to negotiate favorable terms.
Send contracts with a deadline: "Lock in this year's rates by November 1." This creates urgency and fills your route before competitors.
Important: Have an attorney review your contract before using it. Contract requirements vary by state, and proper legal language protects you better than generic templates.
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