Winter in Missouri brings crisp air, snow-covered fields, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. Whether you’re sledding down a hillside, clearing snow from your driveway, or riding a snowmobile across the countryside, winter adventures come with risks. Fortunately, having the right property and casualty insurance coverage allows you to enjoy the season worry-free.
- Sledding on Your Own Property
The Fun: There’s nothing quite like the thrill of racing down a snow-covered hill in your own backyard, laughing with family and friends.
What Could Go Wrong: A rough landing could lead to an injury, or someone could accidentally crash into a tree or fence, causing property damage.
Insurance Protection:
- Homeowners Insurance may cover medical expenses if a guest is injured while sledding on your property.
- Umbrella Insurance may provide extra liability protection if an injured guest sues for damages.
- Sledding at a Friend’s Place
The Fun: Sledding at a friend’s farm or a neighbor’s large property can offer bigger hills and more excitement.
What Could Go Wrong: If you or your child is injured on someone else’s land, medical costs could become a concern.
Insurance Protection:
- Personal Liability Coverage on the property owner’s Homeowners Insurance may help cover your medical expenses if you are injured.
- If you’re the property owner, Umbrella Insurance may provide added protection in case of a lawsuit.
- Snow Plowing Your Driveway or Gravel Road
The Fun: In rural Missouri, keeping your gravel driveway or private road clear of snow is essential. Many folks also lend a hand by plowing a neighbor’s drive.
What Could Go Wrong: Hitting an unseen object under the snow could damage your plow or vehicle. If you clear someone else’s driveway and they slip and fall, liability issues could arise.
Insurance Protection:
- Auto Insurance with Comprehensive and Collision Coverage may help pay for vehicle or plow damage.
- Commercial Liability Insurance is essential if you plow driveways for extra income.
- Umbrella Insurance may offer additional liability protection if someone claims you caused their injury.
- Personal policy could have coverage, but be sure your equipment is covered off-premise if you plan to help neighbors or on public roadways.
- Snowmobiling Across Fields & Trails
The Fun: Riding a snowmobile through open fields and wooded trails is a thrilling way to enjoy Missouri’s winter landscape.
What Could Go Wrong: Accidents with fences, trees, or other snowmobiles could lead to injuries or property damage. Theft is also a concern for expensive snowmobiles.
Insurance Protection:
- Inland Marine Insurance may cover damage or theft of a snowmobile, whether at home or while transporting it.
- Liability Coverage may protect against damages if you hit another person’s property.
- Sliding Off the Road & Hitting Someone’s Property
The Fun: Winter road trips to visit family and friends often include scenic drives through snowy countryside.
What Could Go Wrong: Hitting black ice or losing control on a gravel road could send your car into a fence, barn, or another vehicle.
Insurance Protection:
- Auto Insurance with Property Damage Liability may cover damage to someone else’s fence, building, or vehicle.
- Collision Coverage may help pay for repairs to your own car.
- Umbrella Insurance may provide extra liability coverage if damages exceed standard limits.
Enjoy Winter, Stay Protected
Rural Missouri winters offer plenty of fun, but being prepared for unexpected mishaps ensures you can fully enjoy the season. With the right homeowners, auto, umbrella, and inland marine insurance, you can stay covered no matter what winter brings. Your agent should always be your top resource for coverage questions. Not all policies are built the same as no one has “one size fits all” needs.
Need a policy review or coverage for winter risks? Contact Cathy Filsinger or Jeff Davis at LCM Insurance Agency, Inc today to discuss your options!
