Running a moving company means staying flexible. Demand goes up and down, weather conditions change, and each season brings its own risks. While most business owners think about insurance as a one-time decision, the truth is that your coverage needs can shift depending on the time of year.
Here’s how seasonal changes affect moving companies & how to account for it in your coverage.
Spring and Summer: Busy Season, Bigger Exposure
For most movers, late spring through early fall is peak season. Schedules fill quickly, jobs are stacked back to back, and your team is working longer hours.
With more volume comes more risk. You’re likely hiring seasonal help, driving more miles, and operating under tighter timelines—which increases the chances of accidents, injuries, and property damage.
Coverage to review:
- Workers’ compensation: If you bring on new or temporary workers, make sure they’re covered under your policy.
- Commercial auto insurance: Higher mileage and more drivers mean more exposure to accidents. If you’ve added vehicles or drivers to your fleet, your policy needs to reflect that.
- Cargo insurance: The more jobs you take on, the more items you’re responsible for. Ensure your cargo coverage limits are high enough to protect what you’re transporting.
Fall: Slower Pace, Time to Reevaluate
As business starts to slow down in the fall, it’s a good opportunity to review your coverage and reassess your risk. Are there trucks that will be off the road for a while? Are you scaling down your team for the season?
This might be the time to adjust policies, either by lowering coverage amounts on temporarily unused vehicles or updating your payroll estimate for workers’ comp to reflect your smaller staff.
Tip: Some insurers offer seasonal adjustments or “lay-up” periods for certain policies. Ask your agent if that’s an option.
Winter: Weather Risks and Downtime
Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures introduce new risks, especially for moving companies in the Northeast or Midwest. Slippery walkways and poor driving conditions can lead to expensive claims. Even if your business slows in the winter, your risk per job often increases.
Coverage to review:
- General liability: If a customer or passerby slips and falls near your truck or equipment, you could be held responsible.
- Inland marine/equipment coverage: Freezing temperatures can damage dollies, lifts, or electronic tools. Protect gear stored in vehicles or garages.
- Business interruption: If a major storm or covered event forces you to pause operations, this coverage can help make up for lost revenue.
Should You Adjust Coverage Seasonally?
Being a seasonal business doesn’t necessarily mean changing your coverage seasonally. But rather, knowing when to reevaluate your coverage and what types of policies you definitely want in place. If your team size, number of jobs, or vehicle usage fluctuates throughout the year, talk to your insurance agent about tailoring your coverage to match.
Keeping your policies aligned with your seasonal operations can help you:
- Save money by not overpaying for unnecessary coverage
- Avoid gaps that leave you exposed during peak months
- Stay compliant if you hire more workers or expand your service area
Business Insurance for Moving Companies
There are many insurers who would love to tell you that you need far more policies than what’s actually necessary. At The Kind Insurance, that’s not what we do. We are an independent insurance agency. That means we are not tied down to any specific selection of insurers. Our agents work with you to understand your needs and budget and then find a plan that suits you the best.
Get a quote today to explore options for affordable business insurance while getting the coverage you need.