It is a freezing winter morning. The roads are slick, visibility is low, and suddenly you hear it. The crunch of metal against metal. A snowplow hits your car. Whether it happens while you are driving, parked on the street, or sitting in your driveway, the shock can leave you wondering what to do next and who is responsible.

Snowplows are essential for keeping winter roads safe, but accidents do happen. Knowing the right steps to take can protect your safety, your wallet, and your insurance coverage. Here is what every driver should know if a snowplow hits their vehicle.

1. Prioritize Safety and Document the Scene

Your first step is safety. If the accident happens while you are driving and it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to avoid further damage or injury. Turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.

Once everyone is safe, document everything. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the snowplow, road conditions, weather, and the surrounding area. Capture multiple angles if possible. If the plow driver stops, exchange information just as you would in any other accident, including the driver’s name, employer, and vehicle identification details.

For example, if your parked car is sideswiped overnight, take photos before moving the vehicle. Showing the position of your car, plow marks, and surrounding snow piles can help establish what happened.

Filing a police report is often recommended, especially if the damage is significant or if there is disagreement about fault. This documentation can be critical when an insurance claim is filed.

2. Understand Who May Be Responsible

One of the most confusing parts of a snowplow accident is determining who is responsible for the damage. Snowplows may be operated by city or county governments, state agencies, or private contractors hired to clear roads and parking lots.

If the plow is operated by a government entity, there may be specific procedures and timelines for filing a claim. Some states and municipalities have immunity laws or strict notice requirements, which can affect how and when compensation is paid.

If the plow is operated by a private contractor, their commercial auto or general liability insurance may apply. However, proving fault can still take time, especially if road conditions played a role.

This is where your own auto insurance coverage becomes important. For example, collision coverage may pay for repairs to your vehicle regardless of who is at fault, allowing you to get back on the road sooner while liability is sorted out. Comprehensive coverage may apply if your parked vehicle is damaged and no direct collision with another vehicle can be proven.

3. Know How Your Auto Insurance Can Help

Your insurance policy is often your fastest path to resolution. Depending on your coverage, your insurer may handle the claim first and then pursue reimbursement from the responsible party through subrogation.

Collision coverage typically applies if a snowplow strikes your car while you are driving or if your parked car is clearly hit by the plow. Comprehensive coverage may apply in certain scenarios involving falling ice, debris, or indirect damage related to snow removal.

For example, if a snowplow damages your front bumper while clearing your street, collision coverage can help pay for repairs minus your deductible. If the plow pushes a heavy pile of snow into your parked vehicle, your agent can help determine which coverage applies.

An experienced Hertvik Insurance agent can walk you through the claims process, explain your deductible, and help you understand how a claim may impact your policy.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

A snowplow accident can be frustrating, but knowing what to do makes all the difference. Protect your safety, document the incident, understand potential responsibility, and lean on your insurance coverage to keep the process moving.

If you have questions about your auto insurance coverage or want to make sure you are properly protected this winter, contact your Hertvik Insurance Group agent today. We are here to help you navigate the unexpected with confidence and clarity.