Need snow removal but not sure where to find reliable service? Whether you need your driveway plowed before work, seasonal snow clearing contracts, or emergency removal after a blizzard, finding dependable snow removal services at fair prices ensures safe access all winter.
This guide shows you how to find trusted snow removal near you, what you should actually pay, contract vs. per-visit options, and how to prepare for winter snow season.
💰 Snow Removal Cost Guide (2025)
Residential Snow Removal Pricing
| Service Type | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Per-visit (single driveway) | $30-75 | Occasional snowfalls |
| Per-visit (large driveway) | $75-150 | Long or steep driveways |
| Seasonal contract (unlimited) | $400-800 | Regular snowfall areas |
| Per-inch pricing | $20-50/inch | Variable snowfall |
| Sidewalk shoveling (add-on) | $15-40 | Full property clearing |
| Roof snow removal | $200-800 | Heavy snow accumulation |
| Salting/de-icing | $50-150 | Ice prevention |
Cost by Snowfall Amount
| Snow Depth | Average Cost | Time to Clear |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 inches (light) | $20-40 | 15-30 min |
| 4-6 inches (moderate) | $30-60 | 30-45 min |
| 7-12 inches (heavy) | $50-100 | 45-60 min |
| 12+ inches (blizzard) | $100-200+ | 1-2 hours |
💡 What Affects Snow Removal Costs?
- Driveway size: Double-wide or long driveways cost more
- Snow amount: More inches = higher cost
- Frequency: Seasonal contracts save 20-30% vs. per-visit
- Timing: Emergency/on-demand costs 20-50% more
- Accessibility: Steep or narrow driveways add cost
- Add-ons: Sidewalks, salting, roof clearing extra
- Location: Urban areas cost more than rural
🔍 How to Find Snow Removal Near Me
1. GigNGo (Best for Comparing Quotes)
Why it works: Post once, get quotes from local snow removal services.
How to use:
- Go to GigNGo.org
- Describe your snow removal needs (driveway size, frequency)
- Add photos of driveway/property
- Receive quotes from local snow removal companies
- Compare seasonal contracts vs. per-visit pricing
- Book before first snowfall
Advantages:
- ✓ Free to use
- ✓ Compare seasonal contracts easily
- ✓ Verified customer reviews
- ✓ Book pre-season for best rates
2. Landscaping Companies
Many landscaping services offer snow removal in winter:
Benefits:
- Already familiar with your property
- Can bundle with lawn care for annual discount
- Equipment and insurance already in place
3. Google "Snow Plowing Near Me"
What to look for:
- 4.5+ stars with 20+ reviews
- Photos of their equipment
- Clear pricing (seasonal vs. per-visit)
- Insurance verification
- Years in business (3+ preferred)
4. Ask Neighbors
Best approach:
- See whose driveways get plowed first
- Ask: "Who plows your driveway? What do they charge?"
- Check Nextdoor for neighborhood recommendations
- Note who has reliable service during heavy snow
⚠️ Book Before First Snowfall
Why early booking matters:
- Seasonal contracts 20-30% cheaper than emergency rates
- Priority service during heavy snow
- Guaranteed availability
- Better service from fewer stressed companies
Best time to book: September-November for full winter season
📋 Seasonal Contract vs. Per-Visit: Which is Better?
Seasonal Contract
How it works: Pay flat fee ($400-800) for unlimited plowing all winter when snow exceeds trigger depth (usually 2-3 inches).
✅ Pros:
- Predictable costs (budget-friendly)
- Priority service (you're on the route)
- Automatic plowing (no need to call)
- Usually includes salting
- Saves 20-30% if you get 10+ snowfalls
❌ Cons:
- Pay regardless of snowfall amount
- Mild winter = overpaying
- Usually requires upfront payment
Best for:
- Areas with 10+ significant snowfalls per winter
- People who need guaranteed service (medical, work schedules)
- Those who prefer predictable costs
Per-Visit (On-Demand)
How it works: Pay $30-75 each time you call for snow removal.
✅ Pros:
- Only pay for actual snowfalls
- Flexibility (can shovel light snow yourself)
- No upfront commitment
- Can use different companies
❌ Cons:
- No guaranteed availability during storms
- Higher per-visit cost (20-30% more)
- Must call/text each time
- May wait hours during heavy snow
Best for:
- Areas with fewer than 10 snowfalls per winter
- People who can shovel light snow themselves
- Those with flexible schedules
Cost Comparison Example
Scenario: 12 snowfalls in winter
| Payment Method | Cost Breakdown | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal Contract | $600 flat fee (unlimited) | $600 |
| Per-Visit | $50 × 12 visits | $600 |
| Per-Visit (14 snowfalls) | $50 × 14 visits | $700 |
| Per-Visit (8 snowfalls) | $50 × 8 visits | $400 |
Breakeven point: Usually 10-12 snowfalls. More than that = seasonal contract saves money.
❄️ What's Included in Snow Removal Services?
Standard Plowing Service
✅ Typically includes:
- Driveway plowing to garage/street
- Snow pushed to designated areas
- Clear path for vehicle access
- Service when snow exceeds trigger depth (2-3 inches)
❌ Usually NOT included:
- Sidewalk shoveling (add $15-40)
- Salting/de-icing (add $30-100)
- Snow hauling/removal (add $100-300)
- Hand shoveling walkways to doors
- Roof snow removal
Premium/Full-Service Packages
Often includes:
- Driveway plowing
- Sidewalk clearing
- Walkway to front door
- Salting high-traffic areas
- 24/7 emergency service
Cost: $100-200/visit or $800-1,500/season
💡 Money-Saving Tips for Snow Removal
1. Book Seasonal Contract Early
Potential savings: 20-30%
Companies offer early-bird discounts in fall:
- Book in September-October: Save 10-20%
- Book in November: Save 5-10%
- Book after first snow: Pay full price
2. Bundle with Other Services
Potential savings: 15-25%
If you use landscaping company for lawn care, add snow removal for package discount.
3. Do Sidewalks Yourself
Potential savings: $15-40 per visit
Have company plow driveway only, you shovel walkways = $180-480/season savings.
4. Share Service with Neighbor
Potential savings: 20-30%
Adjacent driveways can often be plowed together for discount:
- Solo: $50/visit each
- Together: $70/visit total ($35 each)
- Winter savings: $180+ each
5. Set Higher Trigger Depth
Potential savings: 10-20%
If you can shovel light snow yourself:
- Standard trigger: 2 inches (12 plows/winter)
- Higher trigger: 4 inches (8 plows/winter)
- Savings: 4 visits × $50 = $200
✅ Questions to Ask Before Hiring
About Service
- "What's your trigger depth for plowing?" (2-3 inches typical)
- "What time do you typically plow?" (early morning preferred)
- "Do you offer 24/7 emergency service?"
- "Where do you push the snow?"
- "What if I'm not satisfied with a plowing?"
About Pricing
- "Do you offer seasonal contracts?"
- "What's included in your base rate?"
- "How much extra for salting/sidewalks?"
- "Do you charge more for heavy snow (12+ inches)?"
About Protection & Reliability
- "Are you insured?" (Essential for property damage)
- "What happens if you damage my property?"
- "Can you provide references from last winter?"
- "What's your response time during storms?"
Find Snow Removal Services Today
Get quotes from local snow plowing companies before first snowfall.
Get Free Quotes →✓ Compare contracts ✓ Book early ✓ Save 20-30%
🚨 Red Flags to Avoid
Don't hire if they:
- ❌ Aren't insured - You're liable for property damage
- ❌ Demand 100% payment upfront - Seasonal contracts usually 50% down max
- ❌ Have no reviews from last winter - New or unreliable
- ❌ Won't provide written contract - Essential for seasonal agreements
- ❌ Can't specify response time - May leave you waiting
- ❌ Offer suspiciously low rates (40%+ below market) - Quality concerns
- ❌ No clear trigger depth policy - Leads to disputes
- ❌ Show up in personal truck without plow - Not professional operation
🏠 Preparing for Snow Season
Before First Snow
- ☑️ Book seasonal contract or identify per-visit companies
- ☑️ Mark driveway edges with stakes
- ☑️ Move decorations, planters away from driveway
- ☑️ Note where you want snow pushed
- ☑️ Provide plow company with access details
- ☑️ Buy backup shovel and salt for emergencies
During Winter
- ☑️ Keep driveway edges visible
- ☑️ Don't park in driveway during storms (if possible)
- ☑️ Clear around mailbox if needed
- ☑️ Have backup plan for major storms
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does snow removal cost?
Snow removal costs $30-100 per visit on average. Residential driveway plowing: $30-75, commercial lots: $100-500+, seasonal contracts: $400-800 for full winter. Per-inch pricing: $20-50 for 1-6 inches, $50-100 for 6-12 inches, $100+ for 12+ inches. Factors: driveway size, snowfall amount, frequency, location. Seasonal contracts save 20-30% vs. per-visit rates.
How do I find snow removal near me?
Best methods: 1) Post on GigNGo to get quotes from local snow removal services, 2) Google "snow plowing near me" and check reviews (4.5+ stars), 3) Ask neighbors who they use, 4) Check local landscaping companies (many offer snow removal). Book before first snowfall for best rates and availability. Emergency same-day service often available but costs 20-50% more.
Should I get per-visit or seasonal snow removal?
Choose seasonal contracts if: you get 10+ snowfalls per winter, want guaranteed service, prefer predictable costs. Seasonal costs $400-800 total. Choose per-visit if: you get fewer than 10 snowfalls, can shovel light snow yourself, want flexibility. Per-visit costs $30-75 each. Seasonal contracts typically save 20-30% vs. per-visit rates if you exceed 10-12 snowfalls.
What time do snow plowing companies come?
Most residential plowing occurs: 4-8 AM for early morning access, during storms if snow exceeds trigger depth (2-3 inches), after snow stops for cleanup. Seasonal contract customers get priority. Per-visit customers may wait hours during heavy storms. Specify preferred time windows when booking. Commercial properties typically plowed earlier (2-6 AM).
Do I need to be home when they plow?
No. Snow removal companies plow while you sleep (4-8 AM typical). Requirements: Clear driveway access (no parked cars if possible), marked driveway edges with stakes, payment on file for seasonal customers. For per-visit, arrange payment method beforehand. Most companies text/email when complete.
What if the snow plow damages my property?
This is why insurance matters. Process: Document damage with photos immediately, contact company same day, insured companies file claim and repair, review contract for damage clauses. Common issues: Lawn damage (typically repaired in spring), mailbox hits (usually covered), driveway cracks (often pre-existing). Always hire insured companies.
When should I book snow removal?
Best booking times: September-October for early-bird discounts (save 10-20%), November for standard seasonal rates, after first snow = full price + limited availability. For per-visit service: Create relationship before winter, save contact info, test with one plowing before relying on them. Emergency same-day possible but expensive ($50-100+).
📚 Related Resources
✅ Your Action Plan
Here's your step-by-step process:
- Assess your needs (September-October)
- Measure driveway size
- Research average snowfall in your area
- Decide: seasonal contract or per-visit?
- List any add-ons needed (sidewalks, salting)
- Get 3-5 quotes
- Post on GigNGo
- Contact landscaping companies you use
- Ask neighbors for recommendations
- Google local snow removal companies
- Compare options
- Check reviews (4.5+ stars)
- Verify insurance
- Compare seasonal vs. per-visit costs
- Review contract terms carefully
- Book before first snow
- Sign contract or establish per-visit relationship
- Provide property access details
- Set up payment method
- Confirm trigger depth and service times
- Prepare property
- Mark driveway edges with stakes
- Move obstacles from driveway area
- Test service with first small snow
Most people find reliable snow removal and book contracts within 2-4 weeks in early fall.