Yesterday on the way to an assignment some distance away, it was raining when I left. Then it began snowing as I drove a little higher and by the time I got to the appointment it was snowing pretty steadily. On the way back, snow turned to slush and then back to rain.
Have you ever asked for an inclement weather fee AFTER you accept an assignment?
The almanac says this winter is expected to be snowy in this area. I wouldn’t ever just cancel over snow but it can get pretty interesting if you have multiple appointments and the weather wants to get involved. I’m curious how other people handle it.
I’m pretty diligent about watching the local weather reports. We have one TV station that’s pretty accurate.
I’m located in the Sacramento Valley but do travel into the Sierras for assignments. If I learn we’re expecting a storm and get a call for an assignment in that area, I will inform the scheduler and my quoted fee will include a hazard pay. Roads may be bad and travel time may be extended. Take everything into consideration when quoting a fee.
However, to answer your question, no, I’ve not requested an increase after the fact due to weather and/or road conditions.
I once cancelled an appointment before I even left because of winter storm warnings, combined with my knowledge of the area. In another case, I turned back because I came to a private road that wasn’t ploughed.
I pay attention to weather reports, especially during winter months. If there are any kind of storm warnings or overnight changes in the weather I always call the client before heading out to ask them about weather in their area and any road conditions I should be aware of to accurately calculate travel time. I will also ask if there is a central location where they are willing to meet if they suggest any kind of driving considerations getting to their home/location (steep roads, gravel drives about 1/4 miles to their door, woodsy or single road access, etc.) I’ve had clients tell me that it’s best to reschedule meetings due to travel conditions and I have always alerted title of these issues/concerns.
Sometimes, what may be hazardous to me will not be considered so by a client who travels their roads all the time. Recently we had what was called a “bomb cyclone” in this area (unheard of). There were many power outages and closed roads due to debris. I called the clients to ask about travel and I was informed that the roads were clear getting to their home. That was accurate, but what he didn’t tell me is that they had had no power in the last 24 hrs and they were preparing to move to a hotel. There were no lights in a fairly shaded, secluded community. It was an older home with small windows. Not only was there no light, it was freezing and they were all dressed in winter clothing and overcoats. We sat together on the couch where there was the most natural light available through one small window. The three of us leaned in and back as each person tried to take advantage of what little light there was as they tried to read and sign each document. There was no suggestion that we should possibly meet somewhere else. Go figure!
I’ve driven in Chicago snow and Wisconsin snow but won’t go out when it snows or an ice storm is predicted in Arkansas. Can’t even tell what’s road and what’s not. Tire-grabbing and slippery slush. Hills, valleys & hairpin curves. My very first signing in AR: Beautiful, sunny day for a 1 hr. drive. When I arrived at signer’s home, it began to SNOW. When I left an hour later, there was 6 inches on the ground and it was nearly impossible to tell where the road was until I got to the closest town…where ‘traffic’ was sliding all over the road & moving? at about 2-3 mph. Took an hour just to get thru a very small town. Took me another 5 hours of white-knuckle driving to get home. NEVER AGAIN.
I charge a LOT during winter weather advisories because so many simply won’t get out. And from now until after New Years a lot of notaries will just be taking the time off.
In 2018 I was in an auto accident being rear ended on the expressway during rush hour traffic in Jacksonville, FL on a sunny clear day. That accident caused me to incur bodily injuries that led to having three surgeries and being incapacitated for two years. The medical bills total to hundreds of thousand dollars in expenses, thank goodness for health insurance. Not to mention the economic loss in revenue. I no longer feel obliged to accept any mobile assignments, if there’s potential adverse weather conditions. I must admit that changed on how I operate my business.
