Landscaping insurance

• Who needs landscaping insurance?

  Accidents happen in your line of work. That’s why you should protect yourself with insurance – whether you’re a sole trader or run a larger firm with several employees.

  It’s important, too, to think carefully about any landscaping services you offer. There’ll be a risk of causing damage or injury to someone if you do any of the following:

  • Drainage and irrigation systems
  • Fencing or paving
  • Landscape architecture
  • Landscape design
  • Lawn care and lawn mowing
  • Trimming and weeding
  • Outdoor lighting
  • Snow blowing and removal

• Why do landscapers need insurance?

  Landscaping means working outdoors in all kinds of weather, close to other peoples’ cars and properties. It means using pesticides as well as sharp or heavy tools.

  So why risk it? After all, you wouldn’t build a planting bed on a slope without making sure you’ve got a retaining wall in place, would you?

  Investing in business insurance for landscaping work is like having that wall. Because let’s face it, no matter how careful you are, accidents happen

  And even a groundless claim of bodily injury or property damage – like a sudden rain shower – could rinse you, completely.

• What kind of insurance do I need for my landscaping business?

  General liability (GL) insurance helps protect you and your employees. If a client is injured, or their property is damaged, your coverage could pay for your legal defense and any compensation you’re liable for.

  Professional liability insurance (or ‘errors and omissions’) is for when a client (or other third party) accuses you of being negligent when delivering your services. It can cover your expenses if you’re sued or have to redo a job.

  And most states require you to have workers’ compensation insurance – even if you only have one employee. It can protect your business from the cost of work-related accident, injury, or illness claims.

  Every landscaping business is unique, we get that. So we can build an insurance package to suit your particular needs. In minutes.

• Does landscaping insurance cover my tools?

  Landscaping liability insurance alone won’t cover your work kit. To protect it, you’ll need to add tools and equipment coverage to your policy.

  It’s worth it. Your tools are more likely to get stolen, lost, or damaged when you’re out on a job. And how will you work without them?

• How much does landscaping insurance cost?

  How much your landscaping insurance costs varies from business to business. It’s usually influenced by factors like your payroll, where your projects are located and the types of jobs you do.

  For example, if you run a larger firm that offers basic driveway and patio construction on top of other landscaping services, you’ll pay more than a sole trader who specialises in lawn care and yard maintenance.

  For the full picture on what you might pay, learn more about understanding landscaping insurance costs.

What other kinds of insurance do landscapers need?