The Ultimate Guide to Landscaping Business Insurance: What You Need to Know
One accident, one unexpected lawsuit, one stolen piece of equipment. Just one of these things could bring your landscaping and lawn care business crashing down. While landscaping is a rewarding line of work, it comes with many risks and you need a safety net to protect your business. More than that, you need a strong foundation to build your business. The right insurance provides this safety and stability along with peace of mind.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand exactly what insurance you need, why you need it, and the best way to get it without overpaying.
The 4 Essential Insurance Policies Every Landscaper Needs
1. General Liability Insurance
This is the most basic and essential coverage any landscaping business must have. It covers you when things go wrong:
- Accidental property damage, like when a lawnmower kicks up a rock and shatters your client’s window
- Third-party bodily injury, such as a passerby tripping over equipment and getting hurt
- Legal expenses if a client sues your business for ‘ruining their yard’
2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If you have employees, this coverage is mandatory in most states. Even if it weren’t the law, you’d still want it to provide:
- Coverage for medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job
- Protection from lawsuits related to workplace injuries
- Coverage of worker’s comp claims, potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars
3. Commercial Auto Insurance
Your personal auto policy won’t cover work-related accidents. As a landscaper, your work truck is more than a ride to work. It’s your whole business. You’ll want to get Commercial Auto Insurance to cover:
- Accidents involving company-owned vehicles
- Potential damage or losses to your work trucks and trailers
- Liability if your employee causes an accident while driving a company vehicle
4. Equipment and Tools Insurance, also known as Equipment Floater Coverage
Landscaping and lawn care rely on expensive equipment to complete jobs, but that equipment is often small or lightweight enough to be stolen or easily broken. On-the-spot replacement might cost you thousands. This insurance covers:
- Theft of tools from job sites or vehicles
- Damage due to accidents, fire, or vandalism
- Replacement costs for lost, stolen, or damaged equipment
The Truth About Your Landscaping Business
The hard truth is that most landscaping business owners don’t have enough insurance. When disaster strikes, they learn the hard way, often losing their business. The right insurance coverage offers peace of mind and financial protection.
Common Insurance Mistakes Landscapers Make
It’s easy to make a costly insurance mistake. Don’t fall into one of these traps:
- Assuming Homeowner’s Insurance Covers Business Activities: Even if you don’t have a separate business location, don’t assume your personal policy extends to business operations.
- Choosing the Cheapest Policy: Lower premiums can mean inadequate coverage. The most inexpensive option now may lead to bigger expenses later. Check your policy thoroughly to ensure you have the correct coverage, or talk to one of our experts for a full review of your current coverage.
- Not Reviewing Coverage Annually: As your business grows, your insurance needs change. Don’t assume that last year’s policy still provides the best coverage. Make sure to review your policies annually and update them as needed.
Safeguarding Your Business’s Future
Insurance isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a safeguard for your landscaping business’s future. The right coverage protects against financial loss, legal headaches, and business interruptions. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact one of our insurance experts today to customize the perfect plan for your landscaping business.
