Landscaping Insurance: How To Get It, Types & Cost
If you own a landscaping business or lawn care business, you already know it’s about more than just mowing lawns or planting flowers: you’re building beautiful spaces, shaping environments, and managing heavy machinery. With all that responsibility, there’s one thing you absolutely need: landscaping insurance.
It protects your business, your team, and your reputation when things don’t go as planned.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about landscaping insurance. We’ll cover what it is, the types of coverage available, how to get it, and how much it might cost.
Let’s dive into it!
What Is Landscaping Insurance? And Why It's So Important
A landscaping insurance is a type of business insurance tailored for landscapers. It protects against the risks landscaping professionals encounter every day.
This coverage handles everything from accidental property damage to employee injuries. It ensures your business isn’t financially devastated by unexpected events.
For example, imagine you’re trimming a large tree, and a branch falls on your client’s car. Without insurance, you’d have to pay for the repairs out of pocket. But with the right coverage, your policy would cover those costs, saving you thousands of dollars on financial losses.
Types of Landscaping Insurance
There are several types of insurance that landscapers should consider. Here’s a closer look at the most common ones:
1. General Liability Insurance
This is the foundation of any landscaping insurance plan. It covers third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and legal fees. For instance:
- A client trips over a hose and gets injured.
- A mower throws a rock that breaks a nearby window.
Without general liability coverage, these situations could cost you thousands in medical bills or repairs.
2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
This policy covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee gets injured on the job. Most states require it if you have employees.
For example, if a team member strains their back while lifting heavy bags of mulch, workers’ comp would pay for their treatment. It would also cover their lost wages while they recover.
3. Commercial Auto Insurance
Landscaping businesses often rely on trucks, trailers, and other vehicles to transport equipment. A standard auto insurance policy won’t cut it for business use. Commercial auto insurance covers accidents, damages, and theft involving your business vehicles.
4. Tools and Equipment Insurance
Tools and equipment coverage is vital to your business. This coverage protects them—like leaf blowers or chainsaws—from theft, vandalism, or damage. So you don’t have to pay out of pocket to replace them.
Tip! To prevent theft, secure storage with strong locks, install cameras and GPS trackers. And use tools like our Receipt Scanner to keep detailed records with serial numbers and photos.
5. Professional Liability Insurance
This policy is also called errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. It covers claims related to mistakes or failures in your professional services.
For example, a client might sue you if their newly installed plants die because of poor soil preparation. In such cases, professional liability insurance can cover legal costs and settlements.
6. Commercial Property Insurance
Comercial Property Insurance can help you protect your commercial landscaping damaged equipment and inventory, lost income and operating expenses.
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What Landscaping Insurance Does Not Cover
While landscaping insurance provides essential protection, there are some exclusions you should be aware of.
Here are common situations that are typically not covered:
• Flooding, earthquakes, and hurricanes.
• Damage caused on purpose or by breaking the law.
• Problems with pesticides or chemicals.
• If the government takes your property (government seizure).
• Employment issues like unfair firing or harassment.
• Damage from nuclear or radioactive events.
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Steps to Get Landscaping Insurance
Not sure how to get a landscaping business insurance? Here’s a quick guide:
1. Determine Your Insurance Needs
Every landscaping business is unique, so consider your specific needs before purchasing insurance.
Start by listing your services—do you offer lawn mowing, tree trimming, hardscaping, or pesticide application? Each service comes with its own level of risk, and knowing this will help you identify which types of coverage are essential.
Answering these questions will provide a clear picture of the types and levels of coverage necessary for your business:
- What are the primary risks in your daily operations?
- Do you have employees who need workers’ compensation coverage?
- Are you transporting expensive equipment?
- Do you work with chemicals that might require special coverage?
2. Compare Providers
Shop around to find insurance providers that specialise in small businesses or landscaping. Look for reviews and recommendations from other landscapers.
3. Request your Insurance Quote
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, request quotes from at least three insurance companies. Make sure you’re comparing similar coverage limits and deductibles.
4. Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask about exclusions, limits, and discounts. A good insurance agent will explain the details clearly.
5. Purchase Your Policy
After finding the best option, purchase your policy and keep a copy of your certificate of insurance (COI) handy. Many clients may request proof of insurance before hiring you.
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How Much Does Landscaping Insurance Cost?
The cost of landscaping insurance depends on several factors. Larger businesses generally pay higher premiums, as do those needing multiple types of coverage.
Your location affects insurance rates, which vary by state. States like California have higher premiums because of strict regulations and higher costs of doing business.
Additionally, a history of claims can drive up your premium, making it important to maintain a good record.
On average, here’s what you might expect to pay to protect your business:
• General Liability Insurance: $400–$600 annually for small businesses.
• Workers’ Compensation: $2–$4 per $100 of payroll.
• Commercial Auto Insurance: $1,200–$2,000 annually per vehicle.
• Tools and Equipment Insurance: $100–$500 annually.
Tips to Save on Landscaping Insurance
Comprehensive coverage doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here are some smart and practical ways to lower your landscaping insurance premium (costs):
- Bundle policies into a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) to save money.
- Opt for a higher deductible, but ensure you can afford it if needed.
- Maintain a good claims history. Fewer claims lead to lower premiums, so invest in safety and risk management.
- Hire safe drivers. Employees with clean driving records help reduce commercial auto insurance costs.
- Pay your premiums yearly (annually) instead of monthly, if possible.
After Getting Landscaping Insurance
Once you have insurance, take these steps to stay protected:
- Review coverage annually. Ensure your policy matches your growing business needs.
- Keep accurate records. Track equipment, tools, and incidents for smoother claims.
- Implement safety programs. Train employees on proper equipment use and safety protocols to reduce accidents and claims.
Final Thoughts
Landscaping insurance isn’t just an expense; it’s an investment in your business’s future. By understanding your needs, shopping around, and choosing the right coverage, you can ensure your business thrives even when things go wrong.
Beyond insurance, tools like Invoice Fly’s software for landscaping businesses can help reduce risks and lower costs.
The right insurance and strong practices set your business up for long-term success.
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