Landscaping insurance refers to a policy, or combination of policies, that protects your business assets against claims that your business was negligent and caused harm. Landscapers need coverage for third-party claims, employee injuries, and business property damaged by theft or vandalism. Landscape insurance costs for general liability will range from $500 to $2,300 annually.
Landscaping Insurance Cost
The costs of landscaping insurance will vary depending on the policies chosen, the size of your business, and the types of work your company performs. A sole proprietor’s mowing operation might see an annual cost of $1,100, while a larger company offering tree trimming and stump removal may pay $2,000 or more each year.
Policies | Annual Premiums | Coverage Limits |
|---|---|---|
General Liability | $500-$2,300 | $1 million per occurrence $2 million aggregate |
Business Property | $600-$1,100 | $20,000 with a $500 deductible |
Inland Marine | $250-$650 | $5,000 with a $500 deductible |
Commercial Vehicle | $2,000-$4,500 | $300,000 combined single limit for liability per vehicle |
An additional coverage that landscapers may need is workers’ compensation. However, the cost of workers’ compensation is calculated using a formula that includes your industry, claims history, and number of employees. As such, the price can vary significantly even within the same industry.
It should be noted that for some types of landscaping, like tree trimming, workers’ compensation may cost a lot. For example, a new law in California has doubled the rates for workers’ comp for tree trimming for any company purchasing insurance through the state fund.
In general, landscaping insurance costs are based on multiple factors, including the following:
- Location: Your city and state significantly affect all insurance policy premiums. For example, businesses in California are more expensive to insure than businesses in Oregon, and even within California, costs can vary by ZIP code.
- Payroll: Workers’ compensation coverage is directly related to payroll costs and increases based on the type of risks employees face and the amount they are paid.
- Revenue: Insurance carriers use annual receipts to determine the exposure for liability insurance purposes. The higher the company revenues are, the higher the premium costs.
- Property value: The value of business tools and equipment determines the overall amount of property coverage required. The more business property is worth, the higher the insurance premium.
- Vehicle type: The year, make, and model of the truck or van used for your lawn care business directly impact the cost.
- Main landscape duties: Landscapers who excavate or move earth belong to a higher risk category than those with a small garden and lawn care maintenance business.
- Deductible: Higher deductibles reduce the annual premium but make the business responsible for more out-of-pocket expenses in a claim.
How to Save Money on Landscaper Insurance
One high quote doesn’t mean that is what you’ll have to pay for insurance. One way to bring down landscaping insurance costs is to compare quotes from multiple providers. This is a great way to see the difference in rates for the same types of policies and levels of coverage. Even if you only save $20 a month, that is still several hundred dollars a year in savings.
Another way to save is by bundling coverages. The most common type of coverage bundle is a business owner’s policy (BOP), which combines general liability, commercial property, and business interruption coverage. However, there are options beyond this. Many carriers will offer tools and equipment as an endorsement to the general liability policy. This may be more affordable than purchasing a BOP. When insurers bundle these policies, they can usually offer them at a lower rate.
For other tips, see our guide on the ways to save money on business insurance.
Landscaping Insurance Coverage Types
Policy | What It Covers |
|---|---|
General Liability | Third-party claims of bodily injury or property damage |
Commercial Property | Business-owned assets like buildings, equipment, or inventory |
Inland Marine | Equipment and tools |
Commercial Vehicle | Injury and damage from an automobile loss. This may include liability and first-party property |
Workers’ Compensation | Medical bills and wage replacement for employees who are injured or become ill as a result of work |
As its name implies, general liability insurance provides general protection from third-party claims of bodily injury or property damage that are a result of your business operations. This coverage is broad enough to encompass many different scenarios, including claims of personal and advertising injury.
The most common scenario is a slip/trip and fall claim. For a landscaper, it can be something as common as someone tripping over the equipment you improperly left on the sidewalk to a rock being shot out of a lawnmower and through a car window.
If you are looking to save money on business insurance, check out our guide to the cheapest providers for general liability insurance.
Commercial property insurance covers assets like your building, furniture, or nursery inventory of plants, trees, and shrubbery. The specific coverage depends on the policy, but most pay for named losses like fire, theft, vandalism, hail, and windstorms. Other events are often covered, so be sure to clarify coverage with your insurance agent or broker.
Another important thing to know about commercial property insurance is that it usually only covers equipment at the address listed on the policy. If someone steals a lawnmower out of the back of your truck, your property insurer most likely won’t pay. For that, you need inland marine insurance.
This covers your equipment, tools, and supplies as you move them from one job to another. Policies can also cover any equipment that you store outside of your primary location, like a client’s shed or a garage. Because transporting equipment is common in the industry, many insurers will actually include this coverage on their property policies or as an endorsement to a general liability policy.
Landscaping business owners who switch to snow removal during the winter may need to ask specifically about inland marine for such unique equipment. Be sure to mention this additional operation to your agent to ensure you have sufficient coverage.
Commercial auto insurance, which is required in most states, pays for the other party’s injuries or property damage if you or your employee cause an accident while driving for work. Business owners can opt for additional coverage that pays for damage to their vehicles, their and their passengers’ medical bills, and roadside assistance.
Riding lawn mowers are a common vehicle used by both landscapers and lawn care businesses. However, they are not usually considered vehicles for insurance purposes as they are not designed to be used on public roads. Instead, they are considered mobile equipment and are insured by either inland marine or a business property policy for lawn care companies.
Workers’ compensation insurance covers medical bills and wage replacement for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. This coverage is necessary for many landscaping businesses because of the risks involved, plus most states require workers’ comp coverage if a business has any employees. Workers face several hazards—such as sharp tools, heavy equipment, machinery, vehicles, and even animal bites—making workers’ comp coverage critical for any small business.
Surety Bonds vs Landscaping Insurance
The primary difference between a surety bond and insurance is that you purchase a surety bond for the benefit of another, while insurance is bought to protect yourself.
Surety bonds are not a type of insurance. Instead, they act as a guarantee to clients that there is some level of financial coverage. The landscaper pays a premium to the bond issuer (often an insurance company).
If a claim is made, the bond issuer pays the injured parties and then collects that amount back from the small business. Bonds usually cost between 1% and 15% of the total bond amount. Having a surety bond indemnifies the contractor; hence, they are ultimately responsible for any losses that they may incur.
Meanwhile, with insurance, you do not have to pay the insurance company back when they pay out on a claim. Your only responsibility is the premium and the deductible.
Many states regulate contractors and related professions, including landscapers, by requiring licensure. These states may request proof of insurance or the purchase of a surety bond to obtain a license.
Landscaping Insurance State Requirements
Depending on your state, you may be required to be a licensed landscaper—and the state may also require insurance. Some states require one or the other, while others do not have any requirements.
Select your state from our drop-down below to see your specific requirements.
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? General liability with a minimum liability limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? $10,000 surety bond is required. You must provide evidence of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? No
Coverages Required? N/A
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? No
Coverages Required? N/A
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? No
Coverages Required? N/A
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? General liability with a minimum liability limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? No
Coverages Required? N/A
License Required? No
Insurance Required? No
Coverages Required? General liability with a minimum liability limit of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? General liability insurance coverage typically requires a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence.
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? General liability insurance coverage typically requires a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence.
License Required? Yes. A state license is issued by the Contractors Licensing Board.
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? General liability insurance coverage typically requires a minimum of $500,000 per occurrence.
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? While there is no specific minimum requirement for insurance, proof of general liability and workers’ comp insurance are required.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? Landscape contractors need to deposit cash or purchase and maintain a $10,000 surety bond.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? General liability insurance coverage typically requires a minimum of $500,000 per occurrence.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? If working as a general contractor then General liability insurance coverage typically requires a minimum of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the state.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? Yes
Coverages Required? General liability with a minimum liability limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.
License Required? No
Insurance Required? No
Coverages Required? N/A
License Required? No
Insurance Required? N/A
Coverages Required? N/A
License Required? No
Insurance Required? No
Coverages Required? N/A
License Required? Yes
Insurance Required? No
Coverages Required? There is no specific minimum requirement for insurance coverage set by the city.
Please keep in mind this is a state guide and many local municipalities may have separate requirements.
Who Needs Landscaping Insurance?
If your business offers any of these services, you should consider landscaping insurance:
- Lawn care services and maintenance: Mowing, weeding, mulching, and general gardening services, such as maintaining and installing plans, to maintain already-completed landscapes
- Tree pruning and removal: Dusting, spraying, trimming, branch and stump removal, and related tasks may require licensed tree surgeons to address tall trees safely
- Excavation and grading: Adjusting ground level to create drainage and prepare the land for landscaping
- Hardscape design and implementation: Landscapes with rocks, boulders, and other nonplant concepts often require bigger equipment to relocate heavy items
Why You Need Landscaping Insurance
Even if it isn’t required by the state, it is still a good idea to purchase landscaping insurance. The type of work that landscapers do opens their business up to the chance of many significant claims.
If your company does any sort of elevated trimming, especially tree trimming, workers’ compensation is going to be essential. A tree trimmer working could accidentally strike a power line and be significantly injured in seconds. Workers’ comp would help with their recovery.
Or while mowing a property your mower drivers over a stone that is thrown through the window of a house. The property damage to the home would fall under your general liability policy.
Finally, imagine a scenario where you arrive at your storage facility to get your equipment for the day’s job only to discover that it has all been stolen. Thankfully, for a situation like that, you can file a claim on your inland marine insurance for the lost items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Landscaping insurance is a single policy, or a combination of policies, purchased for your business to protect it from the financial loss of a claim. The most common policy for a landscaping business is general liability.
Landscaping general liability insurance can range from $500 to $2,300 annually. This is for a standard policy with limits of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.
It depends on the state, but it most likely is. For example, in Alabama, landscapers are required to carry general liability insurance. Or, if you have employees, workers’ compensation is necessary as every state—save for Texas and South Dakota—requires companies to provide it.
You can purchase landscaping insurance from an agent, a broker, or a provider. If you’re ready to buy landscaping insurance, check out our guide to the best landscaping insurance providers.
Bottom Line
Every landscaping business—whether a sole proprietor lawn service or a full-service landscaping business—should have at least some insurance coverage. Even if you don’t have a building or valuable business assets to protect, you work with the general public, opening up many potential risk exposures, especially employee bodily injury and property damage.
Any claim has the potential to cost millions to resolve. Purchasing insurance for your landscaping business is a relatively inexpensive way to prevent a potentially devastating financial loss. If you need a quick, no-hassle quote for landscaping insurance, a good place to start is with the experts at The Hartford. Plans are easy to understand and customized to meet your needs.
