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Lawn Care and Landscape Insurance

Lawn care and landscaping services involve the use of power tools, and like with any other business where you operate equipment, there is always a risk of accidents and injuries. As an example, if you are working for a client and accidentally damage their property, you will have to pay for the damages. In another scenario, you may have unhappy customers who will claim that your work was not done professionally, or something may happen to your expensive equipment and you will need to get a replacement.

There are more things that can go wrong, but this is a general idea. Before your business begins its operations, make sure you have a comprehensive Lawn Care and Landscape Insurance in place. If your services include installing sprinkler systems, weeding gardens, landscaping, winterizing irrigation systems, and operating heavy equipment, General Liability Insurance will be a good place to start in order to protect your business against potential risks.

Whether your business works with residential owners or commercial customers, Lawn Care and Landscape Insurance can safeguard you in the event of claims against your company. Operating heavy equipment may lead to bodily injury or property damage related accidents, and a good General Liability Policy can cover the costs of damages, along with your legal defense in the event of a lawsuit.

Both sole proprietors and companies hiring employees will benefit greatly from Lawn Care and Landscape Insurance. Your employees can suffer from work-related injuries, in which case Workers Compensation Insurance can protect your investment. And if you are a sole proprietor, you can lose not only your whole business but also your personal assets in the event someone sues you for damages and you do not carry insurance.

Having the right insurance policy will protect your business while also showing to your clients that you are a serious professional they can rely on. However, choosing the right type of insurance can be overwhelming, and that’s why Team Insurance is here to help. Our experienced professionals who specialize in Lawn Care and Landscape Insurance will browse customized quotes from multiple carriers nationwide to deliver the best insurance solutions for your business.

Things to Consider:

There are several things to consider while shopping for Lawn Care and Landscape Insurance. Because your business offers specialized services, it requires an individual approach when designing the policy to match your needs.

To make sure you choose the right coverage, consider first the value of your business and the limits of your policy. Large businesses worth millions of dollars should have much larger liability limits compared to small businesses, in case of a major claim against them.

Once you have defined your desired policy limits, consider your deductible. How much can you pay out of in the event of a claim? If you go with a higher deductible, you will have lower insurance premiums; however, you will also have to pay more if something happens. Try to find a policy that offers both lower premiums and lower deductibles.

Some insurance companies offer discounts if you choose to pay your policy in full instead of paying it in monthly installments. If your budget allows, pay annually, and if not, look for insurance providers that do not charge extra if you decide to pay monthly.

And lastly, think about the type of insurance your business requires apart from liability coverage. Many insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage via Business Owners Policy, choosing which may also result in saving on your insurance.

Get in Contact:

Get in touch with us today to receive your fully customized insurance quote. Discover the different coverage options and see how we can make a difference in your life!

Popular Coverage Options:

Bodily Injury Liability

In the event your client or another person is injured as a result of you performing your work operations, they may file a lawsuit against you. If such an accident happens, the policy will cover the costs of the injured party’s medical expenses and the costs of your legal defense, up to your liability limits.

Property Damage Liability

If as a result of your work, the customer’s property is damaged, the insurance policy will pay for the costs of repair or replacement of the damaged property, along with the costs of your legal defense, in the event of a lawsuit, up to your liability limits.

Business Owners Policy

The coverage for commercial buildings, personal property, and General Liability Insurance are combined into one comprehensive Business Owners Policy. This option is particularly relevant if you are looking to save on your insurance rates by combining several coverages into one policy.

Personal Injury Liability

Working with people always involves certain risks. For example, if one of your workers talks about the client in a bad way, the client could sue your company for slander. In the event of such an incident, the coverage will pay the costs of subsequent claim and your legal defense, up to your liability limits.

Workers Compensation

Any business that employs people must have Workers Compensation Insurance. This is the type of coverage required by the law and one which protects your business if your employees are injured while performing their work duties. Especially because landscaping professionals operate heavy equipment, it is worth purchasing the policy to protect your company against the risks.

Commercial Umbrella

In the event your primary Liability Insurance limits are not enough to cover the costs of the claim, Commercial Umbrella coverage will extend the policy limits. You should consider this coverage as an extra layer of protection in the event a covered accident was to happen.

How to Get the Best Lawn Care and Landscape Insurance?

Know the needs and risks of your business

You are the person who knows your business best, but insurance risks can arise in many situations. Do you use heavy tools to perform your job? Do you hire employees? Operate vehicles for work purposes? Carry expensive equipment? These are just a few of the questions that you can think of.

Determine the basic coverage your business needs and then add endorsements to your policy. First, you need General Liability coverage in case your client is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your work. Second, you also need protection if your equipment is damaged because of external factors. Next, if you operate vehicles for work, you need a Commercial Auto Insurance in the event of accidents involving your vehicles. And last but not least, your business needs Workers Compensation, if you hire employees, to protect your investment in case of a work-related employee injury.

Learn the ins and out of your policy

While insurance carries certainly can give you information about your policy at your request, later on, it is best for you to learn the ins and outs of your insurance coverage before signing anything. Know your coverages, liability limits, exclusions, and always check the fine print. There are many instances which you may believe are covered by your policy, when in reality they are not.

By familiarizing yourself with your insurance policy, you will know if there are any gaps in coverage and whether your coverage limits are high enough to meet the needs of your business. Our independent agents at Team Insurance will be happy to assess your needs and risks and answer any questions you may have about your insurance policy.

Choose quality over quantity

Insuring your business is an expensive matter, but since it is so important to have adequate coverage, do not go for the cheapest policies. Yes, reputable carriers usually charge more for their policies, but they also provide the best coverage on the market. In the event of a covered claim, everything you have built your business with will be at stake if your insurance is not good enough.

Base your decision on the amount and quality of coverage instead of choosing the cheapest policy. You can reach out to your chosen insurance carrier and inquire them if they offer any discounts on policies. over, if your business is eligible for a Business Owners Policy, you can get a discounted rate on General Liability Insurance and Property Insurance, which are part of the policy.

It is better to over- than underinsure

When it comes to any type of insurance, it is better to overestimate your coverage needs. If someone ever sues your business, there will be a lot of money involved, from legal defense to settlement costs. As a result, everything your insurance offers will come in handy. If you are uncertain whether your coverage limits are enough in case of a lawsuit, consider purchasing Commercial Umbrella Insurance, which will extend the coverage limits of your General Liability Insurance.

Shop around

The best way to get adequate coverage that matches the needs of your business and protects from all insurance risks you are exposed to is to shop for insurance across multiple carriers. When you work with independent agents at Team Insurance, we browse insurance quotes from some of the most reputable insurance providers across the US. This way, we offer tailored insurance solutions customized to meet your business requirements.

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Lawn Care Insurance Policy Information

Lawn Care Insurance. As a lawn care professional, you’re aware of how important your service is to the community. Lawn maintenance services are required for public parks, private homes, and corporate exteriors. Lawn mowing, weeding, fertilizing and seeding are labor-intensive task that primarily involves maintaining the owner’s yard as per their expectations. And, accidents happen in such a line of work.

You might be having an endless list of clients who clamor to hire you. But, just one unfortunate incident is enough to put you and your startup at risk for significant financial loss, regardless of whether you’re a victim of happenstance or you’re the one at fault. If you’re a sole proprietor, you’d be held personally liable for damage or loss if you don’t have a lawn care insurance policy. That could imply losing personal property, including your home, in some cases.

Lawn care insurance protects your business from lawsuits with rates as low as 27/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked lawn care insurance questions:

What Is Lawn Care Insurance?

Lawn care insurance is a type of insurance that covers various risks and liabilities associated with running a lawn care business. This can include coverage for damages to property, injuries to employees or customers, and liability for any accidents or incidents that may occur while providing lawn care services.

It may also include coverage for lost or stolen equipment and tools, as well as protection against financial losses due to business interruption or other unforeseen events.

How Much Does Lawn Care Insurance Cost?

The average price of a standard 1,000,000/2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small lawn care businesses ranges from 37 to 59 per month based on location, size, payroll, sales and experience.

Why Do Lawn Care Businesses Need Insurance?

Lawn care businesses need insurance for several reasons. First and foremost, insurance helps protect the business and its owners from financial loss in the event of an accident or injury. This can include incidents such as an employee getting injured while using a lawn mower, a customer tripping and falling on the property, or damage to a client’s property.

Without insurance, the costs associated with these types of accidents could be financially devastating to the business.

In addition to protecting against financial loss, insurance also helps to protect the reputation of the lawn care business. If an accident or injury occurs and the business is not insured, it could lead to negative press and damage the business’s reputation. This could lead to a loss of customers and a decline in business.

Finally, insurance helps to ensure that the lawn care business is in compliance with local and state regulations. Many states require businesses to have certain types of insurance in order to operate legally. Failing to have the required coverage could result in fines and legal action, which could further impact the financial stability of the business.

Overall, having insurance is an essential part of running a successful lawn care business. It helps protect against financial loss, maintain a positive reputation, and ensure compliance with regulations.

What Type Of Insurance Do Lawn Care Providers Need?

Insuring a lawn care business will protect it against accidents, property damage, lawsuits, and equipment failure, in addition to helping one FOCUS on the primary task at hand. In fact, securing lawn care insurance is among the basic requirements for a business that offers commercial or residential property lawn care in most states. It ensures that you and your employees are protected. In case something goes wrong, having the proper insurance policy in place takes much worry and financial stress away.

Having a licensed insurance professional to guide you would an excellent way to help design the appropriate insurance package. There are multiple, different kinds of coverage plans which can help prevent costly accidents. As with most other businesses, a simple combination of property insurance, workers’ compensation, and general liability is an excellent starting point. Furthermore, some of these basic policies are almost always required by state law and local municipal codes. The various kinds of insurance available for a lawn maintenance business are discussed below.

Types of Lawn Care Insurance Policies

General Liability Insurance. Your services entail working on a property that belongs to other people for the most of your day. As such, it’s important to ensure your insurance package provides coverage for personal injury or property damages which could arise from the business operations.

General liability insurance guards you against lawsuits from clients, protecting you and your lawn care business against multiple forms of negligence. You can pair general liability insurance with other lawn care insurance coverage policies to cover the crucial bases.

Business Owner’s Policy. People tend to overlook the fact that lawsuits can be incredibly costly. And, most small businesses barely budget enough to cover such costs. Once an accident occurs, you won’t know how costly it’ll be or how much damage it’ll cause. Damaged equipment or lawsuits can financially ruin your business. A business owner’s policy will help keep your business afloat during such difficult times as it combines general liability, commercial property and business income bundled in one lawn care insurance policy.

Property Insurance. Property insurance protects the premises, furniture, and other business equipment like phones, computers, copiers, and cabinets. This lawn care insurance policy will insure your business against loss or damage to structures used in regular business operations.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Working in the landscape care and maintenance industry presents several safety risks. Accidents can happen, even to the most cautious person. Unexpected accidents can threaten your business, especially if you’re not well insured. An injured employee might hold you responsible for medical fees and damages.

As an employer, you should carry a workers comp policy to protect the livelihood of both your business and employees. It is mandate in most states for any non-owner employees and is aimed at covering the cost of missed wages, medical bills, and legal fees that might be incurred after the occurrence of an accident.

Commercial Auto Insurance. Do you transport the equipment using your own vehicle? If so, then covering your vehicle would be beneficial to your business. Business auto insurance will help protect you against significant vehicle-related costs, including lawsuits that might arise from accidents. You can extend commercial auto coverage across other vehicles that are used in your business’ day-to-day operations.

Umbrella Liability Insurance. Perhaps you work on high-priced real estate properties. In such cases, your clients might need higher insurance coverage. Umbrella/excess liability insurance will enable you to have a plan that has more lawn care insurance coverage without having to raise the premium of your general liability policy.

Inland Marine Insurance. Machinery and tools are your business’ lifeline. And, lawn care services often involve much traveling. Securing inland marine insurance will help cover your equipment during transport. It’ll ensure that you don’t get caught in situations which would result in you needing to repurchase expensive equipment.

Additional Lawncare Insurance Tips

• Obtain a package that’s right for your style and size of business.
• Be prudent and seek adequate legal advice.
• If possible, set up automatic renewal policies on the primary lawn care insurance coverage types.
• Have the basic liability coverage policies in place at the beginning stages of your business if you’re getting started.
• Aside from insurance, put a safety plan in place to ensure smooth, efficient business operations.
• Strive to fulfill the service agreements that your clients sign for.
• Revise your insurance options 2-3 times each year and seek legal advice for any blind spots or loopholes.

What Are Lawn Care Risks Exposures

Property exposures may be limited to an office and a storage yard for vehicles or equipment.

Fire hazards can be high from the flammables used in the repair of vehicles or equipment, such as solvents and degreasers, and the chemicals in fertilizers and insecticides. These must all be well controlled, labeled, and separated with proper storage in the appropriate containers and storage facilities.

Premises liability exposures can be light at the lawn care providers’s own premises if there is no public access. At job sites, hazards include injury or damage from stones or other debris thrown by power mowers, trimmers, and other equipment.

The application of lawn chemicals presents both a premises and completed operations hazard that could result in serious long-term injury, illness, or disease to customers and passersby. Overspray from operations could result in small but frequent property damage losses. Lawn care contractors who do not obtain and keep proper licensing and certification for chemical applications create a serious liability exposure to themselves.

Environmental impairment exposure is significant. The application of chemicals can result in damage to air, soil, or groundwater. The landscaper must comply with all federal, state, and municipal regulations regarding the use and disposal of chemicals and waste products. Employees who handle chemicals must have the appropriate licenses and certifications individually.

Workers compensation exposures are high due to the operation of machinery and equipment, work on uneven ground, and exposure to underground or above ground cables and lines. Use of power-cutting equipment can result in cuts and possible amputations. Back injuries, hernias, sprains, and strains can result from lifting. Chemical applications may cause lung problems along with allergic reactions and other more serious complications. Casual labor, seasonal workforce, and high turnover present a significant loss control challenge.

Inland marine exposure includes accounts receivable if the landscaper offers credit to customers, contractors’ equipment, goods in transit, and valuable papers and records for customers’ and suppliers’ information. Equipment may include mowers, sprayers and the like. Goods in transit may be damaged by fire, collision or overturn.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty. Background checks, including criminal histories, should be obtained on each employee prior to hiring. Ordering, billing, and disbursement should be handled as separate duties with reconciliations occurring regularly. There should be appropriate procedures in place when employees accept payments off site.

Business auto exposures can be very limited if the service is maintenance only and does not supply plants. If plants and large trees are transported, the exposure increases due to the possibility of the load being involved in a collision or overturn. Vehicles may be custom designed with specialty equipment, such as lifts, cherry pickers, and tree planting or removal equipment.

All drivers must be well trained and have valid licenses for the type of vehicle being driven. MVRs must be run on a regular basis. Random drug and alcohol testing should be conducted. Vehicles must be well maintained with records kept in a central location.

What Does Lawn Care Insurance Cover Pay For?

Lawn care services can be sued for various reasons, such as property damage, bodily injury, negligence, breach of contract, and more. Below are some examples of reasons lawn care services may be sued and how insurance can help pay for the lawsuit:

Property Damage: Lawn care services may accidentally damage a client’s property while performing their duties. For instance, a worker may accidentally break a sprinkler head, damage a fence, or scratch a car. In this case, the client may sue the lawn care service for property damage. The lawn care service’s general liability insurance can help pay for the damages and legal fees associated with the lawsuit.

Bodily Injury: A client or a passerby may get injured while the lawn care service is working on a property. For example, someone may slip and fall on wet grass or trip over equipment left on the ground. The injured party may sue the lawn care service for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. The lawn care service’s general liability insurance can cover these expenses and help pay for the lawsuit.

Negligence: Lawn care services have a duty of care to their clients and must perform their services with reasonable care and skill. If the lawn care service fails to do so and causes harm to a client, the client may sue for negligence. For instance, if the lawn care service fails to properly apply pesticides, causing harm to people or pets, they may be sued. The lawn care service’s errors and omissions insurance (EO) can help pay for legal expenses and damages associated with the lawsuit.

Breach of Contract: Lawn care services may enter into contracts with their clients, outlining the services to be provided, the schedule, and the payment terms. If the lawn care service fails to fulfill their contractual obligations, the client may sue for breach of contract.

For example, if the lawn care service fails to show up on time or neglects to provide certain services outlined in the contract, the client may sue. The lawn care service’s general liability insurance can help pay for legal expenses and damages associated with the lawsuit.

Overall, insurance is an essential protection for lawn care services. Without insurance, a lawsuit could bankrupt the business. Insurance can help pay for legal expenses, settlements, and judgments, providing the necessary financial protection to keep the lawn care service in business.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

Description for 0782: Lawn and Garden Services

Division A: Agriculture, Forestry, And Fishing | Major Group 07: Agricultural Services | Industry Group 078: Landscape And Horticultural Services

0782 Lawn and Garden Services: Establishments primarily engaged in performing a variety of lawn and garden services. Establishments primarily engaged in the installation of artificial turf are classified in Construction, Industry 1799.

• Bermuda sprigging services
• Cemetery upkeep, independent
• Garden maintenance
• Garden planting
• Lawn care
• Lawn fertilizing services
• Lawn mowing services
• Lawn mulching services
• Lawn seeding services
• Lawn spraying services
• Lawn sprigging services
• Mowing highway center strips and edges
• Seeding highway strips
• Sod laying
• Turf installation, except artificial

Lawn Care Insurance. The Bottom Line

After the above basic coverage policies, you can then review additional protection. Consider other kinds of coverage that you might need. Coverage of aspects like loss of income, mechanical breakdown, and other kinds of hazardous coverage would be worth consideration if your specific business’ needs warrant it.

Lawn care insurance will save you from financial headaches that might arise in the future. Besides, having an ideal insurance package will make your services more appealing to the potential clients. It provides peace of mind to clients as they’re guaranteed of compensation in case you unwittingly cause loss or damage to their property.

Work with a licensed insurance professional to secure maximum, but affordable coverage. Secure policies that will collaborate to create the ultimate coverage package, suiting most or all of your needs as your budget will allow.

Additional Resources For Contractors Home Improvement Insurance

Learn about small business contractor’s insurance, including what it covers, how much it costs. and how commercial insurance can help protect your contracting business from lawsuits.

• Air Conditioning Systems Installation Repair
• Appliance Repair Service
• Blacksmith Metal Workers
• Boat Repair Dry Docks
• Boiler Contractors
• Builders Risk
• Building Cleaning Maintenance Services
• Cabinet Installer
• Cable And Satellite TV Installer
• Carpentry
• Chimney Sweep
• Cistern Contractors
• Contractor Liability
• Curtain Cleaners
• Deck Builders
• Door And Window Installers
• Dryer Vent Cleaning
• Drywall Contractor
• Electrical Contractors
• Environmental Remediation Contractors
• Fence Installation
• Fire Sprinkler Contractors
• Fire Water Restoration Contractors
• Flooring Contractor
• Furniture Repair
• Garage Door Installer And Repair
• General Contractors
• Glass Contractor
• Glazier Insurance
• Gutter Installation And Repair
• Handyman
• House Cleaning
• HVAC Contractor
• Insulation Contractor
• Janitorial Cleaning Services
• Landscaping
• Lawn Care
• Lawn Irrigation Sprinkler System Installation
• Locksmith
• Oil And Gas Well Drilling Contractors
• Painters
• Paperhanging Contractors
• Plastering And Stucco Contractor
• Plumbing
• Pressure Washing Contractors
• Propane And Fuel Dealers
• Rug, Upholstery Carpet Cleaning
• Sandblasting Contractors
• Security Alarm
• Septic Tank Cleaning
• Siding Contractor
• Sign Installation Repair
• Solar Panel Installers
• Snow Plow
• Stone And Tile Installer
• Subcontractor
• Surety Bonds
• Swimming Pool Contractor
• Swimming Pool Service And Maintenance
• Tank Cleaners
• Tool Grinding And Repair
• Tree Surgeon
• Tree Trimming
• Upholstery Shop
• Waste Haulers Garbage Collection
• Water Well Drilling
• Welding Contractor
• Wildlife Pest Control
• Window Cleaning
• Specialty Contractors

The contracting industry is a field that involves a lot of risks, both for the contractor and for the clients they work for. This is why commercial insurance is so important for contractors. Insurance can protect contractors from a variety of potential losses, such as:

Liability: If a contractor causes damage to a client’s property or if a client is injured while on a job site, the contractor could be held legally responsible. Liability insurance can cover legal fees and any settlements or judgments that may be awarded.

Property damage: Contractors often use a lot of expensive equipment and tools, and there is always a risk that this equipment could be damaged or stolen. Commercial property insurance can help cover the cost of replacing damaged or stolen equipment.

Business interruption: If a contractor is unable to work due to an unforeseen event, such as a natural disaster, insurance can help cover their lost income during this time.

Workers compensation: If a contractor or one of their employees is injured on the job, worker’s comp can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.

Overall, commercial insurance is an important risk management tool for contractors. It can provide financial protection against a wide range of potential losses, helping contractors to stay in business and continue serving their clients.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Employee Dishonesty, Contractors’ Equipment and Tools, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Umbrella Liability, Automobile Liability and Physical Damage, Hired and Non-owned Auto Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Business Income with Extra Expense, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Accounts Receivable, Builders Risk, Computers, Goods in Transit, Installation Floater, Valuable Papers and Records, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practicesand Stop Gap Liability.

How Much Does Insurance Cost for a Lawn Care Business?

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

What should I be concerned about when it comes to insurance coverage for my lawn care business?

I own a lawn care business, but I haven’t insured it yet. What should I be concerned about when it comes to risks and coverage? I’m not sure that I need insurance, since I haven’t as of yet, but I want to be prepared should something happen.

Lawn care businesses are a lot like other small businesses when it comes to insurance coverage. Think about your typical one-man business for things like painting, handy work, and, as it pertains to you, lawn care.

The risks are pretty similar, as are the concerns. Here are the factors you should keep in mind in terms of concerns for insurance coverage purposes:

• Scope of work: These are factors like how many lawns you care for and the size of each job.
• Risks involved: Are you using dangerous equipment? Do you have employees using dangerous equipment? How skilled are your employees with using the equipment? Are there heights involved? Height tends to be one of the most determinative factors when it comes to insurance coverage and potential risks.
• Potential liabilities: By this I mean who could sue you if something goes wrong. If you’re a one-man business and you’re caring for a limited number of lawns as part-time work, your potential liabilities are small. However, if you’re operating on a larger scale and have employees, your liability is far greater.

All of these factors represent risks that you should think about regarding insurance coverage. These factors also combine to affect the general costs of your lawn care business insurance, should you decide to purchase it. If you want to talk numbers, a TrustedChoice.com independent insurance agent can help.

Which types of insurance do I need?

If I decide to purchase insurance coverage for my lawn care business, which types of insurance do I need? Am I actually required to purchase any particular type of insurance? I just want to be sure that what I’m paying for is worth the annual cost.

There’s an important distinction between what’s needed in terms of insurance coverage and what you may want to have for peace of mind.

Don’t Start A Lawn Care Business

Let’s start with what’s legally required. You could be legally required to purchase particular types of insurance by two sources:

• Government: This is insurance that’s required by law. If you operate in any state other than Texas and have employees, you’re legally obligated to purchase workers’ compensation coverage. A lot of lawn care business owners hire casual labor, meaning that they don’t have “employees.” However, workers’ compensation coverage is still a good idea in these scenarios (even if not technically “legally” required). If you offer employees certain qualified benefits (like disability insurance or life insurance), you may be required to purchase fiduciary insurance, too.
• Contract: Certain business contracts may require you to purchase particular types of insurance. This typically arises in a general contractor-subcontractor relationship.

That being said, you may want a few particular types of insurance for your lawn care business. This might include:

• General liability: This provides coverage for the stuff you own and the fact that people could sue you. Depending on the scope of your operations, the premium could be as little as 1,000 per year.
• Property: If you own a lot of expensive equipment, you may want a property policy.

Again, these are all areas you should discuss with your TrustedChoice.com independent insurance agent. They will be able to offer insight after listening to your specific facts and circumstances.

Is there a scenario where I don’t need insurance?

Is there a scenario where I don’t need to have insurance for my lawn care business? I understand that there’s peace of mind in paying for coverage, but I also don’t want to pay for something I don’t really need.

I completely understand this. The answer is yes: There are scenarios where you don’t necessarily need business insurance for your lawn care business. On the other hand, I would always recommend having some kind of coverage because the cost is fairly negligible and it offers peace of mind.

One of the only scenarios where I would feel comfortable supporting that you forgo insurance is if you have no employees and a potential accident or lawsuit would not leave you bankrupt. Again, think of the worst-case scenario when you’re thinking about this. By this I mean think of the worst accident that could happen on the job, and the scope of the damage from it. This is enough to convince most people that they should maintain some sort of insurance coverage. Those who don’t are typically industry veterans who have been around for 20 years or so without an accident (or a teenager mowing a few lawns a week for some cash).

I always lean toward coverage because it means you don’t have to worry if the unexpected happens. You can weigh the pros and cons with the help of your TrustedChoice.com independent agent.

How much does it cost?

If I purchase the types of insurance coverage you recommended here, how much will it cost to insure my lawn care business?

There’s no good answer to this question without considering the specifics of your business. However, I can provide a general range to get you started.

Generally speaking, the annual premium to insure a lawn care business without employees and with limited potential risks could be as low as 1,000 to 2,000 per year. If you have employees and are legally required to purchase workers’ compensation coverage, costs go up. If you add on any other policies, costs will increase a bit more.

You can get some peace of mind from knowing that the risks are generally modest so your premium won’t shock you in any way. But again, I would highly recommend that you call your independent agent to get a specific quote for any number of insurers that TrustedChoice.com works with.

Starting a Lawn Care or Landscape Business? Here’s What You Should Know

Opening up your own lawn business this year? Before you buy the trailer and mower, commit to a customer schedule, and mow the first lawn, make sure your business is set up properly.

Here’s what you need to know before you get started.

Lawn Care Business Insurance, what to look for

What Services You’ll Offer

Lawn care and landscaping is much more than just mowing the lawn, as you well know. Knowing what services you want to offer and are qualified for will help you FOCUS your efforts on how to set up your business and what equipment and credentials you’ll need. If you’ve never thought beyond mowing a homeowners lawn, you have more options than you realize:

• Lawn mowing and maintenance
• Edging and trimming
• Spring and fall lawn maintenance
• Fertilizing and mulching, as needed
• Gardening
• Landscape design and architecture
• Irrigation services

How to Finance and Structure Your Business

When you start a business, you have a lot to do and plenty of decisions to make.

• Buy or lease equipment
• Open an office or work from home
• Choose your business structure: sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLC
• Open a business bank account
• Self-finance all purchases or take out a business loan
• Hire an accountant or do your own business taxes

When and how you’ll do these things is crucial to setting up your lawn care business.

What Equipment You Need

The equipment you’ll need depends on the services you’ll provide and who your customers will be. If you’re designing landscape ideas and plans, you’ll need less equipment than someone physically working with lawns and landscaping.

Some of the equipment you may need includes:

• Pick-up truck and trailer
• Commercial mowers – riding and/or push
• Edgers, trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaw
• Specialized tools
• Irrigation line supplies

Who Your Customers Will Be

Before you start your landscape and lawn business you don’t know exactly who your customers will be, unless you’ve been doing lawn work on the side for friends and neighbors. This is more about deciding what kind of customers you want.

• Commercial accounts tend to be more lucrative and keep you working year-round. They also require you to hire employees and purchase more equipment so your overhead costs will be higher.
• Residential accounts for homeowners or renters often mean you can start smaller, with a few pieces of equipment, and add people and equipment as you grow. It also tends to be more seasonal work that slows down a lot in winter.

You can also combine commercial and residential by working with property management companies to maintain rental property lawns. Another option is to work with a mix of both commercial and residential customers – especially if you like variety in your work.

What Licenses and Certifications You Need

At the very least, you’ll need a state business license to operate your lawn care or landscaping business. You’ll also need to check with your county and city to make sure they don’t require separate business licenses, as well.

As for certifications, working as a landscape designer or architect typically requires a college degree. There are also certification programs to help you learn skills, like irrigation, for your landscape business.

What Insurance You Need

Whether you’re classified as a contractor or an architect, working with landscaping in any capacity means you face liability and other risks in your business. Business insurance may not be required, but it’s always a good idea. (And in some cases, insurance coverage will be required.)

Here are some of the insurance coverages you’ll likely need:

• General liability
• Commercial property insurance
• Commercial auto insurance
• Workers’ compensation – required if you hire employees
• Surety bonds – required if you want to put in a bid for some contracts
• Lost income coverage
• Errors omissions (EO) insurance
• And more!

What Price to Charge

There’s no standard price for you to charge when you mow a lawn or landscape a commercial property. You need to factor in the costs for your equipment, supplies, insurance, overhead, and time and labor. And the price you charge will depend on exactly what service you’re offering. Mowing a residential lawn on a quarter-acre will cost less than maintaining the landscaping at a Fortune 500 company.

But part of planning your lawn business is figuring out your prices. You need to create a system for pricing so you can write up agreements and contracts for new clients and give accurate estimates when someone wants to hire you.

How You’ll Handle the Off-Season

Lawn work is inherently seasonal. Even if a customer wants you to maintain their landscaping during the winter months, your work will slow down. It’s important to think about how you’ll handle that. How will you pay yourself, your employees, and for your equipment when business slows down? Will you downsize during slow times? Should your insurance coverage change at all during these times?

Before You Start…

Contact Charlotte Insurance. We can help you understand what insurance is best for your specific lawn care business. We’ll answer all your questions and provide free estimates so you can find the best coverage your new lawn business can afford. And if you wonder whether your insurance should change when business slows down, we can help you figure that out, too.