Did you know that small businesses shoulder 48% of commercial lawsuit costs, even though they account for only 20% of total business revenue? Those odds can feel overwhelming for lawn care companies just starting out—but the right insurance protects you from day one.
So, instead of asking why you need lawn care business insurance, we’ll be helping you think about the types of coverage and how much you need to protect your assets, employees, and operations. With the right policies in place, you can focus on growing your business while knowing you're covered for the unexpected.
Insurance is your safety net when working with valuable equipment, customer properties, and the unpredictability of outdoor environments. While we’ve already shared why starting coverage is essential, let’s dive into ten specific ways lawn care business insurance protects your livelihood and future.
Lawn care work involves sharp tools, heavy equipment, and physical labor. Your employees are constantly exposed to potential hazards, whether a mishap with a mower or an accident while handling heavy materials. Workers’ compensation insurance helps cover medical expenses and lost wages if you or your employees get injured.
You're mowing your client's lawn when you hear a sharp crack out of nowhere. Your mower just sent a stone flying! Your client will likely expect you to cover the repair costs. You could even face a lawsuit if the damage is huge or someone gets hurt.
Even the most careful lawn care professional can damage a client's property. You can cover those costs if you have general liability insurance, so you’re not paying out of pocket for repairs.
Keeping clients or bystanders safe at work sites is important, too, and accidents that you can be held liable for may happen, no matter how many precautions you take. Imagine your crew is trimming a customer’s hedges, and a small branch unexpectedly falls, hitting a passerby on the sidewalk. While it may seem like a minor mishap, even small injuries can result in medical claims or lawsuits.
General liability insurance can step in to protect your business from costly legal fees and medical expenses in situations like these, ensuring one accident doesn’t derail your operations.
Your tools and machinery are vital to your business. A damaged or stolen piece of equipment can be a costly setback. Commercial property insurance and inland marine insurance can help you recover from such losses and keep your business running smoothly. Commercial property insurance protects your property when stored at your business. Inland marine protects your property when it’s being transported or stored.
Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and bad weather can throw a wrench into your lawn care business. Storms, floods, or even heavy rain can damage your equipment and materials—imagine waterlogged mowers or ruined landscaping supplies. That’s where commercial property insurance steps in, helping cover the cost of repairs or replacements so you can get back to work quickly.
But the benefits don’t stop there. As the U.S. Small Business Administration points out, commercial property insurance can also help cover lost income, payroll, taxes, and other essential expenses if your business operations are temporarily paused for repairs. It’s not just protection for your equipment—it’s protection for your business’s future.
Lawsuits can be brought against any lawn care business owner, even if you're not at fault. A client can question your contract after receiving your services, or they might claim that the work didn’t meet their expectations. In either case, you could be held liable. You’ll have to pay legal fees and potentially settlement or judgment fees.
Professional liability insurance protects your business against claims of mistakes in your work, failure to perform work professionally, negligence, and misleading advice. Professional liability covers defense costs in the case that these claims are made against you, allowing you to continue using your expertise with peace of mind.
Securing a certificate of insurance is part of running a lawn care business, especially when chasing after high-value projects. Some clients or commercial contracts may require you to carry specific insurance like general liability or workers’ compensation insurance.
Clients are more confident working with a professional and reliable lawn care business. Having insurance shows you take your business—and their property—seriously. This confidence can bring in more repeat business, referrals, and help you build a stronger reputation in your community.
Insurance covers losses during an unexpected event, like significant property damage. This lets your business continue operating even after going through a major setback. Depending on the incident and the policy, insurance may cover lost wages, income lost due to downtime, and legal fees so you don’t suffer substantial financial or reputational damages.
Running a business is stressful enough with the constant pressure to meet deadlines, keep up with equipment maintenance, and manage unpredictable conditions and challenges. There's nothing quite like the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're financially protected against unexpected accidents or mishaps.
Like any other small business, every lawn care business’s insurance requirement is unique. The type and cost of your insurance will depend on your services, equipment, the number of your employees, and other risks associated with your work. To guarantee that your lawn care business is adequately insured, let’s review some policies you may consider:
If you store client information digitally or process payments online, you need cyber liability insurance to cover the costs associated with data breaches or cyberattacks. You could also opt for umbrella insurance to receive extra liability coverage beyond your existing coverage.
Do you need insurance for your lawn care business? Absolutely! The right insurance isn’t just a safety net—it’s a key ingredient for running a successful, thriving business. From safeguarding your equipment to earning your clients’ trust, proper coverage protects you from the unexpected and keeps your operations running smoothly.
Not sure where to start? That’s where CoverHound comes in. Our experts make it simple to find and secure the coverage that fits your business’s unique needs. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—partner with CoverHound today and focus on delivering exceptional service to your clients tomorrow.
Insurance shopping simplified
Insurance shopping simplified
