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Lawn Care Insurance 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Business

If you love soaking up the sun, working outdoors, and calling the shots in your own business, then you may have picked the right industry. A lawn care business offers endless opportunities to get creative and build connections with different people. Whether keeping lawns lush and green through the summer or helping clients prepare their yards for the winter, there’s always something new to tackle. The work is rarely truly finished, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. 

Lawn care is also a thriving industry, with a projected CAGR of 5.20% in 2024! But with all these potentials is the need to protect your business from unexpected challenges. 

As you keep your clients' yards green and pristine, you must protect your business as well. Lawn care business insurance gives the financial backing to handle unexpected claims or damages from running a lawn care company. It even helps with legal costs if a client or a bystander decides to take you to court because of a mishap. 

Here are common types of insurance lawn care business owners invest in:

Whether you're an independent contractor working for a large landscaping company or running your lawn care, tree pruning, or trimming business, you'll need lawn care business insurance. Here’s everything you need to know about your lawn care business insurance to help you make informed decisions when securing the proper coverage.

  1. 5 Scenarios Your Lawn Care Business Needs Insurance
  2. 5 Tips to Determine the Right Insurance Needed for Your Lawn Care Business
  3. 3 Tips to Find the Best Insurance For Your Lawn Care Business
  4. 3 Steps to Find Customized Lawn Care Insurance
  5. How Much Is Liability Insurance for a Lawn Care Business? Cost Breakdown
  6. How to Compare Lawn Care Business Insurance Cost & Choose Correctly
  7. 3 Ways to Get Your Lawn Care Company Ready for a Busy Summer
  8. 4 Ways Lawn Care Businesses Can Earn Income During Off-Seasons

5 Scenarios Where Your Insurance Can Save Your Lawn Care Business

Lawn care mishaps can happen in many unexpected ways. Even if your clients loved your summer services and can’t wait to have you do their fall maintenance, one unlucky incident could turn their trust into a lawsuit. 

“You help busy homeowners keep their yards looking healthy, uniform, and green. It’s a labor-intensive job, but at the end of the day, you get the satisfaction of stepping back and seeing a project well done. Protect yourself with lawn care business insurance so you can focus on the job at hand.”
Caitlin Saenz, COO, CoverHound

Unfortunately, it won’t matter if it's your fault or you are a victim of circumstances. That’s why you must secure lawn care insurance to protect your business when:

  1. ‍Your Lawn Mower Runs Into a Lawn Ornament or Fence

You’re wrapping up a day’s work after mowing the last stretch of a client’s lawn when you misjudge the distance and accidentally hit a section of their fence. Suddenly, you’re faced with an unexpected repair bill that could quickly eat into your profits. 

You won’t have to worry about covering the cost if you've secured general liability insurance. Instead, your policy would take care of the damages minus any deductible.

  1. Your Work Pickup Full of Equipment Gets in an Accident

Even though the idea is funny, you can't exactly ride your lawn mower from job to job—you’ll need a company vehicle for that. But what happens if you get into an accident between job sites? Commercial auto insurance can cover damaged property and medical bills so you can return to work immediately. 

  1. A Customer Claims You Failed to Fulfill Your Duties

Even the best lawn care professionals aren’t safe from the frustration of unsatisfied clients. If a client ever claims you didn't fulfill the duties in your contract, your business can face financial and reputational repercussions. This is why the U.S. Small Business Administration encourages businesses to seriously consider professional liability insurance to protect against errors, omissions, or negligence claims. 

  1. The Garage Holding Your Mower and Tools Catches on Fire

You’ve put in a lot of effort to keep your clients happy and grow your business. But unfortunately, all that hard work can be undone by a fire or natural disaster. Thankfully, property insurance can cover the cost of replacing your equipment if it’s damaged by a covered event like fires, non-flood-related water damage, and civil disturbances.

  1. A Worker Sustains a Serious Injury on the Job

Your employees can make mistakes at work no matter how careful they are. When they do, you'll either be glad you have lawn care insurance or wish you did. Workers' compensation insurance covers your employees' medical bills and lost work time if they get hurt on the job.

5 Tips to Determine the Right Insurance Needed for Your Lawn Care Business

90% of small business owners aren't confident they have the right insurance coverage. It's not surprising, considering the industry is full of unexpected events.

“We are amazed by the claims that come in from lawn care companies and can't believe the crazy stuff that happens - tripping over equipment, disturbing a bee's nest, ruining a beloved rose bush. And you just don't know if you're liable for some of it until you're in court.”
Caitlin Saenz, COO, CoverHound

Once you determine what areas your business insurance can protect, the next step is deciding what types of coverage your business needs. Here are five helpful insurance tips to weigh your options:

  1. Identify Your Risks

First things first, take a good look at the risks your lawn care business might face. Do you handle expensive equipment? Do you work on properties where a mistake could lead to costly damage? Understanding the risks associated with your operations will help you zero in on the most important types of insurance coverage.

  1. Look at Your Coverage Limits

When looking at policies, don’t just glance at the coverage limits. Make sure they’re enough to protect you if something big goes wrong. Compare what each policy covers, the exclusions, and how much bang you get for your buck. The last thing you want is to find out too late that your coverage isn’t enough to handle costly claims.

Insurers offer different rates and coverage options, so it’s worth shopping around before securing your insurance. You may also consider partnering with a broker like CoverHound to do the shopping for you.

  1. Implement Risk Management Practices

The fewer accidents and issues you have, the less likely you are to file a claim. To make sure that your lawn care business is safe for your employees and clients— and to make your business attractive to insurers, consider these steps:

  1. Decide What Insurance is Needed For Your Lawn Care Business

It’s important to customize your insurance coverage based on your needs, especially when faced with so many different types of insurance available. General liability insurance is necessary, but you might also need commercial auto insurance for your work vehicles and property insurance for your equipment. 

Many small businesses bundle essential coverages like general liability, property, and business interruption insurance in a business owner’s policy (BOP). If you’re concerned about gaps in coverage or exceeding your initial policy limits, you can secure umbrella insurance to extend your protection.

  1. Ask Questions and Consider Your Options

Don’t hesitate to ask questions and explore all your options when shopping for insurance. What exactly does each policy cover? What types of perils does your coverage exclude? If you’re unsure how to start and what questions to ask, partner with an insurance broker who understands the ins and outs of insurance for your industry.

3 Steps to Find Customized Lawn Care Insurance

Did you know about 80,000 lawn mower accidents across the United States annually? These incidents rack up around $136 million annually!

But lawn mower accidents aren’t the only risk you need to consider. Your business could also face equipment theft, weather-related delays, or employee injuries. Here are some tips for customizing lawn care insurance based on your business’s risks and requirements:

  1. Create a list of your business risks and insurance state requirements.
  2. Evaluate the value of your equipment and consider additional coverage for high-value items.
  3. Consult an insurance advisor to determine the necessary coverage types.

How Much Is Liability Insurance for a Lawn Care Business? Cost Breakdown

"During a routine lawn maintenance job, one of our employees injured his back. He kept working without realizing how serious it was, which only worsened the injury." This sounds all too familiar and expensive.

Lawn care liability insurance is a type of small business coverage customized for professionals in the lawn care industry. But how much does it cost to secure adequate coverage for your business?

General liability insurance typically costs around $530 annually to around $1,100 annually on average. But if you run a high-risk commercial lawn care business with tree removal services, you might see around $2,300 annually for coverage. It's nice to remember that these costs can vary depending on your revenue, payroll, and the specific services you provide.

Landscaper Insurance Policy Costs Example via Forbes Advisor

How to Compare Lawn Care Business Insurance Cost & Choose Correctly

A reliable lawn care business insurance policy will provide a range of coverage to protect your landscaping business from unexpected costs. This could include legal claims, lawsuit expenses, and even replacing damaged tools and equipment.

We mentioned earlier that the median cost of lawn care insurance is $45 a month or about $530 to around $1,100 per year on average for general liability alone. But only some insurance plans will be a good fit for your business. You can chat with peers in the industry if you're looking to secure insurance for your business, but keep in mind that no two lawn care businesses have the same insurance needs. 

How much you’re willing to spend on an insurance policy is a uniquely personal choice for each business. Here are some factors to consider when deciding how much to allot for lawn care business insurance costs:

  1. Business size
  2. Yearly revenue
  3. Number of employees
  4. Geographical location
  5. How much coverage you need, as well as coverage type and limits
  6. Claims history
  7. Driving records of any employees driving company vehicles
  8. Any occupational risks

3 Ways to Get Your Lawn Care Company Ready for a Busy Summer

As summer approaches, kids and adults will cool off with garden sprinklers and slip-n-slides in the backyard. All this extra play will leave neighborhood lawns looking rough.

This is your moment. Customers will start calling, looking for help and advice on keeping their lawns and landscaping in good shape. If you do a great job, you could really boost your business and grow your client base in the coming year.

As you gear up for the peak season, remember to protect your business like you do for your customers. Here are three ways to make sure your lawn care business makes that green this summer:

  1. Make Sure You’re Licensed

Before taking on any customers, visit your local county clerk and review your state's business regulations. The last thing you want is to be held liable for damages to a customer's yard and face additional trouble if it turns out you didn't have the required permits to do the lawn care work.

  1. Get the Best Equipment

No one’s going to want to hire your business if your tools are the same as what they’ve got sitting in their garage. Invest in quality equipment like a lawn mower, edger, trimmer, garden bags, rake, compost bags, and more. And don’t forget to invest in uniforms and safety gear too!

  1. Sign Up for Lawn Care Insurance

Just as you need a license, quality equipment and well-trained employees, your lawn care business also needs to secure adequate insurance to securely operate during peak seasons. You can start with a business owner’s policy or seasonal lawn care insurance, depending on your needs.

4 Ways Lawn Care Businesses Can Earn Income During Off-Seasons

There are plenty of ways to keep revenue flowing during the off-season, even when the grass isn’t growing. It’s actually the perfect time to consider offering services like snow removal, leaf blowing, or tree trimming. 

Here are four ways your lawn business can earn during fall, winter, and spring. Just make sure your insurance policy covers these additional services to protect your business.

  1. Fall: Yard Clearing

Summertime storms can really do a number on a yard, especially when families are too busy with vacations and back-to-school antics to spend hours each weekend cleaning their outdoor space. You can clear out leaves, debris, and dead plants to help clients prepare their yards for the winter.

  1. Winter: Snow Removal

Snowstorms may slow down lawn care, but they open up snow shoveling and plowing opportunities. If your lawn care business has the right equipment to help, you can earn extra income by keeping your clients’ driveways and sidewalks clear.

  1. Spring: Yard Preparation

Offer services like lawn aeration, fertilizing, and garden bed cleanup to help your clients’ yards bounce back after winter. It’s also a perfect way to get your routine back in the swing of things as the weather warms up.

  1. Year-Round: Tree Trimming

Do you have heavy-duty pruning shears and personal safety equipment? Patios, walkways, and retaining walls need consistent care throughout the year. Consider offering hardscape maintenance services to keep your clients' outdoor spaces looking their best, regardless of season.

Customize Your Lawn Care Business Insurance with CoverHound

Now that you understand the basics of lawn care business insurance, it's time to secure the coverage that meets your needs! 

“An insurance expert familiar with your business operations can help you decide which policy or combination of insurance policies is needed for your lawn care business. “
Felix Monarrez, Vice President of Sales, CoverHound

Pick the policy that best matches what you need from your lawn care insurance. Consider the equipment you must protect, the risks you could face, and what you’re prepared to spend on your lawn care insurance.

Ready to get started? Partner with CoverHound or take this five-minute insurance check-up today to find the best options for your lawn care business.

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Review personalized quotes, select coverages, and buy online - Everything insurance, all-in-one-place.
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Insurance shopping simplified

Review personalized quotes, select coverages, and buy online - Everything insurance, all-in-one-place.

Insurance shopping simplified

Review personalized quotes, select coverages, and buy online - Everything insurance, all-in-one-place.
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