3 Steps to Find Customized Lawn Care Insurance

From soil testing to lawn mowing and pest management, your lawn care business is involved in a lot of tasks. Like any other small business, your daily routine is not without risks. You might accidentally damage underground pipes or cables during normal operations. Or perhaps a passerby can trip over your equipment and get injured. 

Accidents can occur and expose your business to lawsuits that might halt your operations. Without lawn care business insurance, you risk paying for claims yourself or facing permanent closure.

So, how do you make sure that the fruit of your hard work is protected? This article will guide you through the essential types of insurance that you can customize for your lawn care business. We'll also provide practical and actionable steps to identify the best insurance options for you.

Step #1: Identify Your Risks

The first step to determining the right insurance coverage for your business is knowing what you need to cover. What is the size of your business? How many employees do you have? How risky are your operations? What type of equipment do you use?

Ultimately, a solo operation may have different requirements compared to a lawn care business with multiple teams and high-risk services. If you provide lawn mowing services, you might need additional coverage due to the increased risk of property damage or personal injury.

According to recent statistics, around 80,000 lawn mower accidents occur annually in the United States, with an annual financial cost of approximately $136 million. Employees riding lawn mowers are involved in 19.1% of total lawn mower accidents.

In addition, employees are at risk of injuries from handling heavy equipment or from slips, trips, and falls. While proper safety training and equipment maintenance are essential to mitigating these hazards, having adequate insurance is also crucial.

Landscaping is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States, with higher-than-average rates of both fatal and nonfatal injuries when compared to all industries.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Aside from accidents, your assets are also exposed to risks during operations. It’s essential to sit down and record the details of your equipment to identify how much coverage is needed.

Take note of the model number, year, and value of key items like lawn mowers and other machinery. This information can speed up the claims process in the event of theft, damage, or breakdowns.

Step #2: Decide What Customized Insurance is Needed For Your Lawn Care Business

Now that you’ve identified the risks, it’s time to determine the type of coverage needed. We understand that the variety of insurance options available for lawn care businesses can be overwhelming. To help you get started, here are some different types of insurance coverage that you can customize for your business.

1. General Liability Insurance protects against claims of property damage or personal injury caused by your services. For example, if a mower throws a rock and breaks a window, this coverage can help.
   
   
2. Equipment Insurance (Inland Marine) is designed for movable property, unlike a business owner’s policy (BOP), which covers buildings and permanent fixtures. It protects equipment like lawn mowers and trimmers from theft, loss, or damage while they are in transit or stored at various job sites.
   
   
3. Workers’ Compensation Insurance is mandatory if you have employees. It covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is injured on the job. For solo operators, consider coverage to protect yourself as well.

Lawn care businesses who are just starting out don’t have the funds to quickly replace essential gear like lawn mowers and weed whackers in case of theft or damage. Inland marine coverage can help with this. If an employee is hurt on the job, workers' compensation insurance helps cover medical expenses and lost wages.

An insurance expert who understands your operations can guide you in selecting the policies for your lawn care business.

Step #3: Talk to Professional Insurance Providers

Before meeting with a licensed insurance provider, it's important to organize the necessary information to make the most of your consultation. Here’s what you should have on hand:

1. A detailed list of potential risks associated with your lawn care activities. This could include equipment damage, employee injuries, or liability issues.
2. If available, bring historical data on past incidents or claims.
3. Review your existing insurance policy and note your coverage limits, premiums, and any exclusions or gaps. Understanding what you currently have helps identify what additional coverage you might need.

Don't hesitate to inquire about specific coverages, especially for high-risk activities that are not typically included in standard policies. For instance, if your business engages in tree trimming or pesticide application, look for policies that cover these. 

Ask any questions you have about terms, conditions, or anything else insurance-related. It's important that you fully understand what your coverage includes and excludes.

Working with a trusted lawn care business insurance provider can help you customize your policies to your best interest.

Complete your Search with the Right Insurance Partner

Standard policies might seem convenient, but they can often come with coverages that you don't need, while missing the ones that are crucial. By customizing your policy, you avoid paying for what you don't need while making the most of your investment.

Discover how CoverHound can help you tailor the right insurance for your lawn care business in under five minutes!