A miscalculation during tree pruning or removal can cause damage to the customer’s property, may injure workers, and cause repair costs to heavy machinery. Whether your a tree service business or independent arborist, protect your business from unpredictable events. We’ve evaluated the best business insurance providers based on coverage, financial stability, customer satisfaction, and overall quality.
Coverwallet began its journey in New York City in 2015 operating under the
Aon Insurance banner. At Coverwallet, you can access everything you need to
keep your company well-protected at an unbeatable price.
With a 100-year history of insuring businesses, Hiscox is well-known across
America and globally. With more than 500,000 small business customers,
Hiscox is fully aware and trained in the unique risks a business can face.
Thimble provides business insurance that can be tailored to your business by
the year, month, day, or even the job. At Thimble, the process to getting
the right business insurance is simple, scalable, and flexible.
Tree service insurance (also known as arborist insurance) is an integral part of any business that caters to the removal and care of trees. Comprehensive tree service insurance provides financial coverage for business owners that includes their equipment, vehicles used for transportation, and protection against damage on the clients’ property.
Who needs tree service insurance?
Tree service insurance is required essentially by anyone who is in the business of tree care. Any person, who treats, prunes, or removes trees needs this insurance to help them safeguard against any mishap that may occur.
What insurance do arborists need?
There are several options for tree service insurance that can greatly benefit a business. Undoubtedly, tree service is a hazardous task that requires layers of protection. As best business practices, it is advised to opt for the most coverage that entails all the layers of protection. To help make the decision that best suits your business, find the list below:
General liability insurance
This remains the key coverage for tree service providers, specifically covering the tree work.
Property damage: This comes in effect where property damage occurs as a result of doing the business at the premise. This could be the customers’, the neighbor or anyone for that matter who may suffer loss of their property due to you doing the business. For instance, if the tree branch falls off on a customer’s deck and destroys part of it, this will be covered through the general liability coverage for tree removal services. An important point of consideration is that general liability has to be under the tree care business due to the nature of its business and risks associated with it.
Bodily injury: Due to the nature of business, the risks of incurring bodily injury is highly present for the workers. It may also help in case a third party is injured while conducting the service. For instance, while removing the branches, a part fell off to the neighbor’s patio that injured them. In case of them suing you, the insurance policy will be able to give you that safety net.
Commercial auto insurance
This type of coverage will cover the vehicle that is specific to your commercial vehicle and driver. Here are some vehicles typically covered by this type of insurance:
Light vehicles: Sedans, small trucks, vans, SUVs, and other smaller vehicles.
Heavy vehicles: Equipment trucks, dump trucks, trucks with a crane to reach the tops of trees, etc.
Trailers: Utility trailers, container trailers, etc.
Workers compensation
Al most every state requires you to have workers’ compensation if you have employees. This covers the business against injuries at work, illnesses, or even in cases of lost income.
Professional liability insurance
This policy covers any occurrence that caused bodily injury or property damage due to poor execution by your business. For instance, a branch was accidentally damaged during tree trimming and fell on the homeowner’s car during a windy day.
Tool insurance
In this policy, transporting your business’s equipment and tools is covered. Also covered is the cost of repair and maintenance of tools or replacement in case they are stolen or lost.
What are the limits of tree service insurance?
The standard for general liability is $M for each occurrence and $2M in aggregate.
How much does tree service insurance cost?
As with any other insurance policy, the cost depends on a number of factors. Here is a list of common factors that affect how much a premium will be:
Number of employees: With more employees climbing on trees, the higher the chance an accident might happen.
Nature of projects: The height of the trees your company will be working on. Are you just trimming trees or also cutting them down?
Years of experience: The time your company has been in business without incidents can lead to a lower premium.
Location: Are you working primarily in areas that are not safe for tree services, like on a steep hill, very close to residences, etc.
Deductibles: Higher deductibles means that you will pay more out of pocket if something were to happen, so the premium will be lower. Conversely, if you have a lower deductible, your premium will be higher.
Limits: You have many options for the coverage limits, and a higher limit will increase the policy’s overall cost.
Tree service general liability insurance can range between $600-$1,100 annually depending on the above variables.
How to choose the best tree service insurance
When it comes to choosing the right insurance for your business, it is important to find one that meets your needs. Here are a few things you can look out for:
Service area: Make sure that the insurance provider has coverage in your area of operation.
Customer service: Insurance companies with great customer service typically are customer-centric which will show in their degree of flexibility in other categories.
Professionalism: Be sure to choose a provider that is a certified insurance provider that can educate you on topics you may not be familiar with and addresses any concerns you may have.
Customization: Each business is unique, so it is important to find out the provider who is able to create a policy that best suits your needs and customize it accordingly.
