Florida Landscapers & Lawn Maintenance Insurance. Lawn care business insurance

Independent agency serving the landscapers of Tampa and all of Florida since 1979.

We understand the needs of landscapers in Florida – you can find our offices in Brandon, and our clients all around the Sunshine State.

As an independent insurance agency, Fairchild, Addison, McKone Insurance takes pride in reviewing your options with multiple insurance companies and comparing protection and in order to find a policy for your landscaping or lawn maintenance business.

About Landscaping / Lawn Maintenance Insurance

Most landscape or lawn maintenance companies are unique, so there isn’t a one size fits all solution. Do you draw designs for landscaping jobs? Do you use commercial grade herbicide / pesticide or just an over the counter product? What happens if you cut the grass too short and the grass dies? Is there coverage for that? The proper insurance policy is designed to help protect your landscaping business.

In addition to providing protection for your customers, the right policy will also cover your tools equipment, employee issues, and your vehicle trailer.

Who Benefits From Landscapers Insurance?

We provide coverage for a wide range of landscaping contractors, including:

• Landscapers
• Lawn Maintenance
• Landscape Architects and Designers
• Lawn Irrigation Contractors
• Tree Trimmers
• Arborists

Coverage Options for Landscapers Insurance

The following coverage options are common for landscapers working in Florida:

Workers’ Compensation Insurance — Provides coverage for medical care and physical rehabilitation of employees injured at work and helps to replace lost wages while they are unable to work.

Property Insurance— Provides protection for you and your property.

General Liability Insurance — This coverage is a broad commercial insurance policy that covers general liability exposures of a business. In landscaping / lawn maintenance we typically bundle the equipment together with the general liability policy.

Commercial Auto Insurance — Covers your business vehicle, trailers and employees driving on behalf of the business.

Every landscaping business is unique – talk to us today to find out how to get a price and value on landscapers insurance in Florida.

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Testimonials

“We moved all of our insurance to FAM in 2006 and 2007 because of the help and service of Kim Sanders. From all of the agents that I’ve spoken to, the one thing that stands out about Kim is that she doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear, she tells you what you need to hear to make the best choice for your insurance needs.”

— D. Williams, Recovery One Disaster Services, Inc.

Why Wait?

Contact us for a free insurance quote now.

Insurance for Landscapers

Getting the right insurance coverage for your landscaping, tree trimming, or lawn service business is more important than you may realize. At Insurance Center of North Jersey, we understand that businesses in different industries have unique and specialized needs when it comes to insurance coverage. We work closely with you to make sure you have the right type of landscaping business insurance.

Who Needs Landscaping Insurance?

Anyone who owns and operates a business that involves lawn care, landscaping, tree trimming, lawn sprinkler installation, and other similar services needs insurance that takes their specific industry business risks into account.

You have coverage needs that are unique to your industry: From the equipment you use to conduct your business, the trucks you use to haul the equipment, and protection for the men who work for you, there are many needs to keep in mind, including the following.

General Liability Insurance

What happens if one of your employees accidentally kills the roots of a 300 year old twisted oak tree, cuts the wrong tree, or cuts a tree that falls onto a nearby home or vehicle? General Liability insurance provides protection for your business when you make mistakes in the course of your work.

Herbicide/Pesticide Coverage

While you go to great lengths to ensure that you use products that are safe for the plants and trees you care for, it’s quite possible that herbicides and/or pesticides may have unintended consequences if accidentally sprayed on decks, masonry, or trim on one of the homes you service. Most towns require a certificate of insurance confirming you have the coverage for your pesticide license.

Inland Marine Coverage

Your tools and equipment are investments in your business. Without them, your business cannot operate. When this equipment becomes damaged on a worksite, it can be devastating for your business. Landscaping insurance provides protection for these items when they are being used on job sites as well as covered if stolen when locked up.

Commercial Vehicle Insurance – Including trailers

This is something you can’t afford to go without as a contractor who visits job sites. One additional thought, however, is that if you have employees who also visit job sites in their vehicles on behalf of your business, you need to invest in landscaping liability insurance coverage for non-owned vehicles as well. This will help take the pressure off you and your business if they are at fault in an accident but have inadequate liability protection to cover the award made against them.

General Business Insurance Needs

The lawn care insurance coverages above are in addition to standard insurance protection that most businesses need. You still need the standard business owner’s policy. This policy will vary from one insurance provider to the next, but typically includes some or all of the coverages mentioned below:

• Business Property
• General Liability Insurance
• Business Income Protection
• Equipment Breakdown Coverage
• Snowplow Liability Insurance

But that isn’t all the coverage you’ll need as a business owner. Depending on the laws in your state and the size of your business, you may be required to purchase workers’ compensation coverage for your employees, commercial umbrella insurance, data breach coverage (if any business-related information is stored on computers, smartphones, etc.) and employment practices liability insurance.

Why Insurance Center of North Jersey?

Insurance Center of North Jersey has more than 80 years of experience serving the insurance needs of North Jersey businesses. We work with you to create a policy that’s tailored to your unique needs and that works with your budget. We go beyond that, though, by helping you to manage your risks as a business so that you can reduce your insurance costs over time.

With Insurance Center of North Jersey we specialize in minimizing your risks while working at the same time to make sure that your losses are limited when covered events occur.

Landscaping Insurance

Landscaping businesses have special needs and we at Balsiger Insurance have packages that provide the right coverage for you. Landscaping liability, property, equipment (Inland Marine), vehicles, worker’s compensation, umbrella, bonds….you name it we will find the best coverage at the best price! Are you a startup Landscaping business? No problem, we can help you put together the insurance you need! We work with lawn care companies throughout the United States. We can take care of your lawn care business insurance, just give us a call!

Properly insuring your landscaping business is critical. It helps minimize risks to your company while also giving your clients peace of mind when you work for them. As you consider who to work with keep in mind that as a broker we have access to the companies that specialize in your type of business. We also bring more to the table than just great pricing. Service after the purchase has to be a major consideration. When you call for a certificate we have procedures in place to get those to you within 24 hours and most times within a few hours! Nothing is more painful than not being able to get on a job site while you wait for your insurance agent to get you your certificate! As a landscaping business, you have special needs compared to other business insurance policies. With several insurance packages available, it is possible to find the right amount and type of protection for your company’s specific risks. Our team is here to help guide and support you along the way. Balsiger Insurance offers insurance for all needs, including property, liability insurance, vehicle coverage, worker’s compensation coverage, pollution, excess umbrella, employment practices, employee group health, Inland Marine equipment coverage and more.

Do You Need Landscaping Insurance for Your Startup?

If you are just getting your landscaping business off the ground, it is critical to have the right protections in place. Our team will work with you to learn the types of services you will be providing, the number of people you are employing, and the areas you’ll be working in. We will also talk to you about money-saving ways to cover all of your assets. Liability for landscaping companies is a critical investment, but it does not have to be expensive. Our team can help you balance both general liability and umbrella insurance to minimize any risks to your new company. Reach out to us to learn more about our startup landscaping company insurance packages.

Property and Liability Coverage

These packages are meant for those who are doing the hard work in the field. If you are a landscape architect or designer and do not perform the work yourself or you subcontract the work out, let us help you find a policy that better fits your needs.

Commercial General Liability Coverage for Landscaping Companies

Commercial general liability insurance is designed to protect you when others make claims against your business. It is the bedrock of protection for your company. It can be confusing, which is why we always provide one-on-one consultations, so you get just the right amount and type.

We offer a range of options to fit most needs. This includes:

• Primary Limits up to 3,000,000 Occurrence/Aggregate
• Blanket Additional Insured Endorsement available

• Waiver of Subrogation available

• Excess or Umbrella Limits up to 25,000,000 or more if required by your contracts
• Errors Omissions Coverage
• Medical Payments—5,000 Limit or more
• Pesticide/Herbicide Applicator Coverage—Up to Policy Limits available

In-Transit Pollution Coverage:

Property Coverage for Landscaping Businesses

If you operate your business out of a building, you may need proper coverage for it. You also own assets that are likely critical to the work you do. Our policies can help minimize risks to these assets. You never have to pay for more coverage than you need. You also always need to consider your coverage as your business grows.

We encourage you to select property insurance that covers your assets, including:

• Building
• Business Personal Property
• Business Income
• Basic, Broad or Special Form
• Replacement Cost or ACV
• Accounts Receivable

We also offer coverage for additional property you may own. If you have assets that fit into these areas, a customized policy can help cover your losses substantially. We offer coverage such as:

• Outside the Premises
• Computer Equipment
• Contractors’ Equipment
• Equipment Breakdown
• Outside Signs
• Valuable Papers

Crime Coverage for Landscaping Companies

Unfortunately, theft of money and/or your products by employees is an all to common occurrence. If you have employees that do your bookkeeping this is vital coverage. If you have employees picking up supplies you need to have coverage and also make sure you have proper procedures in place to prevent these types of thefts. We are here to provide suggestions.

• Inside the Premises—Theft of Money and Securities

• Inside the Premises—Robbery or Safe Burglary

• Employee theft of product
• Diversion of your bank funds
• Fraudulent invoices

How Much Does Landscaping Insurance Cost?

While numerous factors influence the cost of landscaping insurance as a small startup you might get started for 1,000-2,000 per year. It really depends on your size and exposures. When you reach out to our team at Balsiger Insurance, we will learn about your business, including what you do, the assets your company owns, and the type of risks you are facing. We then research companies like your own to find out what risks and claims they typically make. This, along with information about the size of your company and your sales, allows us to create a customized plan to address your needs. As your broker we can be your one stop for insurance. You have better things to do like build and maintain your business! Let us do the leg work in finding the best combination of pricing, coverage and of course service.

LAWN CARE INSURANCE IN MASSACHUSETTS

Operating a lawn care business can be a rewarding endeavor, but it comes with potential risks. From loss of property to liability lawsuits, businesses must protect themselves from a wide range of perils. Lawn care insurance generally helps Massachusetts businesses in this line of work shield themselves from certain covered risks.

Lawn care insurance policies are commercial insurance policies that have been tailor-made for lawn care businesses and others in this industry. Policies normally are package policies that bundle multiple coverages together, and businesses frequently can select the exact coverages which are included in their policy.

What Massachusetts Businesses is Landscaping Insurance Right For?

Generally speaking, most of the lawn care and landscaping businesses in Massachusetts ought to carry landscaping insurance. This often includes both residential lawn care companies and commercial landscapers, and some businesses that do landscaping on the side might even need the insurance.

Businesses that aren’t sure whether they need this form of commercial insurance should speak with an insurance agent who specializes in landscaping insurance. A specialized agent will be able to make an informed recommendation regarding policy selection after reviewing a business’ particular risk exposure.

What Coverages Are Included in Lawn Care Policies?

As stated, most lawn care policies come with multiple coverages. Many of these coverages can be segregated into property protections and liability protections.

Liability protections frequently encompass both protections that are broadly applicable across many industries and ones that used in a more limited number of sectors. Depending on a business’ specific needs, these might include:

• General Liability Coverage. which typically covers common accidents resulting in third-party injury or property damage
• Errors and Omissions (EO) Coverage. which typically covers mistakes made in a professional’s line of work
• Product Liability Coverage. which typically covers injuries and damage caused by sold products
• Pollution Liability Coverage. which typically covers harm and damage caused by chemicals (e.g. fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides)

Some of the property protections that lawn care businesses frequently need are:

• Commercial Property Coverage. which might cover company-owned facilities and equipment
• Inland Marine Coverage. which might cover mowers, trimmers and other equipment while they’re moved between sites
• Commercial Auto Coverage. which might cover company-owned vehicles

(Commercial auto coverage usually also provides certain liability protections in the event of an accident.)

Along with these, businesses may also want commercial umbrella, business interruption, cyber liability and other coverages. A knowledgeable agent can help businesses determine exactly which coverages they need.

Is Snowplowing Covered by Landscaping Policies?

Many landscaping policies can be adapted to cover snowplowing activities during the winter months, for insurance companies realize that a lot of landscaping companies also plow driveways and parking lots once the cold weather comes. Not all policies cover snowplowing, though, so businesses should review their policy’s terms and conditions carefully with an agent to determine whether they have snowplowing coverage.

Are Landscaping Insurance Policies Expensive?

Landscaping insurance policies vary in cost as premiums are based on many different factors. In most cases, however, policies tend to be affordable and almost certainly cost less than a major claim could run if no coverage is in place.

An independent agent can help businesses explore how much a policy that has the protections they need will be. Unlike most captive agents that are linked with a single insurance company, independent agents have the freedom to request quotes from multiple insurers and show businesses an array of policy options.

How Can Massachusetts Landscaping Businesses Get Lawn Care Insurance?

For help finding lawn care insurance, contact the independent insurance agents at Garrity Insurance. Our agents can show you policy options from many insurance companies in Massachusetts, and they have the expertise needed to help you select the best available policy for your business.

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.

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.