Lawn Care Insurance: The Top Risks in Your Field and the Policies to Protect Against Them
From equipment theft to chemical exposure, the lawn care industry is not without its fair share of risks. Lawn care companies typically face three primary risks: general liability, commercial automobile exposure, and worker safety. Protecting your lawn care business from risks is not just about compliance—it’s about ensuring long-term success. By understanding common industry risks and securing the right insurance policies, you can focus on growing your business with peace of mind.
Read the article below, which includes expert tips from Thomas McMillan, commercial lines staff underwriter at Central Insurance, to explore the top risks facing lawn care companies and the insurance policies that can protect against them.
Risk #1 – Lawn Care Insurance Protects From Accidents With Clients
Your lawn care business doesn’t exist without clients, but clients also mean the potential for liability exposure is at full throttle. Common claims that can impact lawn care businesses include misapplication of chemicals that cause harm to client property, accidents where your equipment damages a vehicle or structure like an in-ground sprinkler system, and injuries to third parties while on the jobsite.
The good news is that general liability insurance can help in all of these situations. General liability is essential as it helps mitigate financial losses from legal damages and medical costs resulting from bodily injury and damage to a client’s property.
McMillan notes that if your lawn care business primarily serves commercial clients, the risks can be greater due to the nature of the properties. Commercial lawns, such as golf courses or athletic fields, may be revenue sources, making any damage more financially impactful. Even for non-revenue-generating properties, commercial entities typically have greater financial resources and are more likely to pursue litigation than residential clients. As a result, servicing commercial properties often carries a higher level of exposure and liability.
Learn more: What Commercial Insurance Policy Does My Business Need?
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Risk #2 – Lawn Care Insurance Protects a Fleet That’s Always on the Move
Your lawn care operations rely heavily on vehicles to transport equipment and crews. Plus, there’s greater auto liability exposure as lawn care crews spend considerable time on the road, often traveling to 10–12 job sites daily. They frequently haul equipment like blowers, mowers, trimmers, and even larger machinery such as Bobcats for landscaping, which adds to your risk.
Given the extensive time spent on the road, accidents can happen. Ensuring broad coverage for all vehicles and trailers with commercial auto insurance can protect against costly repair and liability expenses.
The commercial auto component of lawn care insurance can cover vehicle collisions, including damage to company fleet vehicles and third-party property, liability for bodily injuries sustained in accidents, and coverage for trailers hauling mowing equipment.
Risk #3 – Lawn Care Insurance Protects Workers Exposed to Hazards
Managing a successful lawn care business involves more than maintaining beautiful lawns for your clients; it also requires safeguarding your employees and livelihood against various risks related to workplace injuries. With more than one million people employed in this industry, that’s a lot of potential risk!
“Lawn care employees face common risks associated with strenuous labor, including slips, falls, back strains, and joint injuries like knee and shoulder issues,” McMillan explains. “Working outdoors on various properties also increases exposure to hazards such as heat stroke, lightning, and dog bites. Additionally, frequent handling of chemicals like herbicides and pesticides can lead to long-term health issues, potentially resulting in workers’ compensation claims.”
Workers’ Compensation is essential due to the physically demanding nature of the work. In most states, businesses with employees must carry Workers’ Compensation insurance to cover medical expenses for job-related injuries. This coverage helps you manage financial risks while ensuring compliance with state regulations, avoiding potential fines for noncompliance.
Customizing Lawn Care Insurance for Your Business Needs
Every lawn care business is unique, and your insurance policies should reflect specific operational risks. There are several ways to adjust your insurance coverage to fit your business needs.
A Commercial Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) is designed for small to mid-sized lawn care businesses, offering bundled coverage at a more affordable rate. This streamlined policy provides access to necessary coverage limits while potentially reducing premium costs. A BOP is a valuable option, complemented by specialized endorsements tailored to lawn care operations, such as inland marine coverage to protect your lawn care equipment from theft and damage and customized general liability protection to ensure comprehensive coverage for businesses of every size.
The Central Difference
Central provides specialized protection for lawn care companies, leveraging deep expertise in the construction industry and dedicated loss control personnel. Our team helps clients identify and mitigate risks, implement safety controls, and manage exposures to reduce claims. By recommending tools like telematics to monitor driver behavior, we assist businesses in proactively enhancing safety and ensuring proper risk management for long-term success.
When selecting an insurance provider, it’s important to prioritize:
Comprehensive coverage options tailored to lawn care operations
Financial stability to ensure claims can be paid promptly
Loss control services for effective risk management
Contact a local, independent Central agent today for a lawn care insurance quote or to learn more.
The information above is of a general nature and your policy and coverages provided may differ from the examples provided. Please read your policy in its entirety to determine your actual coverage available.
Products underwritten by Central Insurance and affiliated companies.
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