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What is landscaping insurance?

Landscaping insurance is a broad term for different policies that protect you when unexpected challenges arise.

Landscaping is all about designing and maintaining green outdoor spaces, planting, improving appearance and preventing soil erosion. Consequently, the job involves significant risk, especially when operating heavy machinery and power tools, such as industrial lawn mowers, power edgers and chainsaws. Accidents and injuries can happen and that's where landscaping insurance comes in, acting as a reliable safety net to keep your business running smoothly.

Who needs landscaping insurance?

If you’re in the landscaping business, landscaping insurance is highly recommended, given all the risks involved. Here’s who should have protection:

Freelance landscapers: You independent landscapers taking on different gigs.

Contract landscapers: Those of you hired on a contract basis for various clients—don’t leave yourself unprotected!

Specialized landscapers: If you’re diving into hardscaping or irrigation, you might need some extra coverage, especially when you’re handling heavy-duty equipment or hazardous materials.

Consultant landscapers: You savvy experts dishing out advice for landscaping projects.

Businesses offering landscaping services: If you’re running a landscaping company, insurance is necessary to guard against any liability claims that could come your way.

What does landscaping insurance cover?

Landscaping insurance typically includes three main types of coverage:

Professional liability insurance: Your backup for any professional mistakes. If a drainage installation goes wrong and damages property, for example, this insurance will help with the costs.

Commercial general liability insurance (CGL): It's an essential coverage for all landscapers. CGL insurance will protect you when someone sues you for damage to their property, or for causing an injury. For example, if a tree you're sawing falls onto a client’s car, this coverage would help with the cost of legal fees and damages.

Tools and equipment insurance: Items belonging to your business may be defined as "equipment" or "tools." Items over $1,500 are considered equipment, while those under the threshold are considered tools. This type of coverage will protect your tools and equipment in the event something is lost, stolen or damaged.

What insurance add-ons are recommended for landscapers?

Commercial property insurance: This is one of the most popular add-ons for landscapers. It protects your business from financial losses due to damages to your physical assets, like buildings and equipment. For landscapers, it’s essential for covering your tools and machinery when they aren't in use. If a storm takes out your storage shed and equipment, this insurance has your back for the repair or replacement costs.

Commercial auto insurance: If you’re using a work vehicle, you’ll need this coverage. It covers accidents, theft or damage. So, if one of your service trucks gets into a fender bender while on the job, commercial auto insurance helps with repair costs and liability claims.

Business interruption insurance: Every landscaper should consider business interruption insurance. This coverage helps cover your fixed expenses, such as salaries and rent, in case of emergencies that temporarily cause you to shut down operations.

How much does landscaping insurance cost in Canada?

Costs can vary based on several factors. The type of coverage, the size of your business and your claims history all impact your premiums.

Generally, landscapers will pay between $500 and $5,000 annually. To find out which end of the range your business slides into - or even if you're within this range at all - you'll need to get a landscaping insurance quote.

What factors determine the cost of landscaper insurance rates?

Several variables can affect what you pay for landscaping insurance in Canada:

Geographic location: Premiums can differ based on where you’re working. Areas prone to destructive weather and large cities usually lead to higher premiums.

Revenue: Higher earnings may lead to higher premiums. This is because coverages like business interruption insurance will require your insurance provider to pay more if you make a claim.

Experience & claims history: More experienced landscapers often see lower rates, thanks to a solid track record. Just as having a clean decades-long driving record will reduce your car insurance rate, a clean business record helps keep landscaping insurance costs down.

Workforce size: More employees means more risk. A company with 10 employees will usually pay more for landscaping insurance than a company with three employees.

Tools and equipment: The type and value of your tools can influence premiums. The more expensive the replacement cost, the higher your premiums will be.

Specific risks: Using heavy machinery or working with hazardous materials will impact costs because of the increased risk.

How does landscaping insurance work?

When you file a claim, your insurer looks into it. If the nature of your claim is covered, they’ll reimburse you for costs up to your policy limits. It’s a way to help you manage losses and keep your business running smoothly.

How to get the cheapest landscaping insurance quote?

Here are some straightforward tips for scoring cheap landscaping insurance:

Limited coverage: Only buy what you need. If you don’t have a physical location for your business, skip the commercial property insurance to get a lower quote. It's important to have all the coverage you need, but you don't want to pay for anything irrelevant.

Shop around: Compare different landscaping insurance policies. Seeing what different insurance providers offer will help you get the best coverage at the best price.

Bundle policies: Consider bundling your landscaping insurance with other policies, like general liability or property insurance. Combining policies can help reduce costs.

Maintain safety standards: Implementing safety measures can decrease the risk of accidents that lead to claims. A clean claims record can in turn earn you lower premiums.

Choose deductibles wisely: Opt for a higher deductible, which will lower your premium. Just make sure it’s an amount you can handle if a claim comes up.