Arborists, who typically work either privately or for tree companies or landscaping organizations, have inherently dangerous jobs. These workers are generally certified to trim and prune trees, remove them, and treat any issues or diseases they have. Arborists must always remain up-to-date on the latest tree care-related techniques and technologies. It’s also essential for these professionals to carry arborist insurance so they can protect themselves against certain risks. Here is an analysis of why arborists need insurance.
What Does Arborist Insurance Cover?
Although the exact coverages may vary depending on the insurer, most arborist insurance policies cover:
General liability: This insurance covers client injuries and property damage, as well as advertising injuries in many cases. General liability insurance can often help you pay for attorneys fees and other legal costs in the event of a lawsuit.
Workers’ compensation: This covers you in the event that one of your employees suffers an illness or injury on the job. The exact laws for workers’ comp vary by state, although nearly every state requires this type of coverage.
Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance: If any of the materials you use — such as axes, shears, climbing gear, and chainsaws — become damaged, stolen, or lost, this coverage will pay for the cost to repair or replace said tools.
Commercial auto: This insurance covers any damages and medical payments that result from an accident involving vehicles your arborist business owns, like cars and trucks. Your policy can include either comprehensive or collision coverage.
Who Needs Arborist Insurance?
Professionals who can benefit significantly from purchasing arborist insurance include tree trimmers and pruners, tree removal specialists, tree pest management workers, landscape professionals, and municipal tree care workers. It’s important to keep in mind that of all these types of professionals, landscapers have slightly different responsibilities than arborists and other tree care workers. Landscapers typically install hardscape, irrigate and maintain lawns, mulch, and prepare garden beds.
Why Does An Arborist Need Insurance?
Arborists face many different types of risks, including:
- Damages to third-party properties
- Damage, theft, or loss of equipment and vehicles
- Injury to third parties resulting from negligence, equipment malfunction or use of toxic materials (e.g. exposure to pesticides)
- Injuries caused by other people or animals (such as insect stings that cause allergic reactions)
- Onsite illnesses and injuries (e.g. injuries due to falling branches, electrocution from overhead power lines, etc.)
- Accidents involving commercial vehicles
- Exposure to errors and omissions arising from faulty advice, (e.g. landscape consulting services)
According to the Tree Care Industry Association, (TCIA) falls represent the top reason for injuries sustained by tree care workers (44% of all fatal accidents), followed by “contact with objects and equipment.” The TCIA’s research also revealed that the majority of the victims of these incidents were older men: 99% of all fatalities happened to male workers and just over half involved professionals over age 45.
When evaluating your risks and liabilities, think about the specific type of tree-related work you do, the equipment and vehicles you use, and any other factors that influence the likelihood of injuries, illnesses and damage. An experienced insurance agent can help you find a policy that fits your unique needs.
Cost Of Arborist Insurance
The average cost of an arborist insurance policy depends on multiple factors, including:
- Location (state or city)
- Total revenue
- Number of employees
- Types of services offered
- Commercial equipment and property
Speak To The Arborist Insurance Experts
Reach out to the experienced agents at John M. Glover to learn more about arborist and tree removal insurance and its benefits. Since 1916, we’ve been dedicated to providing high-quality insurance solutions to people and businesses throughout Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Hawaii, and Massachusetts. As an independent agency, we work closely with many well-known and reliable insurance firms.
If you’re an arborist or own any type of tree removal or landscaping business, we highly recommend that you purchase arborist insurance. AT JMG, we understand the many risks that these professionals face every day and are thus committed to offering policies that fit your needs. Our policies include coverages such as general liability, workers’ comp, commercial auto, and contractor’s tools and equipment insurance. By acquiring this type of policy, you can significantly reduce the amount you have to pay to resolve damages and lawsuits.
Our agents have years of experience serving both small and mid-sized businesses and can thus tailor policies to fit your needs. Call JMG today or contact us online for more information.
