Arborists, landscapers, and other tree care professionals face many different risks related to the conditions they work in, the tools and equipment they use, and other factors. Therefore, it’s essential for these professionals to carry tree trimming insurance to protect themselves from these liabilities, regardless of the size of their business or the number of years of experience they have.
Risks Of Being An Uninsured Arborist
If you’re an uninsured (or unlicensed) arborist, you risk paying larger sums to resolve claims associated with the following.:
General Liability
If you fail to have general liability , you risk paying more out-of-pocket following incidents involving customer personal injuries, customer property damage, or advertising injuries. Lawsuits arising from these types of claims can be significantly more costly without insurance. Additionally, you may find it more difficult to qualify for contracts and leases without this coverage.
Workers’ Compensation
An uninsured or unlicensed arborist risks injuring not only customers, but themselves and their employees as well. Workers’ comp insurance covers lost income and medical expenses for any employees who suffer injuries or illnesses while on the job (e.g. falling from a tree and breaking limbs, electrocution, exposure to pesticides, falling debris, insect and animal-related injuries, etc.). Nearly every state requires businesses to carry this coverage, so be sure to research the laws in your location.
Contractors’ Tools And Equipmentv
Tools and equipment that arborists commonly use—such as climbing gear, helmets, ropes, chainsaws, axes, woodchippers, trimmers, and pruners—can often be stolen, lost, or damaged. This coverage can pay for the cost to repair or replace these items. Be sure to check with your insurer whether supplies like pesticides are covered by contractors’ tools and equipment insurance.
Commercial Auto
Accidents involving commercial vehicles can happen to arborist businesses just like any other business. Therefore, be sure to purchase this insurance in order to avoid paying more for property damage or medical bills following an accident. Depending on the insurance company and policy, you may have more comprehensive coverage that protects you against theft, vandalism, or weather-related incidents that cause damage to your vehicles (cars, vans, trucks, etc.).
Cyber Liability
Cybersecurity attacks such as data breaches can severely affect arborist businesses. If you conduct any part of your business online, be sure to acquire this coverage so that you can minimize the losses that result from such an attack. In the post-pandemic world, it’s especially important to have cyber liability insurance so that you can prevent criminals from stealing your organization’s or customers’ personal information (credit card details, social security number, phone number, address, etc.).
Inland Marine
Inland marine insurance covers tools, supplies, and other goods that are in-transit. Be sure to ask your insurer whether high-value items are covered by this type of insurance.
Environmental Or Pollution Liability
Sometimes, the work performed by arborists can create pollution or cause other types of environmental damage. This type of coverage will pay for cleanup costs in these cases.
Business Interruption
Business interruption (or “loss of income” insurance) covers you after your business is forced to temporarily close due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or pandemic. This coverage can help you pay for routine expenses like rent and utilities.
Directors’ And Officers (D&O)
This insurance will protect you if your arborist business’s executives are targeted in a lawsuit involving a claim of failure to indemnify.
Employment Practices Liability
Employment practices liability insurance covers you if one of your employees sues you for wrongful termination, sexual harassment, or discrimination. If you fail to acquire any of these coverages, you may likely risk paying more to resolve or settle claims associated with all of these incidents. As with any other type of insurance, be sure to speak with an experienced agent so that you may obtain a policy that fits your unique needs and budget. Some insurers may also allow you to “bundle” several policies so that you can save money.
Speak To The Tree Trimming Insurance Insurance Experts
Contact the professionals at John M. Glover to learn more about the risks of being an uninsured arborist. Since 1916, we’ve been dedicated to providing high-quality tree trimming insurance solutions to clients throughout Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Hawaii, and Massachusetts. As an independent agency, we work closely with many well-established and reliable insurance firms.
If you’re an arborist, landscaper or other type of tree care worker, we highly recommend that you purchase arborist insurance. At JMG, we understand the risks associated with tree care and are committed to protecting you from these incidents. Our policies cover general liability, workers’ comp, commercial auto, and contractors’ tools and equipment insurance. The cost of your policy will depend on multiple factors, including your location, the type of services you provide, your annual revenue, and the number of employees your business hires.
Call JMG Insurance Agency or contact us online for more information about tree trimming insurance.