Tree Service Insurance: What You Need to Know

Whether you’re ready to stop spending the weekend trimming dead branches, there are many benefits to outsourcing regular tree service to a professional. When vetting different contractors, it’s important to ask about tree service insurance coverage. Learn the tree service insurance requirements to ensure you’re covered at all times.

What Is Tree Service Insurance? 

Tree service insurance is essential coverage for businesses that provide tree-related services, from trimming and maintenance to full removal. This type of insurance covers providers in the event of bodily injury, property damages, or equipment damage. When shopping around for a local tree service to hire, it’s important to verify that their business holds tree service insurance to protect everyone involved with the transaction.

Types of Tree Service Insurance Coverage for Contractors

A pro can keep your yard looking picture-perfect year-round. But before that can happen, use these tips to find the best tree service company for your needs. Your tree service company should have both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, but there are a couple of other options that would also be great for them to have.

Don’t assume that a tree service company that says they’re insured has the proper coverage. There are several different types of insurance that help cover a variety of potential situations. Having the right insurance policies in place helps mitigate the risks when hiring a contractor for any type of tree removal, trimming, or other maintenance.

Since some companies may not have any insurance, decide what your tree service insurance requirements are and then ask for proof that they carry them. Here’s a look at the various types of insurance for tree service contractors.

General Liability Insurance

General liability coverage is a broad insurance that protects both the homeowner and the tree business in the instance of an accident or damages. If bodily injury or property damage occurs during the course of the work, a general liability policy will offer protection in the case of a lawsuit.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance offers coverage in instances where a tree care professional provided false information or bad advice. This type of policy is also known as Errors & Omissions, and it’s recommended that tree service companies carry this type of policy to protect against any disputes over potential negligence.

Inland Marine Insurance

Although the name sounds nautical, inland marine insurance refers to land-based equipment that tree companies use. This type of coverage protects the tools and supplies that may be transported from the business premises to a job site. This could include the theft, damage, or loss of chainsaws, ladders, stump grinders, tablets, and computers.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Work-related injuries are some of the most costly claims, so carrying comprehensive workers’ compensation coverage is essential for any tree service business. As a homeowner, you accept the potential liabilities for any accidents or damage that may occur on your property, and this coverage protects you as well. No matter how large or small the tree service is, every employee needs to be protected with adequate workers’ comp insurance.

What Are the Insurance Requirements for Tree Services?

Tree service is a job that comes with a good deal of risk for workers, who must maneuver around power lines, tackle fallen tree branches, and work with heavy equipment. That’s why it’s a good idea to leave these tasks to the professionals and hire outside contractors.

As such, you’ll need to consider what’s important when hiring a tree service, and take the time to do a little research. Contracting a company without tree service insurance can mean that any damage or accidents that occur on your property are your responsibility. This can also leave you vulnerable to lawsuits.

Some tree contractors may operate a business without any insurance at all, so it’s crucial you properly vet them before hiring. Look for a tree company or contractor with both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, at minimum.

What to Look for When Hiring a Tree Service Pro

When you’re ready to hire a tree service professional, there are several best practices to follow to ensure you find the right pro for your task. 

1. Request a Certificate of Insurance

Any reputable business will have no problem sharing their certificates of insurance, so don’t be afraid to ask! Tree removal can be dangerous work, and double-checking for proper tree insurance coverage will help protect everyone. Before hiring a tree service professional, request copies of their policy documents and hold off on entering into a contract until you’ve had a chance to review them.

2. Get Quotes from Multiple Services

As with most large projects, it’s a good idea to bring a few different companies out to evaluate and provide quotes. Be sure to ask the representative what kind of training their tree crews have, and how they maintain a safe environment for both the workers and the property owners. 

3. Research the Tree Service Pro

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential pros, complete some deep-dive research into your favorite option. Decide what your insurance requirements are for tree service companies and ask them to confirm they carry those types. Read reviews and check references when evaluating local tree service contractors to find exactly the right business for your needs.