If you have a lawn care business, you serve an essential public duty by taking care of public parks, private homes, and other green spaces. You may never have considered it, but in many ways, this is similar to insurance. It requires attention to detail and performs a maintenance function to ensure clients are always well looked after. 

However, many lawn care professionals may never have considered the importance of lawn care to their business. Yet, without insurance, one accident can be the difference between a thriving business and financial ruin.

In this article, you will learn what types of coverage lawn care insurance includes and how to save money on the policies.

What Is Lawn Care Insurance?

Lawn care insurance is the name we give to the bundle of insurance policies gathered together for lawn care professionals' specific needs. They typically cover bodily injury, property damage, and any claims filed against your negligence. Each policy may be different, or you may purchase the various coverages separately. The choice is up to you. 

Do You Need Lawn Care Insurance?

For sole proprietors, you are held personally responsible for any damage or loss that occurs. Suppose you accidentally damage a customer’s property, or you unintentionally injure someone with your machinery. In that case, you will be required to pay for any costs that occur. This can include expensive lawsuits, so even if you are not at fault, you can still be bankrupted with legal fees.

Also, being covered by insurance will attract customers, mainly corporate clients. They may require you to purchase insurance before doing any business.

As mentioned, insurance providers often bundle together policies into a complete package. These can include general liability, commercial auto insurance, workers’ compensation, or a business owners’ policy.

What Policies Are Included in Lawn Care Insurance?

The exact composition of policies in your lawn care insurance will depend upon the nature of your business. If you are a small enterprise with no employees, your insurance needs will differ from a small business that runs an office. Therefore, discuss the best options with your insurance provider. However, the insurance policies most applicable include: 

• General liability insurance – Under general liability insurance, you will be covered for any bodily injury, property damage, or other liabilities described in your policy. Certain companies or clients will require you to have general liability insurance before being employed. It also guards against lawsuits due to negligence.
• Commercial auto insurance – Your primary money-making vehicle will be your mower, fertilizer, and other tools. Getting them to site is of the utmost importance. Suppose you use a vehicle to transport your mower to a job. In that case, you will need commercial auto insurance to cover the vehicle in the event of a collision or other events, such as fire, theft, or vandalism.
• Commercial property insurance – If you own or rent premises as office space or to store equipment, such as the mower, it will cover damage to the property. This can also include any contents, such as phones, computers, and furniture. 
• Business owners’ policy (BOP) – A BOP combines general liability insurance and commercial property insurance into one policy package. It can offer a cheaper way of getting insurance for lawn care professionals who own or rent a building.
• Workers’ compensation – If you employ additional workers in your lawn care business, then most states, by law, will require workers' comp. It covers any injuries or illnesses that occur while on the job and any legal fees from lawsuits. 
• Inland marine insurance – When moving your mowers and other machinery between sites, you will need inland marine insurance to protect them. Commercial auto insurance only protects the vehicle and will not cover the contents.
• Umbrella liability insurance – If you work on high-priced properties and are concerned your limits will not cover the damage you might inflict. Consider investing in an umbrella policy to extend your coverage.

How to Save Money on Lawn Care Insurance?

Insurance is designed to save you money in the long run. It is a safety net for when things go wrong. However, that shouldn’t stop you from trying to reduce the costs you pay. Here are some tips to consider when purchasing insurance:

• Do not go overboard – If you are a lone proprietor, there is no need to purchase every policy available. Focus on the risk in your day-to-day business and cover yourself accordingly.
• Combine policies – When purchasing many policies, it can be cheaper to get them all from the same provider, because then you can bundle them. Bundle discounts can save you a significant amount.
• Shop around – Though bundles can save you money, it is useful to shop around, looking for the best deal. Each insurance company assesses risk differently, and so their quotes differ. 
• Ask for discounts – Whenever you are purchasing insurance, always ask if there are any discounts available. You never know.
• Consider who you hire – When hiring employees to drive or manage equipment, it is beneficial to get low-risk people. Ask if they have a prior history of accidents. If they do, it can increase the cost of your insurance.
• Pay in full – Paying the entirety of your insurance in full, as opposed to monthly, earns significant discounts. 
• Raise your deductibles – Increasing deductibles naturally leads to lower premiums. However, you will need to cover the costs when filing a claim.

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