Landscaping Insurance Specialists: Same Day Coverage
Get tailored and hassle-free landscaping insurance with ContractorNerd
CONTRACTOR-SPECIALIST INSURANCE PROVIDERS
We cover what matters on the job.
Most insurance agents don’t understand what landscapers face day to day. We do. Landscaping insurance is our focus, so we know the risks, the seasonal pressures, and what really matters when you’re on site.
General Liability
Covers you when a client trips over equipment or a branch damages their property.
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Worker’s Compensation
If your crew gets injured operating equipment or suffers heat exhaustion, you’re covered.
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Commercial Auto
Protects your trucks and trailers so you can move between jobs worry-free.
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Builders Risk
Covers your project from materials to completion – because construction comes with enough risks already.
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Landscaping Insurance, Remodeled
Getting the right insurance shouldn’t be harder than the work itself. Most agents don’t understand outdoor crews, seasonal revenue, or the liability that comes with operating equipment on client property. At ContractorNerd, we’ve built a proprietary quote platform specifically designed for landscape contractors like you.
Faster, Simpler, Better
As trades-only specialists who work with outdoor contractors, we’ve completely remodeled the insurance experience to be faster, simpler, and more effective.
Compare in one place
Our technology connects you directly with carriers who understand mowing accidents, tree damage liability, and crew injuries, while our team of specialized agents provides expert guidance throughout the process.
Solutions for Any Size
Whether you run a one-truck maintenance operation or manage multiple crews installing hardscapes and irrigation systems, our platform delivers precisely what you need without the complexity or delays of traditional insurance.
What Is Landscaping Insurance?
ContractorNerd has analyzed real market data to give you clarity on what landscaping insurance actually costs and what you truly need. Drawing from over 800 general liability quotes and hundreds of workers’ comp policies across all 50 states, we’ve built transparency into a market that’s traditionally been opaque for outdoor contractors.
Key Takeaways
What Landscaping Insurance Do You Need?
For landscaping businesses, the right coverage evolves as you grow. Your insurance needs look different when you’re operating solo versus managing a full crew. Here’s a guideline:
For Solo Landscapers
1-3 Employees
For Small Landscaping Businesses
5+ Employees
For Established Landscaping Businesses
Essential Coverage
Landscapers Liability Insurance (General Liability)
Your core protection against property damage and bodily injury claims. This is what customers mean when they ask if you’re insured.
Ongoing Operations
Covers damage while you’re actively working on a property
Completed Operations
Critical protection for issues discovered after you finish, like drainage problems or settling hardscapes
Contractor License Bonds
Required in most states for your landscaping license. Pro tip: Buy in 3-year increments when possible to avoid lapses and save money (typically costs a few hundred dollars).
Recommended Additional Coverage
Tools and Equipment Coverage (Inland Marine)
Protects your mowers, trimmers, blowers, and heavy equipment from theft or damage
Contractor’s Errors & Omissions
Covers claims of faulty workmanship, materials, or design issues
Commercial Auto
Required if you have a dedicated work vehicle or truck
Workers Compensation
Required when you hire employees (not needed for subcontractors)
Installation Floater
Protects expensive materials in transit or stored at job sites (pavers, stone, irrigation components, plantings)
Commercial Property
Covers your nursery, storage yard, and office space
Umbrella Insurance
Extra liability protection as your revenue and high-risk projects increase
Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)
Protection against employee-related lawsuits
For Solo Landscapers
Essential Coverage
Recommended Additional Coverage
For Small Landscaping Businesses
2-3 Employees
All previous coverages, plus:
For Established Landscaping Businesses
All previous coverages, plus:
Landscaping General Liability Insurance Coverage
If there was a single coverage critical for all Landscapers, this is it. General Liability Insurance provides essential protection for landscape contractors because your work involves many risks every day: operating power equipment near structures, digging that can damage underground utilities, working on slopes and elevations, and more.
Core protection includes
Bodily Injury
A client, visitor or bystander getting hurt due to landscaping hazards or work activities.
Property
Damage
Accidental damage to a client’s home, lawn, irrigation lines, fencing, etc.
Add-On
Completed
Work
Lawsuits over landscaping issues from past completed jobs, such as failed drainage or settling retaining walls.
Bodily Injury
A client, visitor or bystander getting hurt due to landscaping hazards or work activities.
Property
DamageAccidental damage to a client’s home, lawn, irrigation lines, fencing, etc.
Add-On
Completed
WorkLawsuits over landscaping issues from past completed jobs, such as failed drainage or settling retaining walls.
Liability Limits for Landscapers
Typically, $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. Experts recommend a minimum of $1 million for adequate protection. Upgrading from $500k to $1M coverage usually slightly increases premiums but provides significantly better defense.
Classification Codes
Landscape contractors typically use class code 97047, but some lawn maintenance businesses use 0042
Key Factors Influencing Liability Quotes
Revenue
Higher revenue implies more work and higher risk, leading to increased quotes.
Policy Limits
Higher limits for specific projects or contracts may raise quotes.
Claims History
A history of frequent claims can result in higher quotes, similar to auto insurance.
Location
States with stricter regulations may have higher insurance quotes.
Services Offered
Different landscaping services have varying risks, affecting the insurance quote.
How Much Does Landscaping Insurance Cost?
Quote Study Findings
Quotes generally amount to 0.5% to 1.75% of annual revenue. Our analysis of over 800 General Liability insurance quotes from leading carriers reveals significant variations across different states and business sizes.
We analyzed quotes based on these business profiles
Revenue
$150K
1 owner with ~10% subcontracting and 5+ years operating without claims
Revenue
$500K
1 owner and 3 employees with ~10% subcontracting and 5+ years operating without claims
Revenue
$1M
1 owner and 5 employees with ~10% subcontracting and 5+ years operating without claims
We analyzed quotes based on these business profiles
Revenue Level
National Average
Favorable Rate
Potential Savings
Low % of Revenue
High % of Revenue
$150,000
$1,830
$1,110
39%
0.7%
1.8%
$500,000
$4,910
$2,980
39%
0.6%
1.5%
$1,000,000
$9,640
$4,840
50%
0.5%
1.4%
State-by-State Pricing Insights
To help landscape contractors better understand regional pricing variations, we’ve developed an in-depth resource examining landscaping insurance premiums in every state nationwide. This state-specific analysis reveals how local factors impact your actual costs and identifies opportunities for savings in your market. Explore our comprehensive guide to landscaping insurance cost by state for detailed premium breakdowns.
Landscaper Workers Comp Insurance Requirements
Workers’ Compensation Insurance is essential for landscapers, providing coverage for employee injuries or illnesses related to work. The premiums are based on job risk, classified by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) into class codes. Landscape contractors often fall under code 0042, with rates usually between $2.00 to $4.33 per $100 of employee payroll annually.
WC Policy Limits for Landscapers
State-dependent. Workers’ comp policies typically have unlimited benefits. However, limits can vary based on state rules.
WC Rates for Landscapers
$2.00 to $4.33 per $100 of payroll
Key Factors Influencing WC Premiums for Landscapers
Class Codes
Employees are grouped by job type and risk level. More hazardous roles equal higher premiums. Landscapers mainly use code 0042.
State Regulations
Each state governs workers’ comp regulations including benefits, claims processes, and baseline insurance rates. The cost of living and medical care also cause geographic variances in premiums.
Experience modifier
This figure represents your safety record. It begins at 1.0, then adjusts up or down based on your claims history. More incidents drive the modifier and premiums up.
Payroll Size
A key factor is gross payroll, calculated as payroll / $100 * rate * experience modifier. Higher payroll increases premiums.
If you’d like to see state specific details and try our calculator, check our guide on Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Landscaping Businesses.
Insurance For Landscaping Business That Expands Into Other Trades
If you’re a landscaper who’s branched out into hardscaping, tree work, or snow removal, your standard landscape contractor insurance isn’t going to cut it. The work is different, the risks are different, and your coverage needs to reflect that.
Doing paver or retaining wall installations? You need coverage that goes beyond basic landscaping. Property damage claims, structural failures, and drainage issues require masonry contractor insurance, not just landscape liability.
Handling tree removal or climbing services? Pruning shrubs is one thing. Removing 40-foot trees with a chainsaw and chipper needs tree service contractor coverage. Your landscape policy won’t protect you when someone claims a branch damaged their roof during removal.
Running a nursery operation or greenhouse? Growing and selling plants adds inventory risk and facility exposure that standard landscaping policies don’t address. You’ll need specialized greenhouse insurance to protect your growing facilities and plant stock.
Expanding into pool maintenance or cleaning? Working around water features and swimming pools introduces chemical liability and unique property damage risks. Pool cleaner insurance covers these specific exposures your landscape policy won’t.
Offering debris removal or cleanup services? Hauling away yard waste, storm debris, or construction materials requires coverage beyond typical landscape maintenance. Debris removal insurance protects against the unique risks of waste hauling operations.
Taking on gutter or minor roof work? Even small roof-related tasks like gutter cleaning or minor repairs need proper coverage. Roofing insurance addresses the elevated risk of working at heights and potential roof damage claims.
The bottom line: If you’re doing the work, you need the insurance. Don’t assume your landscape contractor policy covers these expanded services. Many landscaping businesses also offer lawn care services, which may require specific coverage considerations. A single uncovered claim from any of these specialized services can wipe out years of profit.
Talk to your insurance provider about adding trade-specific coverage, or you’re gambling every time you take on one of these jobs.
Insurance For Landscaping Business That Expands Into Other Trades
Additional Landscaping Insurance Coverage Options
As your landscaper contracting business expands, these additional coverage types merit careful consideration beyond your core insurance portfolio:
Tools & Equipment Coverage
(Inland Marine Policy)
Specially designed to protect your mowers, trimmers, blowers, aerators, and power equipment whether stored in your truck or deployed at job sites. This coverage addresses theft, accidental damage, or mysterious disappearance.
Professional Liability Insurance
Safeguards your business when clients allege professional mistakes or oversights in your landscape services. Whether it’s claims of poor drainage design, irrigation system failures causing water damage, or plantings that don’t survive as promised, this coverage handles defense costs and damages. Protection includes negligent workmanship allegations, attorney fees, and court awards.
Commercial Auto Coverage
Essential protection for your fleet of service trucks and vans used in daily operations. Standard personal auto coverage excludes commercial landscaping work, leaving dangerous gaps in your protection when transporting crews and equipment between job sites.
Landscaping License Bonds
Financial guarantees that demonstrate your commitment to completing projects according to specifications and local regulations. Many municipalities require bonds for landscaping licenses. Bonds range $5,000-$25,000, costing 1-3% based on credit:
Quote Summary by Revenue Level
Bond Required
Top-Tier Credit
Standard Credit
Challenged Credit
$5,000
$100-$150
$150-$200
$200-$400
$10,000
$100-$300
$300-$500
$500-$1,000
$15,000
$150-$400
$400-$750
$750-$1,500
$20,000
$180-$500
$500-$1,000
$1,000-$2,000
$25,000
$200-$500
$500-$1,200
$1,200-$2,500
Regulations vary dramatically. California landscape contractors need $15,000 bonds while Texas imposes no blanket requirement.
Commercial Property and Business Personal Property
Comprehensive coverage securing your workspace and materials (equipment, fertilizer, plants, stone, pavers) from perils including fire, criminal activity, storm damage, and malicious mischief. Vital for operations maintaining nursery yards, equipment storage facilities, or office locations.
Landscaping Contractor Business Package
Intelligently combines liability and property coverages into a streamlined policy. Perfect for established landscape companies with fixed locations, addressing customer accidents, property destruction, equipment loss, and revenue interruptions. Often delivers cost savings versus standalone policies, though customization options become limited.
Excess Liability / Umbrella Coverage
Instead of boosting individual policy limits, this coverage stacks additional protection atop your existing liability, fleet, and workers’ compensation policies. When catastrophic claims exhaust primary coverage, this backup fund activates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of insurance do landscapers need?
You’ll need General Liability (class code 97047) as your foundation coverage, plus Workers’ Comp (class code 0042) once you hire employees. Most contractors also grab commercial auto and tools coverage. If you’re doing hardscaping or irrigation work, definitely add an umbrella policy, those claims can get expensive fast.
How much does insurance cost for a landscaping business?
Expect to pay 0.5% to 1.75% of your annual revenue for general liability. So if you’re pulling in $500K yearly, that’s roughly $2,500-$8,750. Workers’ comp runs $2.00-$4.33 per $100 of payroll.
Do I need workers’ comp for my landscaping crew?
Yeah, workers’ comp is mandatory once you hire W2 employees in basically every state. It’ll cost you $2.00-$4.33 per $100 of payroll for class code 0042. Make sure your subs are covered too.
What’s the minimum insurance coverage for landscapers?
Most landscapers carry at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate for general liability. You can secure lower limit policies but any commercial job will require at least $1M/$2M limits, sometimes $2M/$4M limits. Increasing from $500K limits to $1M barely impacts your premium but seriously ups your protection.