Having the right insurance protects your landscaping business. General liability insurance is critical if your work accidentally damages property or injures clients or others. Without proper coverage, one lawsuit could shut down your business permanently.
We’ve created a guide explaining what’s included in a policy, average costs, and how to get insured. For more details on General Liability, check out our General Liability Insurance guide.
We’ve also analyzed 1,127 landscaper liability quotes nationwide for businesses of all sizes. While your costs may vary based on your specific risks, this overview provides a reliable benchmark to make smart coverage decisions.
What is General Liability Insurance for Landscapers?
General liability insurance protects your landscaping business if you accidentally cause property damage or injuries to clients or others. As a landscaper working on other people’s properties, there’s a high risk of accidents happening.
Without this coverage, one incident could bankrupt your company from lawsuits over damages. For example, if you drop a tree on a client’s roof or a pedestrian trips over your tools and gets injured, you’d be responsible for paying all repair and medical costs out-of-pocket.
General liability covers legal fees to defend you, as well as any settlements or awards up to the policy limits. It’s essential protection for landscapers to have, since you frequently work on other people’s property where accidents can easily occur.
The policy covers bodily injuries, property damage, personal injury (like defamation), and advertising injuries caused by your operations. It could pay for repairs to client’s property, pedestrian medical bills, lost wages, pain/suffering damages, and more if you’re found legally responsible. This insurance is crucial for a landscaping business to have to prevent a single incident from forcing you to shut down permanently.
What Landscaping Risks Are NOT Covered By General Liability Insurance?
While general liability insurance provides broad protection, it doesn’t cover everything. There are some claims that are typically not covered by general liability insurance:
- Work you’re not qualified/licensed to perform
- Injuries to your own employees (covered by workers’ comp)
- Intentional illegal acts or damage
- Normal wear and tear over time
- Pre-existing property issues out of your control
- Faulty work/replacing your defective work product
- Damage to your own tools/equipment
- Vehicle/auto accidents (requires commercial auto insurance)
- Product liability for any products you manufacture/distribute
General liability only covers accidents arising from your authorized landscaping operations that you’re properly trained to do. It doesn’t apply to losses stemming from intentional misconduct, gradual issues, product defects, vehicle accidents, or risks outside your normal landscaping duties. Separate coverages are needed for some of those exposures.
ContractorNerd’s Study: Cost of General Liability Insurance For Landscapers
We analyzed 1,127 general liability insurance quotes for landscaping businesses across different states and company sizes. While precise rates are highly individualized, average annual premiums for landscapers typically range from:
- Sole Proprietor Landscaper ($150K Revenue) – $1,000 to $6,500
- Small Landscaping Contractor ($500K Revenue) – $3,000 to $20,500
- Medium Landscaping Contractor ($1M Revenue) – $4,800 to $25,000
Your location, services offered, experience level, claims history and other factors impact your final costs. But this gives you a general benchmark for budgeting adequate general liability coverage for your landscaping operation. Proper insurance is crucial to protect against costly accidents and lawsuits that could devastate your business financially.
For a small landscaping contractor grossing around $500k per year, a typical insurance premium may be in the $5K range, while a 5-person contractor doing $1 million in revenue may pay around $9K annually.
New landscaping ventures starting without any history may pay 25%+ more initially, as insurers need time to evaluate the risk. After successfully operating for several years without any incidents, premiums often decrease, reflecting a more favorable risk assessment.
Below a table summarizing typical general liability insurance premiums for landscapers and landscaping contractors based on a sample of states. Each scenario assumes the following for each revenue size:
- $150K Revenue: Assumes 1 owner and 1 employee with < 15% subcontracting costs and 5+ years of operating without claims.
- $500K Revenue: Assumes 1 owner and 2-3 employees with < 15% subcontracting costs and 5+ years of operating without claims.
- $1M Revenue: Assumes 1 owner and 4-5 employees with < 15% subcontracting costs and 5+ years of operating without claims.
Average Landscaper General Liability Insurance Premiums by State
| State | $150K Revenue | $500K Revenue | $1M Revenue |
| 50 State Avg. | $1,810 | $4,832 | $9,602 |
| Alabama | $1,700 | $4,500 | $8,800 |
| Alaska | $1,500 | $3,100 | $5,900 |
| Arizona | $1,100 | $2,800 | $5,000 |
| Arkansas | $1,100 | $2,700 | $4,800 |
| California | $2,300 | $6,900 | $13,200 |
| Colorado | $1,600 | $4,200 | $7,800 |
| Connecticut | $2,700 | $7,700 | $15,700 |
| Delaware | $2,400 | $6,100 | $11,000 |
| Florida | $1,700 | $4,600 | $10,700 |
| Georgia | $1,300 | $3,400 | $6,400 |
| Hawaii | $1,900 | $6,500 | $11,300 |
| Idaho | $1,200 | $3,100 | $6,200 |
| Illinois | $3,000 | $8,300 | $16,400 |
| Indiana | $1,500 | $4,200 | $8,500 |
| Iowa | $1,100 | $3,000 | $5,900 |
| Kansas | $1,200 | $3,400 | $7,200 |
| Kentucky | $1,200 | $2,800 | $5,100 |
| Louisiana | $2,900 | $7,800 | $15,400 |
| Maine | $1,400 | $4,000 | $7,800 |
| Maryland | $1,100 | $2,700 | $5,200 |
| Massachusetts | $1,700 | $4,500 | $8,400 |
| Michigan | $1,400 | $3,700 | $7,400 |
| Minnesota | $1,100 | $3,100 | $6,300 |
| Mississippi | $2,100 | $5,700 | $11,700 |
| Missouri | $1,300 | $3,700 | $7,300 |
| Montana | $1,600 | $4,700 | $8,700 |
| Nebraska | $1,300 | $3,500 | $6,900 |
| Nevada | $2,500 | $6,500 | $13,000 |
| New Hampshire | $2,000 | $5,700 | $11,000 |
| New Jersey | $3,500 | $9,200 | $20,500 |
| New Mexico | $1,700 | $4,400 | $8,500 |
| New York | $9,600 | $25,400 | $56,500 |
| North Carolina | $1,200 | $2,900 | $5,900 |
| North Dakota | $1,400 | $3,800 | $7,100 |
| Ohio | $1,000 | $2,700 | $5,500 |
| Oklahoma | $1,200 | $3,300 | $6,800 |
| Oregon | $1,200 | $2,900 | $5,900 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,600 | $7,100 | $15,000 |
| Rhode Island | $2,400 | $6,300 | $12,200 |
| South Carolina | $1,700 | $4,400 | $8,600 |
| South Dakota | $1,700 | $4,400 | $8,500 |
| Tennessee | $1,400 | $3,800 | $8,000 |
| Texas | $1,400 | $3,400 | $6,600 |
| Utah | $1,400 | $3,600 | $6,400 |
| Vermont | $1,000 | $2,700 | $4,500 |
| Virginia | $1,000 | $2,400 | $4,800 |
| Washington | $1,600 | $4,100 | $8,000 |
| West Virginia | $2,000 | $4,800 | $8,700 |
| Wisconsin | $1,500 | $4,100 | $7,100 |
| Wyoming | $1,100 | $3,000 | $6,000 |
These figures should be used as a guide, and specific premiums can vary based on factors like location, type of landscaping services offered, and other unique characteristics of the business. It may be beneficial to consult with an insurance professional who specializes in the landscaping industry to get an accurate quote tailored to your particular situation.
Contractor Nerd’s Study: Potential Savings for Landscapers Liability
We analyzed 1,127 general liability quotes for landscaping businesses across different states and company sizes. Because risks vary so much, one-size-fits-all policies often leave you underinsured or overpaying.
Working with an independent insurance agent specializing in the landscaping industry is key. They can tailor coverage to your specific risks and services while finding cost-saving measures like:
- Matching liability limits to your likely risk scenarios
- Adding supplemental coverages you need (products, completed ops, etc.)
- Meeting unique state/local requirements
- Accessing group discounts
- Excluding unnecessary coverages to lower premiums
With their expertise, you’ll avoid overpaying while ensuring your major liability risks are fully covered. The financial protection and peace of mind make general liability insurance essential for prudent landscaping businesses. By working with a specialized agent, landscapers may be able to secure lower premiums and savings like those listed in the table below.
Favorable Rates & Implied Savings on Landscaper General Liability Insurance Premiums
| State | $150K Revenue | $500K Revenue | $1M Revenue | |||
| Favorable Rate | Implied Savings | Favorable Rate | Implied Savings | Favorable Rate | Implied Savings | |
| 50 State Avg. | $1,070 | 41% | $2,912 | 40% | $4,540 | 53% |
| Alabama | $1,000 | 41% | $2,300 | 49% | $3,600 | 59% |
| Alaska | $600 | 60% | $2,300 | 26% | $4,600 | 22% |
| Arizona | $500 | 55% | $1,000 | 64% | $2,100 | 58% |
| Arkansas | $500 | 55% | $900 | 67% | $2,000 | 58% |
| California | $1,300 | 43% | $3,700 | 46% | $7,900 | 40% |
| Colorado | $1,100 | 31% | $3,300 | 21% | $6,000 | 23% |
| Connecticut | $1,900 | 30% | $4,800 | 38% | $7,800 | 50% |
| Delaware | $1,200 | 50% | $1,900 | 69% | $2,800 | 75% |
| Florida | $800 | 53% | $2,900 | 37% | $6,700 | 37% |
| Georgia | $500 | 62% | $1,200 | 65% | $2,700 | 58% |
| Hawaii | $1,600 | 16% | $5,600 | 14% | $11,200 | 1% |
| Idaho | $800 | 33% | $2,300 | 26% | $4,200 | 32% |
| Illinois | $2,200 | 27% | $6,600 | 20% | $12,900 | 21% |
| Indiana | $1,100 | 27% | $3,300 | 21% | $5,600 | 34% |
| Iowa | $700 | 36% | $2,200 | 27% | $4,400 | 25% |
| Kansas | $800 | 33% | $2,300 | 32% | $4,000 | 44% |
| Kentucky | $500 | 58% | $900 | 68% | $2,000 | 61% |
| Louisiana | $1,400 | 52% | $2,400 | 69% | $3,600 | 77% |
| Maine | $1,000 | 29% | $3,200 | 20% | $5,100 | 35% |
| Maryland | $500 | 55% | $1,100 | 59% | $2,400 | 54% |
| Massachusetts | $1,200 | 29% | $3,700 | 18% | $5,900 | 30% |
| Michigan | $900 | 36% | $3,000 | 19% | $5,700 | 23% |
| Minnesota | $700 | 36% | $2,100 | 32% | $3,800 | 40% |
| Mississippi | $1,000 | 52% | $2,500 | 56% | $3,900 | 67% |
| Missouri | $900 | 31% | $2,800 | 24% | $4,700 | 36% |
| Montana | $1,200 | 25% | $2,700 | 43% | $5,200 | 40% |
| Nebraska | $800 | 38% | $1,900 | 46% | $3,600 | 48% |
| Nevada | $1,400 | 44% | $4,300 | 34% | $7,800 | 40% |
| New Hampshire | $1,400 | 30% | $3,500 | 39% | $5,600 | 49% |
| New Jersey | $1,900 | 46% | $3,400 | 63% | $5,500 | 73% |
| New Mexico | $1,200 | 29% | $3,200 | 27% | $5,200 | 39% |
| New York | $6,400 | 33% | $20,300 | 20% | $0 | 100% |
| North Carolina | $600 | 50% | $1,000 | 66% | $2,100 | 64% |
| North Dakota | $800 | 43% | $2,600 | 32% | $5,500 | 23% |
| Ohio | $700 | 30% | $1,800 | 33% | $3,300 | 40% |
| Oklahoma | $800 | 33% | $2,500 | 24% | $4,300 | 37% |
| Oregon | $600 | 50% | $1,900 | 34% | $3,900 | 34% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,300 | 50% | $3,900 | 45% | $6,300 | 58% |
| Rhode Island | $1,600 | 33% | $3,800 | 40% | $6,000 | 51% |
| South Carolina | $700 | 59% | $1,500 | 66% | $3,100 | 64% |
| South Dakota | $1,000 | 41% | $3,200 | 27% | $6,200 | 27% |
| Tennessee | $700 | 50% | $1,600 | 58% | $3,500 | 56% |
| Texas | $500 | 64% | $1,000 | 71% | $2,300 | 65% |
| Utah | $500 | 64% | $1,100 | 69% | $2,300 | 64% |
| Vermont | $500 | 50% | $900 | 67% | $2,000 | 56% |
| Virginia | $500 | 50% | $1,100 | 54% | $2,300 | 52% |
| Washington | $700 | 56% | $2,300 | 44% | $2,800 | 65% |
| West Virginia | $1,400 | 30% | $2,600 | 46% | $4,100 | 53% |
| Wisconsin | $1,000 | 33% | $3,100 | 24% | $4,300 | 39% |
| Wyoming | $600 | 45% | $2,100 | 30% | $4,200 | 30% |
Reducing Landscaper Liability Premiums
While insurance may seem expensive, the costs are minor compared to the enormous financial risks landscapers face without coverage. One lawsuit could bankrupt your business. General liability insurance provides vital protection and peace of mind.
By transferring major risks to an insurance provider, liability coverage allows landscapers to operate and grow their businesses confidently, shielded from unexpected burdens that could hinder their success.
To reduce premium costs, consider:
- Implementing rigorous safety protocols and training
- Joining landscaping associations for group rates
- Taking risk management education courses
- Bundling coverages with one provider for discounts
- Working with brokers specialized in landscaping insurance
- Exploring seasonal or usage-based policies
The ideal landscaper insurance balances affordable premiums with coverage tailored to your unique risks and needs. This protects your finances while allowing you to focus on quality landscaping services.
Actively preventing accidents through extensive safety measures is key to minimizing claims and achieving lower premiums long-term. Steps like training, equipment maintenance, hazard assessments, and following all regulations make your operations safer and more insurable.
Work closely with an independent insurance agent who specializes in landscaper policies. Their expertise ensures you get comprehensive coverage customized to your risks at competitive rates from reputable providers suited for the landscaping industry.
Get Landscaper Liability Quotes and Insurance from ContractorNerd
Running a landscaping business comes with risks. Make sure you have customized general liability coverage designed specifically for landscapers.
At ContractorNerd, our online tools simplify getting quotes from top providers. Just input key details about your landscaping services, locations, claims history and more. We’ll deliver tailored quotes for your review.
Our Platform Helps Landscapers:
- Obtain general liability quotes tailored for landscaping contractors
- Tailor limits to meet project requirements
- Access guidance from our network of licensed advisors
Don’t waste time worrying about insurance. Connect with top providers in minutes for obligation-free quotes tailored to your needs.