Landscaping Business Insurance Cost & Quotes (2026)

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Landscaping insurance typically costs between $4,200 and $19,000 annually for a $500K operation with $200K in payroll. That range depends on two things: the type of work you do and where your crews operate.

Every landscaping contractor needs two core policies. General liability (GL) covers third-party property damage and bodily injury claims, while workers’ compensation (WC) protects your crew and is mandatory in most states once you hire.

But here’s what catches most landscapers off guard: your classification matters as much as your claims history. A lawn care service doing weekly mowing pays very different rates than a contractor installing retaining walls and irrigation systems.

Why the spread?
General liability scales with revenue but varies by service type. Basic lawn care (Code 97050) runs 0.4% to 1.2% of revenue. Landscape gardening with installation (Code 97047) jumps to 0.6% to 1.8%. Add hardscaping (Code 97447), and you’re looking at 1.0% to 2.0% or higher.

Workers’ compensation is where location hits hardest:

Lawn Care (Code 9102): North Dakota: $1.45 per $100 of payroll New Jersey: $5.22 per $100 of payroll

On $200,000 in payroll, that’s $2,900 versus $10,440 for running the same mowers and trimming the same hedges.

Strategic shopping can reduce GL premiums by 30% to 40%. This guide breaks down where those savings exist, state by state.

Learn more about landscaping insurance to ensure you’re comparing the right coverage types.

Landscaping contractors performing specialty work should understand related classifications. Tree removal may require tree service insurance under different codes. Hardscape installation could trigger masonry insurance considerations. Irrigation work might overlap with plumber insurance classifications.

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These benchmarks come from ContractorNerd’s analysis of landscaping insurance quotes. See methodology

General Liability Premium Ranges:

National Average

0.5% to 1.8% of annual revenue

Favorable Markets

0.4% to 1.2% of annual revenue

Potential Savings

30% to 40% of current GL premium possible when moving from average to favorable market rates

Workers’ Compensation Rates

Class 9102

Lawn Care

$1.45 to $5.22 per $100 payroll

Class 0042

Landscape Gardening

$1.90 to $6.50 per $100 payroll

Six Major Cost Drivers

Classification Codes


GL codes 97050, 97047, and 97447 plus WC codes 9102 and 0042 set your base rates; proper classification can save thousands annually

Years in Business

Primarily affects GL rates; landscapers with 10+ years typically pay less than those under 5 years

Subcontractor Usage

Impacts both GL (uninsured sub exposure) and WC (payroll audits)

Business Size

GL scales with revenue; WC scales with payroll. High-efficiency operations benefit from better ratios

Claims History

GL claims affect rates for 3-5 years; WC claims impact your experience modification factor

Geographic Location

Creates 260% WC variation alone; GL varies by litigation environment and carrier competition

Landscaping General Liability Insurance Rates

Lawn Care Services (GL Code 97050)

Most lawn care operators perform routine maintenance including mowing, edging, trimming, and seasonal cleanups. This classification covers residential and commercial property maintenance with rates varying based on service mix and equipment used.

Revenue Level

National Average

Favorable Rate

Potential Savings

High % of Revenue

$150,000

$870

$450

48%

1.2% to 2.2%

$500,000

$1,390

$760

45%

0.6% to 1.2%

$1,000,000

$3,590

$2,050

43%

0.4% to 1.1%

*Potential savings represent the possible reduction when moving from average to favorable market rates

Workers’ Compensation Note: Landscaping contractors typically classify under 9102 (lawn care) or 0042 (landscape gardening) with rates varying dramatically by state from $1.45 to $6.50 per $100 payroll. Those performing hardscape, irrigation, or tree work may have split classifications.


Landscaping Insurance Cost by State

50-State Interactive Heat Maps – General Liability & Workers Comp Analysis

Most landscaping contractors operate across both residential maintenance and commercial installation markets. The data below reflects a typical blend of these operations, with rates varying based on the specific mix of work performed.

Landscaping Insurance Cost Metrics by State

Explore insurance costs and savings opportunities across the United States

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Show State-by-State Data
State GL Premium Range GL Savings % GL Competitiveness WC Rate (Class 9102)
Alaska 0.40% - 1.00% 25.80% 0 $3.69
Alabama 0.40% - 1.10% 48.90% 90 $2.84
Arkansas 0.20% - 0.70% 66.70% 80 $1.52
Arizona 0.20% - 0.70% 64.30% 80 $1.90
California 0.70% - 1.50% 46.40% 10 $0.01
Colorado 0.60% - 1.10% 21.40% 20 $2.03
Connecticut 0.80% - 1.80% 37.70% 20 $3.29
Delaware 0.30% - 1.60% 68.90% 80 $3.53
Florida 0.50% - 1.10% 37.00% 60 $3.62
Georgia 0.20% - 0.90% 64.70% 100 $3.86
Hawaii 1.10% - 1.30% 13.80% 0 $0.01
Iowa 0.40% - 0.70% 26.70% 20 $3.56
Idaho 0.40% - 0.80% 25.80% 20 $3.91
Illinois 1.30% - 2.00% 20.50% 20 $3.34
Indiana 0.60% - 1.00% 21.40% 20 $2.38
Kansas 0.40% - 0.80% 32.40% 20 $2.45
Kentucky 0.20% - 0.80% 67.90% 70 $1.91
Louisiana 0.40% - 1.90% 69.20% 70 $4.08
Massachusetts 0.60% - 1.10% 17.80% 20 $2.20
Maryland 0.20% - 0.70% 59.30% 80 $2.26
Maine 0.50% - 0.90% 20.00% 20 $4.29
Michigan 0.60% - 0.90% 18.90% 20 $2.48
Minnesota 0.40% - 0.70% 32.30% 60 $3.71
Missouri 0.50% - 0.90% 24.30% 20 $3.66
Mississippi 0.40% - 1.40% 56.10% 20 $2.87
Montana 0.50% - 1.10% 42.60% 20 $4.02
North Carolina 0.20% - 0.80% 65.50% 60 $3.20
North Dakota 0.50% - 0.90% 31.60% 20 $1.45
Nebraska 0.40% - 0.90% 45.70% 20 $3.33
New Hampshire 0.60% - 1.30% 38.60% 20 $3.60
New Jersey 0.60% - 2.30% 63.00% 80 $5.22
New Mexico 0.50% - 1.10% 27.30% 70 $2.85
Nevada 0.80% - 1.70% 33.80% 10 $3.08
New York 1.50% - 6.40% 62.20% 0 $3.99
Ohio 0.30% - 0.70% 33.30% 60 $2.54
Oklahoma 0.40% - 0.80% 24.20% 20 $2.77
Oregon 0.40% - 0.80% 34.50% 70 $1.69
Pennsylvania 0.60% - 1.70% 45.10% 70 $2.02
Rhode Island 0.60% - 1.60% 39.70% 60 $4.06
South Carolina 0.30% - 1.10% 65.90% 90 $3.12
South Dakota 0.60% - 1.10% 27.30% 70 $2.80
Tennessee 0.30% - 0.90% 57.90% 90 $2.24
Texas 0.20% - 0.90% 70.60% 100 $1.95
Utah 0.20% - 0.90% 69.40% 90 $2.12
Virginia 0.20% - 0.70% 54.20% 80 $2.31
Vermont 0.20% - 0.70% 66.70% 10 $4.20
Washington 0.30% - 1.10% 43.90% 10 $2.33
Wisconsin 0.40% - 1.00% 24.40% 10 $2.70
West Virginia 0.40% - 1.30% 45.80% 10 $1.45
Wyoming 0.40% - 0.70% 30.00% 10 $3.04

The four heat maps above provide instant visual insight into landscaping contractor insurance costs across all 50 states:

1. GL Premium Ranges – Visualize how general liability costs as a percentage of revenue vary nationwide, from as low as 0.4% in competitive markets to over 2.0% in high-cost states. Darker shades indicate higher premium ranges, helping you benchmark your current costs against regional averages.

2. GL Savings Opportunities – Discover potential premium reductions available through strategic shopping, ranging from 30% to over 45% depending on your state. This map reveals where shopping efforts yield the greatest returns.

3. Carrier Competition Levels – Understand market dynamics affecting your negotiating power. States with higher competition percentiles offer more carrier options and aggressive pricing, while lower percentiles indicate limited options requiring specialized broker relationships.

4. WC Rates per $100 Payroll – Compare workers’ compensation costs for lawn care Code 9102 across all states, from North Dakota’s nation-leading $1.45 to New Jersey’s $5.22. This dramatic 260% variation significantly impacts total labor costs and competitive positioning.

What Does Landscaping Liability Insurance Cover?

Understanding GL Limit Structures

General liability limits significantly impact both premium costs and protection adequacy. Most landscaping contractors choose between three standard limit configurations:

$500K

Per Occurrence

$1M Limits

Aggregate

Suitable for smaller residential maintenance work

Typical premium impact: 
Base rate

May not meet commercial contract requirements

$1M

Per Occurrence

$2M Limits

Aggregate

Industry standard for most landscaping contractors

Typical premium impact: 
No increase from base rate

Meets most residential and light commercial requirements

$2M

Per Occurrence

$4M Limits

Aggregate

Required for large commercial projects and municipal work

Typical premium impact: Moderate to significant increase from base rate

Often achieved through primary plus umbrella coverage

Deductible Strategies

Deductible selection provides premium flexibility while requiring careful cash flow consideration:

$0 Deductible

Maximum insurer responsibility from first dollar

Appropriate for new businesses with limited reserves

Premium impact: Base rate

$2,000 Deductible

Eliminates nuisance claims while preserving major loss protection

Provides minor to modest premium reduction

Requires maintaining operating reserves

Specialized Landscaping Endorsements

Faulty Workmanship Coverage

Available as a GL endorsement with sublimits, this coverage addresses allegations of improper installation, plant failures, or drainage errors. Critical for contractors providing design services, irrigation installation, or hardscape work beyond basic maintenance.

Tools & Equipment Coverage

While often available as a GL endorsement for hand tools, contractors with significant equipment investments should consider separate inland marine policies. Landscapers with mowers, trailers, aerators, and skid steers typically need substantial equipment coverage.

How to Lower Your Landscaping Insurance Cost

Strategic Shopping Timeline

General Liability Renewal Approach

Begin shopping 75-90 days before renewal to allow proper underwriting and negotiation. Submit applications to 5-7 carriers simultaneously, emphasizing safety protocols and equipment maintenance programs. Avoid last-minute shopping which limits options and prevents premium financing arrangement if needed.

Workers’ Compensation Timing

Start WC shopping 60 days prior to renewal, particularly when seeking alternative rating factors or retro programs. With Code 9102 rates varying 260% by state, carriers need time to properly evaluate your operations. Coordinate WC renewal with GL when possible to maximize account credits.

Workers’ Compensation Optimization Strategies

Classification Code Management

Proper employee classification can generate substantial savings. A landscaper with $200,000 payroll in New Jersey at $5.22 per $100 pays $10,440 annually. The same payroll in North Dakota at $1.45 per $100 costs only $2,900. Document time allocation through daily work logs and separate payroll records by maintenance versus installation work.

Payroll Segregation Tactics

Separate clerical employees from field classification for significant savings. A $40,000 clerical salary saves thousands when properly classified versus Code 9102 field rates. Maintain detailed records showing physical separation from landscaping operations. Estimators and office managers who never perform field work may qualify for lower-rated codes.

Experience Modification Management 

Focus on claims under $10,000 which disproportionately impact mod calculations. Implement return-to-work programs reducing lost time claims. Consider deductible programs to eliminate frequency-driven mod increases. A 0.80 mod versus 1.20 mod saves 33% on manual premium.

Premium Audit Preparation

Organize records by classification code before audit. Exclude overtime premium from payroll calculations. Document subcontractor certificates of insurance. Proper audit preparation prevents unexpected additional premiums and supports classification arguments.

General Liability Cost Reduction

General Liability Renewal Approach

Formalized safety programs with weekly tailgate meetings, documented training, and written procedures support premium credits. Focus on equipment operation safety, chemical handling protocols, and proper lifting techniques given landscaping-specific exposures. OSHA 10/30 certifications and documented crew training demonstrate sophistication carriers reward.

Subcontractor Management

Require certificates showing appropriate GL limits from all subs. Implement written agreements transferring liability. Track insurance compliance through dedicated software. Uninsured subcontractor exposure can significantly increase GL premiums.

Claims Management

Report claims immediately regardless of perceived merit. Investigate and photograph all incidents thoroughly. Never admit liability or promise payments. Maintain 5-year claims history documentation for underwriting credits.

Contract Review Protocols

Avoid blanket hold harmless agreements accepting others’ negligence. Limit liquidated damages to reasonable amounts. Require mutual waiver of subrogation on larger projects. Poor contracts create uninsurable exposures affecting renewals.

Methodology

Data Source

These insurance cost benchmarks come from ContractorNerd’s proprietary analysis of landscaping contractor insurance quotes across all 50 states, representing thousands of pricing data points. As a licensed insurance agency, we have direct access to actual carrier pricing from A-rated insurers.

What the Numbers Represent

  • General liability premiums: Actual market rates shown as a percentage of revenue, reflecting low-end and high-end pricing (0.5% to 1.8% nationally)
  • Workers’ compensation rates: Current manual rates for NCCI classifications 9102 (Lawn Care) and 0042 (Landscape Gardening), before experience modifications or schedule credits
  • GL classification codes: 97050 (Lawn Care), 97047 (Landscape Gardening with Installation), and 97447 (Hardscaping)
  • Revenue tiers: $150K, $500K, and $1M annual revenue
  • Savings calculations: Difference between national average and favorable market rates

Assumptions

  • Standard coverage forms ($1M/$2M GL limits)
  • Clean claims history (no claims in past 3 years)
  • No significant endorsement modifications
  • Mixed maintenance and installation operations

Limitations

These rates are for informational and comparative purposes only. Your actual premium will depend on your specific business characteristics, claims history, location, service mix (lawn care vs. hardscaping vs. irrigation), and carrier underwriting. Get a personalized quote for accurate pricing.