For landscapers in New Hampshire, transforming properties into beautifully manicured outdoor spaces is an artform. But running a successful landscaping business involves more than caring for trees, shrubs and lawns. It requires protecting your company, employees and reputation from unforeseen perils that could put your livelihood at risk.

A key shield against these threats is business insurance tailored specifically for landscapers. This comprehensive guide will uncover typical insurance costs for New Hampshire landscaping companies based on their size, reveal key factors influencing premiums, provide tips on how to control costs, and offer insights to help find affordable, adequate coverage.

Landscapers working in New Hampshire need to have the right landscaping insurance coverage in place. This usually includes general liability insurance for landscapers to protect against third-party claims and workers’ compensation for landscaping businesses to cover employee injuries on the job.

Key Statistics about the Landscaping Industry in New Hampshire

  • There are over 1,500 landscaping companies in New Hampshire, generating combined annual revenues of $460 million.

  • The industry employs approximately 5,500 workers in the state.

  • The average annual salary for landscapers in NH is $57,000, which is higher than the national average of $37,270.

  • Top landscaper risks include liability claims from property damage or bodily injury, employee injuries, equipment theft, completed operations exposures, commercial auto accidents, and more.

  • General liability and workers’ compensation are the most common policies carried by NH landscaping businesses.

  • Average insurance expenses as a percentage of revenues range from 10% to 25% for small to mid-sized landscapers in the state.

  • New Hampshire experiences harsh winters with heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and nor’easters – weather extremes that can damage property and equipment and lead to liability claims.

Why Business Insurance Matters for Landscapers

There are several reasons why having adequate insurance is critical for landscapers in New Hampshire:

  • It protects your assets – equipment, vehicles, offices, sheds and other property represent significant business investments that insurance shields against damage or lawsuits.

  • It guards your finances – claims and losses could sink your business without insurance to cover the costs. Policies ensure continuity.

  • It defends your reputation – quickly resolving claims and issues helps maintain positive relationships with customers.

  • It meets contract requirements – many residential and commercial clients mandate specific coverages and liability limits.

  • It shows you are a professional – proper insurance demonstrates you operate a legitimate above-board business.

  • It protects your employees – workers’ compensation coverage is mandatory in NH and ensures care for injured staff.

  • It provides peace of mind – owners can focus on operations rather than worrying about risks.

In short, appropriate insurance enables you to run your landscaping business safely and confidently.

Key Factors Influencing Landscaper Insurance Costs

There are several variables that impact insurance premiums for New Hampshire landscaping companies:

  • Location – Operating in areas with harsh winters and extreme weather drives property and liability costs higher due to increased risks.

  • Services Offered – Specialized or dangerous services like tree removal carry greater risks and liability, resulting in higher premiums.

  • Years in Business – Newer companies generally pay higher premiums until establishing a positive track record over 3-5 years.

  • Claims History – Past claims drive up future premiums. A clean loss run keeps rates low.

  • Safety Record – Robust safety programs and protocols demonstrate risk management and help lower insurance costs.

  • Customer Contracts – Requiring extra coverage like additional insured status on GL policies increases premiums.

  • Revenue – Higher revenue equals greater exposure, resulting in higher premiums. More business activities create more opportunities for claims.

  • Payroll – Additional employees and higher payroll increase workers’ compensation premiums.

  • Industry Average Costs – Premium pricing takes into account insurance rate benchmarks for the landscaping sector.

  • Deductibles – Choosing higher deductibles reduces premiums but increases out-of-pocket costs if a claim occurs.

Small Landscaping Business Insurance Costs

Typical New Hampshire Landscaper with $150K Revenue, 1 Owner, 1 Full-Time Employee

  • General Liability – $1,500 to $3,200 annually for $1 million coverage
  • Workers’ Compensation – $2,100 to $3,700 annually
  • Commercial Auto – $2,000 to $4,000 annually per vehicle

*Bonds are typically not required for small landscapers in New Hampshire.

Total Premiums: Approximately $5,600 – $10,900+ annually

Other common policies for small NH landscaping businesses include:

  • Inland Marine – $1,000 to $2,000 to cover tools and equipment on and off job sites

  • Business Owner’s Policy – $3,000 to $5,000 bundles general liability, property, and inland marine

  • Hired & Non-Owned Auto – $750 to $1,500 to supplement commercial auto if using personal vehicles

  • Cyber Liability – $500 to $1,500 protects against data breaches and hacks

  • Employment Practices Liability – $1,000 to $2,000 defends against wrongful termination, discrimination lawsuits

Medium Landscaping Business Insurance Costs

Typical New Hampshire Landscaper with $500K Revenue, 1 Owner, 3 Full-Time Employees

  • General Liability – $3,500 to $7,700 annually
  • Workers’ Compensation – $6,400 to $10,500 annually
  • Commercial Auto – $6,000 to $13,500 annually for 3 vehicles

*Bonds are typically not required for medium landscapers in NH.

Total Premiums: Approximately $15,900 – $31,700+ annually

Other common policies for medium NH landscaping businesses include:

  • Inland Marine – $5,000 to $7,500 to insure growing equipment investments

  • Business Owner’s Policy – $7,000 to $12,000 bundles expanded property and liability coverages

  • Cyber Liability – $1,000 to $2,500 as digital assets and data grow

  • Employment Practices Liability – $2,000 to $4,000 to protect against employment lawsuits

  • Umbrella Liability – $1,000 to $2,000 provides extra liability limits

Large Landscaping Business Insurance Costs

Typical New Hampshire Landscaper with $1M Revenue, 1 Owner, 5 Full-Time Employees

  • General Liability – $5,600 to $13,500 annually
  • Workers’ Compensation – $10,700 to $16,500 annually
  • Commercial Auto – $10,000 to $22,500 annually for 5 vehicles

*Bonds are typically not required for large landscapers in NH.

Total Premiums: Approximately $26,300 – $52,500+ annually

Other common policies for large NH landscaping businesses include:

  • Inland Marine – $10,000 to $15,000 protects growing equipment investments

  • Business Owner’s Policy – $15,000 to $22,000 covers expanded property and liability risks

  • Employment Practices Liability – $3,500 to $5,000 defends against employment lawsuits

  • Cyber Liability – $2,000 to $4,000 as digital assets grow

  • Umbrella Liability – $2,000 to $4,000 provides extra liability limits above underlying policies

Additional Insurance Coverages to Consider

Beyond core general liability, workers comp, property, inland marine and auto policies, here are some additional coverages New Hampshire landscapers may need:

Pollution Liability – Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage from exposure to fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals used in landscaping.

Professional Liability – Protects against claims alleging your services failed to meet contractual standards or caused financial harm to a client.

Commercial Crime – Safeguards against employee theft, fraud, and dishonesty which becomes a greater risk as businesses grow.

Business Interruption – Replaces income lost if a covered cause of loss like a fire forces you to temporarily halt operations.

Builders Risk – Insureds against property damage while constructing hardscapes like retaining walls, patios, ponds or irrigation systems.

Commercial Auto Enhancements – Coverage addons like rental reimbursement, higher equipment limits, loan/lease gap protection.

Flood Insurance – Recommended for any buildings in flood zones to protect against water damage claims, especially common in New Hampshire.

Snow Plowing Liability – Provides extra protection if offering snow removal services.

How Insurers Determine Premiums for Landscapers

Insurance carriers use a range of factors about your company to assess risks and determine pricing:

  • Claims history – More past claims signal greater risks and drive up premiums.

  • Services performed – Specialized or hazardous work raises risks and rates.

  • Safety record and risk management – Strong safety protocols demonstrate you value safety and lower costs.

  • Customer contracts – Requirements like additional insured status or waived subrogation increase premiums.

  • Revenue and payroll – More business activities increase potential exposure and loss.

  • Location – New Hampshire’s severe winters and weather extremes are considered higher risk.

  • Years experience – New businesses typically pay higher premiums until establishing a track record.

  • Industry benchmarks – Pricing is compared against cost averages for other landscapers.

  • Credit score – Financially stable businesses often qualify for lower premiums.

Strategies to Control Insurance Costs

Here are some tips landscaping business owners can utilize to reduce premiums beyond maintaining a positive claims history and robust safety program:

  • Raise deductibles – Choosing higher deductibles lowers premiums but increases out-of-pocket costs if a claim occurs. Evaluate risk tolerance.

  • Bundle policies – Packaging multiple policies like GL, auto, inland marine with one insurer earns multi-policy discounts.

  • Meet contract requirements selectively – Only agree to high-risk provisions like waiving subrogation rights when necessary.

  • Enroll in association programs – Industry association memberships like PLANET often provide access to discounted group insurance policies.

  • Buy coverage before renewal – Get quotes 60-90 days prior to renewal, when carriers compete for your business.

  • Review and adjust limits – Carefully evaluate if coverage limits can be modified while still meeting client contracts.

  • Improve site security – Investing in fencing, lighting, alarm systems, and video surveillance can help reduce property insurance costs.

  • Formalize safety processes – Documented protocols for equipment maintenance, chemical handling, driver training etc. display risk management.

  • Optimize coverage – Work closely with your agent to build an insurance portfolio minimizing gaps and unnecessary overlaps.

Finding the Right Insurance for Your New Hampshire Landscaping Business

Purchasing insurance tailored specifically for the landscaping industry is highly recommended. General agents may not completely understand industry risks, terminology and important coverages.

Instead, work with an independent agent or broker specializing in landscapers. Their expertise ensures your unique exposures are covered and that you get adequate, affordable insurance.

Landscaping specialists have access to carriers tailored to the industry and can package various policies into a comprehensive program with potential cost savings. They will also advise on key coverages specific to landscapers that generalists may overlook.

Leverage their expertise to get the right protection so you can focus on serving customers and growing your New Hampshire landscaping business.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide provides landscapers and landscaping contractors in New Hampshire insight into typical insurance costs based on business characteristics along with strategies to control premiums.

Ensure you protect your company, people and property while meeting contract requirements by working with an industry specialist. They will customize an insurance portfolio addressing your specific operations and evolving risks.

With tailored coverage in place, you can confidently manage hazards inherent in the landscaping business while building your company’s brand and reputation.