Tree service insurance
Tree service insurance is the set of business policies a tree care company carries for its crews, trucks and equipment. Here's what each one does, and how to get a quote for all of them with one application.
This content is for general information only. It is not insurance advice, a quote, or an offer of coverage. Policy wording controls in all cases. Read the full disclaimer.
What a tree service insurance package usually includes
- General liability. Responds to claims that your work injured someone or damaged property that isn't yours: a limb through a roof, a crushed fence, a cut irrigation line. This is the policy customers and property managers ask to see on a certificate.
- Commercial auto. Covers the pickups, chip trucks and bucket trucks the business owns or uses, including liability while towing a chipper or grinder. Commercial auto for tree services.
- Equipment (inland marine). Covers your own chippers, stump grinders, saws and climbing gear if they are stolen or damaged. Small tools go under blanket coverage; bigger pieces are scheduled by value. Blanket vs scheduled.
- Arborist errors and omissions. For companies that sell tree risk assessments, appraisals or written reports. Arborist E&O.
- Workers compensation. Most states require it once you have employees. It's available for some accounts; add it on the application and answer a few payroll questions.
Who needs tree service insurance
- Tree trimming and pruning companies
- Tree removal crews, including crane-assisted removal
- Stump grinding businesses
- ISA Certified and consulting arborists (arborist insurance)
- Land and lot clearing (debris removal) contractors
- Storm clean-up crews
- Landscapers who also take on tree work
Why a landscaping policy may not be enough
Many landscaping and lawn care policies exclude tree work, cap the height you can work at, or exclude removals. If tree work is part of your business, make sure your policy lists tree trimming and removal as covered operations. The application here asks how tall the trees are, how you work on them, and whether you use cranes, so the quote matches the work you actually do.
What you need for a quote
- Gross annual sales and annual W-2 payroll
- Payroll for each type of work you do
- What you pay subcontractors, and whether they carry their own insurance
- Your vehicles and drivers, if you want commercial auto
- A list or total value of your equipment, if you want it covered
- Any claims in the past 5 years
Common questions
Is tree service insurance the same as tree trimmer insurance?
Yes. Tree service insurance, tree trimmer insurance and tree trimming insurance all describe the same package of business policies for tree care companies, usually starting with general liability.
What affects the cost of tree service insurance?
Payroll, gross sales, the height and type of tree work, removals, crane use, work near power lines, subcontractor insurance, claims history and the limits you choose. See the cost factors page for detail.
Can I add commercial auto and equipment to the same quote?
Yes. The tree trimming insurance application lets you add commercial auto and equipment coverage to your general liability request.