Which policies a mowing or lawn care business usually needs, what each one covers, and the median monthly prices two insurers publish for lawn care customers. Answer six questions to get a list to take to an insurance agent.
General information, not insurance advice. We do not sell insurance. Coverage, prices and legal requirements depend on your state and business; ask a licensed agent.
It pays for claims that you injured someone or damaged their property while working: a stone thrown by the mower, a broken sprinkler head, a customer who trips over your equipment. Insureon's typical landscaping policy has limits of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in total. It does not cover your own tools or your own injuries.
Commercial auto and hired auto
Commercial auto covers vehicles the business owns. If you drive your own pickup to jobs, the question is whether your personal auto policy covers business use; Insureon points owners in that position to hired and non-owned auto coverage. Ask your auto insurer before you hitch up a trailer.
Tools and equipment
Also called inland marine insurance. It covers mowers, trimmers and blowers that are lost, stolen or damaged in transit or at a job, which a policy for your building or home may not. Insureon notes that items worth more than $2,500 may need to be listed on the policy one by one.
Workers' compensation
Pays medical bills and part of lost wages when an employee is hurt or made ill by the work. Most states require it once you hire employees, but the rules, including who counts as an employee, differ by state. Check with your state's workers' compensation agency before you hire your first helper.
Chemical application
Fertilizer and weed control bring their own risks. Insureon mentions a pesticide or herbicide applicator endorsement that can be added to general liability. Many states also require a license to apply pesticides for hire; our guide to starting a lawn care business links to the state agency list.
Before you buy
Get more than one quote. Prices vary with your state, services, payroll and claims history.
Read the limits and the deductible. A cheap policy with low limits may not satisfy a commercial customer.
Ask about additional insured. HOAs and property managers may ask to be named on your policy.
Keep a certificate of insurance handy. It is the one-page proof customers ask for.
Questions
Do I need insurance to mow lawns for money?
There is no single national rule. Your state may require workers' compensation once you have employees and coverage for business vehicles, a license may require proof of insurance, and many customers ask for it before they hire you. Even where nothing is required, one damaged car or window can cost more than a year of general liability.
How much is general liability insurance for a lawn care business?
Insureon reports a median of $57 a month for lawn care businesses, and NEXT says most of its lawn care customers pay between $18 and $55 a month. Your price depends on your state, services, revenue, limits and claims history.
Does my personal auto insurance cover my mowing business?
It may not. Personal policies are written for personal use, and hauling equipment to paid jobs can fall outside that. Ask your auto insurer directly, and ask about hired and non-owned auto or a commercial auto policy.