Commercial Auto Insurance for Landscapers
Landscaping businesses rely on work vehicles to transport equipment, tools, and employees. Commercial auto insurance protects these assets from unexpected expenses and liability claims on the road.
What Is Commercial Auto for Landscapers?
Commercial auto insurance provides coverage for vehicles used for business purposes. For landscaping businesses, this means protecting trucks, trailers, and other work vehicles that transport employees, equipment, and materials.
If you or your team is involved in an accident while driving for work, this policy is designed to cover:
- Repairs to your vehicle
- Medical bills for injuries
- Liability costs
- Legal fees
Note: Personal auto insurance typically excludes all of the above when you’re operating your business.
What Does It Cover?
Your commercial auto insurance offers protection tailored to meet the needs of landscaping businesses. It includes:
- Auto liability: Covers injuries or property damage if you or an employee cause an accident while driving for work
- Uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage: Covers damages if another driver is at fault but lacks sufficient insurance
- Hired auto coverage: Protects rented or leased vehicles used for business
- Employer's non-ownership liability: Covers your business when employees use their personal vehicles while working
- Optional add-ons: Roadside assistance and rental reimbursement help keep you moving if your vehicle breaks down.
What Does It Not Cover?
Your coverage focuses exclusively on business-related activities and excludes scenarios that fall outside that scope. It does not cover:
- Personal use of work vehicles unless specifically included in the policy
- Employee injuries from an accident — these are covered by workers compensation
- Theft or damage to tools inside the vehicle falls under inland marine insurance
- Accidents involving unauthorized drivers or those using a vehicle outside its intended business use.
Do Landscaping Businesses Need Commercial Auto?
Landscaping businesses need commercial auto insurance if they use vehicles for work. Personal auto policies don’t cover business-related accidents, which leaves landscapers vulnerable to costly claims.
Is It Required by Law?
Most states require businesses to carry commercial auto insurance if they own company-registered vehicles. New Hampshire doesn’t mandate it, but skipping coverage puts businesses at financial risk.
Each state sets its own minimum liability limits for bodily injury and property damage. Failing to meet these leads to fines, license suspension, or out-of-pocket accident costs.
Here’s what a few states require at a minimum:
- California: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident (bodily injury), and $15,000 for property damage
- Texas: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage
- Florida: $10,000 in property damage liability — but it’s smart to carry more
Common Commercial Auto Claims for Landscaping Businesses
Landscapers face unique risks on the road. Heavy equipment, trailers, and frequent job site travel increase the chances of accidents. Common claims include:
- Rear-end collisions: Frequent stops and starts between job sites increase risk
- Property damage: Hitting fences, walls, or other structures on tight lots
- Rollover incidents: Uneven terrain and sharp turns can cause tip-overs
- Employee accidents: Injuries, vehicle damage, or lawsuits if an employee crashes while working
- Uninsured motorists: Collisions with drivers who lack proper insurance mean high costs for you
- Theft or vandalism: Your equipment and vehicles can be prime targets
How Much Does Commercial Auto for Landscapers Cost?
Landscapers typically pay around $1,588 per vehicle annually for commercial auto insurance. Your exact rate depends on several factors:
- Vehicle type: Trucks and trailers cost more to insure than smaller vehicles
- Coverage limits: Higher limits increase premiums but offer better protection
- Driving history: Clean records lower costs, while accidents raise them
- Location: Operating in high-traffic areas results in higher rates
- Fleet size: More vehicles mean higher premiums, but multi-vehicle discounts can help
At Insurance Canopy, we offer commercial auto insurance at competitive rates, keeping costs below industry standards while ensuring strong coverage for landscaping businesses.
How to Apply for Commercial Auto Insurance
Once you’ve secured your landscaping insurance, it’s easy to add commercial auto coverage through our trusted partner, The Hartford. Follow these steps to get covered:
- After checkout, you’ll see a quick application for vehicle coverage
- A licensed agent will call to discuss your trucks, trailers, and coverage needs
- Lock in your coverage and hit the road fully protected
Questions About Commercial Auto Insurance for Landscapers
Does my personal auto policy cover me when I’m working?
No. Most personal auto policies exclude work-related driving. You risk uncovered damages and liability when you operate your vehicle for landscaping tasks. Commercial auto insurance protects you during work hours and on the job.
What types of vehicles can I cover with commercial auto insurance?
We cover trucks, vans, trailers, and specialized landscaping vehicles. This insurance ensures you meet your coverage needs if you use any vehicle to transport equipment, tools, or employees.
Do I need commercial auto insurance if I’m a solo landscaper with one truck?
Yes. Even solo landscapers using a personal vehicle for work are exposed to risk. Commercial auto ensures you’re protected on the job. Personal auto policies don’t cover business use.
Can I add employees or additional drivers to my policy?
Yes. You can add employees and other authorized drivers to your policy. Provide accurate details about each driver to ensure full coverage for every person who operates your work vehicles.
Keep Your Landscaping Business Moving – Get Insured Today!
Vehicle challenges and accidents threaten your landscaping projects, but you can overcome them with the right coverage. Commercial auto insurance secures your fleet of trucks and work vehicles so you can focus on growing your business. Protect your assets now and drive your success forward.
