Do landscapers need insurance? What does it cover? How much does it cost? You have questions; we’ve got answers.
We’re breaking down the ins and outs of landscaping business insurance so you can make smart decisions about how to protect the business you’ve worked hard to grow.
What Does Landscaping Insurance Cover?
Landscaping insurance covers the most common claims that your business may face. For instance, if you accidentally break a garden statue while completing a job, your insurance could cover the cost to replace it.
Or, if you mow over a stone and hit a pedestrian, your coverage can pay for their medical bills and legal fees if necessary.
TL;DR: Landscaping insurance can cover third-party bodily injuries and property damage related to your business operations.
Still got questions? Our landscaping insurance coverage guide breaks it all down.
What’s Not Covered?
Even the best insurance policy has limits. Most basic landscaping insurance plans don’t cover:
- Damage you caused on purpose
- Injuries to employees (unless you have workers comp)
- Wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns
- Employee theft (you’ll need bonding for that)
- Activities excluded from your specific policy
- Design or architecture
- Handling infectious waste or hazardous materials
- Irrigation or sprinkler installation (only incidental damage repair allowed)
- Swimming pool, water feature, or pond installation/maintenance
- Retaining walls, land preservation, or erosion control
- Hardscaping
- Window washing
- Exterior work over two stories
- Use or application of any pesticide or herbicide requiring a license
- Stump grinding or removal
- Inspection, appraisal, or surveying
- Planning or designing land development (e.g., parks, recreational areas, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, commercial, industrial, or residential areas)
The good news? Many gaps can be filled with the right add-ons. A little customization goes a long way.
Important note: Starting September 1, 2025, some excluded tasks, like pool maintenance, tree trimming above ground level, residential snow and ice removal, and pressure washing, will become optional coverages you can add to your policy.
Who Needs Landscaping Insurance?
Short answer? If you work on other people’s property or use tools and machinery, you need insurance. That includes:
- Solo landscapers and weekend warriors
- Lawn care and maintenance pros
- Tree trimmers
- Small landscaping teams
Even if you’re just getting started, having insurance helps you win jobs, look professional, and protect what you’re building.
Take our quick quiz: Do I need landscaping insurance?
- Do you work on someone else’s property?
- Do you work in an environment where others are present?
- Do you drive to job sites?
- Would it be hard for you to replace your gear from your own pocket?
- Has anyone asked for a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
If you said “yes” to any of these questions, you need coverage. Check out our guide to the 5 best landscaping insurance companies to explore your options.
What Kind of Insurance Does a Landscaper Need?
There’s no one-size-fits-all policy, but all landscapers need general liability for the most common third-party claims. From there, you can choose optional coverage based on your business needs. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
| Coverage | What It Protects You From | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | Third-party damage to property, or injuries on a job site | All landscapers |
| Trailer and equipment | Theft or accidental damage to your gear | Mobile landscapers or anyone using their own equipment |
| Workers compensation | Employee injuries on the job | Businesses with employees |
| Commercial auto | Accidents in your work truck or trailer | Anyone driving for work |
Need help deciding what’s right for your business? Our complete guide to landscaping insurance walks you through it all.
How Do I Get Landscaping Insurance?
You can get landscaping insurance in four easy steps!
- Go to our easy online application
- Enter information about your business
- Select your coverage
- Buy your policy!
In 10 minutes or less, you can get same-day coverage to safeguard your business all year long.
How Much Is Landscaping Insurance?
Landscaping insurance costs as low as $31 per month — that’s less than replacing one mower!
The final price of your policy depends on several factors, including:
- The size of your business
- Coverage limits
- The optional coverage you select
- If you have employees
- Your claims history
Pro Tip: Pay annually and save 12%, or choose low monthly payments.
How Can I Quickly Get a Landscaping Certificate of Insurance?
Once you complete your application online, you can download your certificate of insurance (COI) right away. If you added additional insureds, they’ll also receive a copy of your COI, saving you and your partners precious time.
Pro Tip: If you need to add an additional insured (AI) to your existing coverage, no sweat! You can log into your online dashboard to add AIs to your active policy anytime.
What Happens If I Don’t Have Insurance?
You’ve worked hard to build your reputation. Insurance helps protect it. Here’s what going without coverage could look like:
- Knock over a $3,000 fountain with your mower → You pay out of pocket
- A client slips on wet grass → You could be looking at a lawsuit
- Lose a $10,000 homeowners association contract because you didn’t have a COI → You miss out on the job
That’s why so many landscapers trust Insurance Canopy to help protect their business — quick coverage, downloadable COIs, and policies built just for professionals like you.
Is Landscaping Insurance Required by Law?
Some states require businesses to carry liability coverage before granting a license to operate, so always check with your local agency.
Even if you aren’t legally obligated to get insurance, clients, vendors, HOAs, and commercial contracts often require it. Many clients won’t hire you without it.
If you’re in the early stages of starting your landscaping business, getting insured is one of the smartest (and easiest) ways to set yourself up for success.
It helps you look more professional, builds trust right away, and opens the door to bigger jobs.
Is Insurance Only for Big Landscaping Companies?
Not even close. In fact, most of our customers are solo operators or small teams.
And smaller businesses can’t always afford the risk of facing a landscaping lawsuit, since a claim could leave you facing tens of thousands in damages and legal fees.
Whether you’re a one-person operation or you have a whole team of landscaping specialists, insurance is an important investment that could save you big in the long run.
Get Your Policy in Minutes
You already know how to make lawns and properties look amazing. You’ve built something worth protecting, and with the right insurance, you can keep saying “yes” to new jobs without the stress.
One quote. One policy. One smart move for your business.
