Landscaping isn’t just rakes and roses. It’s power tools, trucks, and tight client timelines. And when something goes wrong, insurance is the safety net that prevents a mishap from becoming a major setback.
Landscaping liability insurance covers third-party injuries, property damage, and certain legal costs when your work accidentally causes harm.
But no policy covers everything, and knowing the gaps is how you protect your business with confidence.
What you’ll learn: Most landscaping insurance policies only cover part of what you actually need, and the rest is up to you to fill in. This article will walk you through:
- What’s typically covered, and what’s usually excluded
- Real-life claim examples
- How to build the right protection for your business
Why Landscapers Need Insurance in the First Place
One slip-up could cost you thousands — or even your entire business. Landscaping insurance helps you bounce back from the unexpected without derailing your momentum.
Without coverage, just one accident could:
- Drain your savings or bankrupt your business
- Force you to pause or cancel jobs
- Put your professional reputation at risk
Many clients won’t hire you unless you can show a certificate of insurance (COI). It’s often the difference between winning a job and getting passed over.
Whether you need a COI to secure work or just want to protect what you’ve built, insurance gives you the confidence to keep growing.
Quick check: Do you need landscaping insurance?
- You work on or around other people’s property
- You use tools, equipment, or machinery
- Clients or partners ask for a COI
- You’ve made a mistake on the job (you’re human!)
If you said “yes” to any of these, it’s time to get covered. For a deeper dive, check out our guide to why landscaping insurance is essential.
What Landscaping Insurance Covers
Most landscaping insurance policies typically includes general liability insurance, which usually provides coverage of $500,000 per incident and $1,000,000 per year. This coverage is often required to work with homeowners’ associations (HOAs) or local governments.
It typically covers:
- Damage to client property, like breaking a sprinkler or damaging a fence
- Injuries to non-employees, like a passerby tripping over your tools
- Personal or advertising injury, like slander or false advertising claims
This coverage can pay for medical bills, property repairs, and even legal defense if you’re sued. But here’s the thing: general liability isn’t enough to fully protect your business on its own.
Fortunately, affordable add-on coverages are available to help shield you from paying out of pocket for costly accidents, stolen equipment, and other related expenses.
Common Add-Ons for Landscaping Insurance
Depending on your services, clients, and equipment, you may need to layer on additional protection.
Stolen Tools or Equipment
You need…
Trailer and equipment insurance (also known as inland marine insurance)
Employee Injuries
You need…
Accidents Involving Work Trucks or Trailers
You need…
Extra Client Contract Requirements
You need…
Clients Who Want to Be Named on Your Policy
You need…
Lawsuits Over Advice, Designs, or Mistakes in Your Work
You need…
Data Breaches or Payment Info Theft
You need…
If any of the above sound like your day-to-day work, your current coverage might not cut it. With Insurance Canopy, you can customize your coverage to only pay for what you need.
What Landscaping Insurance Doesn’t Cover
Let’s talk about landscaping insurance exclusions. Think of this as the things that catch you off guard if you haven’t read the fine print, but don’t worry, you can prepare for them.
- Intentional damage (you broke it on purpose)
- Wear and tear on your own equipment or unexplained losses
- Using your personal vehicle for business (you need commercial auto coverage)
- Jobs outside your listed services
- Undocumented employees (could void your coverage entirely)
If any of these sound like your day-to-day, your current policy might not be enough. Most of these can be handled with the right add-ons or changes to your policy, and you can do it all through Insurance Canopy.
So… What Landscaping Coverage Do You Need?
Let’s keep this simple. You don’t need a dozen policies to consider in your landscaping business plan, just because someone on the internet said so.
But you do need coverage that fits the way you run your business. Here’s a quick guide based on your setup:
If You…Work Solo or With a Small Team
You’ll likely need
General liability (at a minimum)
If You…Have Employees (Even Part-Time)
You’ll likely need
Workers compensation
If You…Store Tools in Your Truck or Trailer
You’ll likely need
Trailer and equipment coverage
If You…Use a Truck or Trailer for Work
You’ll likely need
Commercial auto coverage
If You…Hire Subcontractors
You’ll likely need
To ensure they have their own insurance policy
Want to go deeper? We put together a
complete breakdown of landscaping insurance coverage to help you get clarity on every policy, endorsement, and must-know.
Real-World Landscaping Claims (And Whether They’re Covered)
Accidents happen. The right insurance helps pay for the damage, so you don’t have to. Below are real examples of common claims that landscapers face, along with how insurance helps cover the associated costs.
A Rock Cracks a Car Window
What Happened
While mowing a client’s lawn, a rock flies out and smashes a neighbor’s car window.
Why it’s Covered
Yes, under General Liability (third-party property damage).
Estimated Cost Without Coverage
Cost to replace window out of pocket; possible legal dispute: $300 to $1,200+
Someone Steals Equipment From Your Truck
What Happened
You leave your truck locked outside a job site. By morning, your blower, hedge trimmers, and a few power tools are gone.
Why it’s Covered
Yes, with Trailer & Equipment Coverage.
Estimated Cost Without Coverage
Replace expensive equipment yourself; may delay jobs or lose clients: $2,000 to $5,000+
An Employee Slips on a Wet Sidewalk and Gets Hurt
What Happened
One of your workers slips on wet pavement while unloading gear and injures their back.
Why it’s Covered
Yes, with Workers Compensation.
Estimated Cost Without Coverage
Responsible for medical, rehab, legal costs; employee unable to work: $5,000 to $50,000+
How Much Does Insurance for Landscapers Cost?
With Insurance Canopy, landscaping insurance starts at just $31 per month or $336 per year. Not bad when you consider that one minor accident could cost you thousands. Your premium depends on:
- The services you offer
- The size of your team
- Any extra coverage you add
- Your claims history
Think of it like this: It’s cheaper than one broken fence, one lost lawsuit, or one stolen blower. Plus, it comes with peace of mind that allows you to focus on growing your business and keeping customers happy
Why Landscaping Professionals Trust Insurance Canopy
You don’t have to be an insurance expert — you just need coverage that works as hard as you do. At Insurance Canopy, we understand the risks landscapers face, and we’ve built our policies to match.
Here’s why landscapers choose Insurance Canopy:
- Coverage built for landscaping work
- Optional add-ons for tools, employees, and trailers
- Instant proof of insurance
- Trusted by thousands of service professionals nationwide
We boost your protection as your business grows without overselling what you don’t need. Also, you can get covered in just a few minutes — no paperwork, no waiting around, and no surprise hoops to jump through.
Here’s how simple it is:
- Answer a few easy questions: Tell us about your landscaping services, equipment, and team.
- Choose the coverage that fits your work: Whether you’re solo or managing a crew, we’ll give you a policy that meets your needs and budget.
- Get instant proof of insurance in your inbox: Once you’ve paid for your policy, you’ll receive your COI right away so you can book jobs with confidence.
Common Questions About Landscaping Insurance
Does Landscaping Insurance Cover Stolen Equipment?
No, you need trailer and equipment insurance to cover stolen tools or equipment.
This coverage includes mobile items such as trimmers, blowers, or mowers, whether they’re in your truck, at a job site, or in storage. General liability won’t cover theft or damage to your equipment.
Are My Employees Covered Under Landscaping Insurance?
No, employees are not covered under general liability insurance. You need workers compensation to cover employee injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.
In many states, workers comp is legally mandatory even if you have only one employee.
How Do I Know if I Have Enough Coverage?
Make sure your coverage matches the size and risk level of your business.
Start with general liability limits of at least $500,000 per incident, and consider higher limits or add-ons if you handle heavy machinery, commercial jobs, or have employees.
Your insurance provider can help you adjust your policy as your business grows.
