Landscaping means big business in the U.S. According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, “The industry employs more than 1 million people and represents 661,000 landscaping service businesses.” 

That’s over a half million business owners who need guidance and support from trusted advisors to ensure their investments are properly protected with landscaper liability insurance. Now is the time to start preparing for the insurance needs of landscapers as they ramp up for their busy spring and summer season. Let’s dig in with some need-to-know information about the landscaping sector for agents and carriers.

Why do landscapers need insurance?

No matter how hard they try to avoid it, accidents happen. Landscaping can be dangerous. Most tasks involve using power tools like hedge trimmers and commercial lawn mowers. These businesses need landscaping liability insurance to protect themselves, their financial stability, their employees (if they have them), and the property of the customers they serve. 

What landscaper liability insurance coverage do they need?

Landscapers encounter various risks. Here are just a few example scenarios and landscaper liability insurance products that can protect them: 

• Employees or contractors might suffer workplace injuries, which would require workers’ compensation.
• Specialized, expensive equipment needs protection against damage or theft. 
• Self-employed landscapers (or their employees if they have them) move from one property to another, requiring coverage solutions like commercial auto insurance and inland marine insurance (which may or may not be included in the policy at no additional charge or might require an endorsement at a charge.)
• Landscaping can result in damage to customers’ property; for example, a lawn mower could kick up a rock and chip a client's window. General liability insurance would help in this case.

By understanding these unique risks, you can tailor landscaper liability insurance solutions to the specific needs of the industry.

Do home or business owners require landscapers to have insurance?

Home or business owners looking to hire a landscaper may not always ask for proof of landscaper liability insurance prior to hiring them, but they should. Landscape business owners should have this documentation readily available. Some landscaping contracts, such as with a governmental entity, may require proof of surety bond issuance as well, so be sure to understand the business’ customer base to anticipate their needs. 

How do you handle the seasonality of the landscaping business?

The landscaping business can be seasonal in the North and operate year-round in the South. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest employment levels in landscaping are California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Illinois. The southern states on this list allow landscaping businesses to operate the majority, if not all, of the year. Others in the North are likely slower in the colder months and focus on other services such as snow removal or holiday lighting/decorating. 

Insurance agents will need to understand the exact scope of the services their customers provide in order to make sure they are adequately covered for all risks. From a risk perspective, snow removal is different from landscaping, so it is important to be cognizant of which carriers provide snow plowing services and which do not.

Tips to better serve landscapers

Protecting landscaping businesses can be complex. But when you understand the business, you can get them exactly what they need. Here are our top four tips for securing, supporting, and retaining their business:

1. Stay informed about the landscaping industry, trends, and changing regulations to establish a relationship and position yourself as a trusted resource. 
2. Stay updated on changes related to the unique features of landscaping products. Understanding these small but important details will help you stand out as a partner. 
3. Offer regular policy reviews to stay in touch with your customers' businesses as they evolve. Checking in with customers periodically to assess their coverage can help ensure they aren't underinsured or paying for unnecessary policies. 
4. Educate your customers about workers' compensation audits to avoid surprises during the yearly audit process. This is a nuance that often gets missed.

Capturing more landscaping business leads

If landscaping is an area of expertise for you and you want to grow this book of business, it's easy to find business owners working in the community. Proactively approach landscapers on the street and see if they are open to discussing better pricing or tailored landscaper liability insurance coverage - it’s worth a shot!

Additionally, you can leverage the Bold Penguin Exchange, the largest prospect marketplace, and get seamlessly matched with a landscaper looking for insurance. The Exchange can provide a steady source of curated landscaper leads to help you grow this book of business. 

The bottom line on landscaper liability insurance

As spring and summer approach, it’s important to start prepping for the needs of your landscaping business clients. Keep in touch, get a true understanding of their services, and dig deep to make sure you offer a landscaper liability insurance coverage solution tailored to their needs. This demonstrates your commitment, builds trust, and solidifies your role as a partner in their success.

Contact Bold Penguin with questions about how we can work together.