Landscaping Business Insurance
For more info, contact
Matthew Leishman
Branch Manager, Burlington | Account ExecutivePeter Rowbotham
Account Executive | BrokerFrom large commercial landscaping operations to local general contractors, landscapers across Ontario embrace the unique challenge of providing exceptional outdoor design and maintenance work throughout all four Canadian seasons. With a unique combination of physical labor and heavy equipment usage, landscaping operations need to have coverage outlined for the specific scope of the business and its unique risks.
At Gifford Carr, we work for you. Our mission is to provide the risk management advisory service so you understand your coverage, and know your limits and protections in place so you can focus on what you do best, build your business.
What is landscaping insurance?
Landscaping insurance is a policy designed to provide coverage for risks against your landscaping operations. See it’s not one size fits all. We understand that. Let us do the comparison shopping, after all, we work with all of Canada’s top insurance companies. Protecting what matters is what we do, so you can focus on creating stunning outdoor spaces.
Do landscapers need insurance?
Ever heard the mindset of “we’re outside, what could go wrong?”. Insert risk management red flag. Skid steers create lots of blind spots and nicking the side of a building with the bucket, and replacing the siding and flashing can add up quickly. Not to mention, if an insured causes any sort of bodily injury to someone on the job site. So, it’s safe to say, plenty of “soil” can still hit the fan while landscaping.
For commercial projects, many contractors will even require proof of insurance for the job. Two of the biggest risks are property damage and bodily injury, which can generally be protected by a liability policy. Why are liability limits are so high? Because when a claim does arise, it can be very costly. Hence the strong recommendation is to always carry the proper insurance for the scope of your operations.
Connect with a broker who understands your business, so you can operate without the worry of would if.
LANDSCAPING BUSINESSES WE WORK WITH:
- Hardscaping (interlock, retaining walls)
- Ground Maintenance (lawn maintenance and care)
- Commercial and Residential landscaping
- Snow Plow and Removal (commercial and residential)
- Garden Services
- Decks/Fence/Patio Installation
- Masonry
Factors considered in landscaping operations premiums:
There are several factors considered when determining the cost of your insurance for your business, including:
- Annual and Projected Revenue
- Years of Experience
- Scope and type of projects (ie commercial/residential)
- Number of Employees
- Location
- Tools & Equipment (owned vs rented)
We partner with the leading insurance providers across Canada to offer you the coverage solutions that best fit your business.
Landscaping Business Insurance Solutions
FAQ
What does landscaping insurance cover?
Generally, a landscaping policy would have a combination of coverages. They can include:
- Commercial General Liability Insurance (CGL)
- Equipment and Tools Insurance
- Environmental
- Commercial Auto Insurance
But the coverage you need is really dependent on the scope of your business operations. Connect with your local Gifford Carr broker to talk about your business, and how best to protect it.
Do landscapers need insurance?
Always recommended, Yes. Why?
For commercial projects, many contractors will even require proof of insurance for the job (sometimes even to submit for and secure the bid!).
Your business may operate outdoors, but it’s safe to say, plenty of “soil” that can still hit the fan.
Two of the biggest risks are property damage and bodily injury, which can generally be protected in a liability policy. The reason liability limits are so high, when a claim does arise, they can be very costly. Hence the strong recommendation to always carry the proper insurance for the scope of your operations.
Connect with a broker who understands your business, so you can operate without the worry of would if.
Does landscaping insurance cover snow removal?
Why is snow removal insurance so difficult to find coverage for in Ontario?
Snow insurance has been a polarizing conversation over the last several years (snow pun not intended!).
Premiums and deductibles have hit new heights. The reason? Claims. Bill 118 (we explained some of the changes to the bill here), introduced in 2021, changed the timeframe in which a slip and fall must be reported, now there is a 60 day window to report – previously it was 2 years. This ensures logs, records and access to review memories of events are more timely.
A fire ignited in my storage shed where I store my tools & equipment. Will my policy cover the cost of damages?
For the tools, yes – so long as your broker has properly listed the tools (and their limits) to protect. Understand the terms of your tool coverage, some insurance companies will include a max maximum limit they will pay for any one tool.
As for the equipment, it would likely be protected as an individually listed item on the policy or would be included on a blanket limit. Either way, work with a broker who will ensure you understand how, where and to what limit your most valuable assets are protected in your policy package.
My landscaping company is only offering lawn care services. Is it necessary for me to buy insurance?
Easy sample scenario to answer this question: What if you are cutting grass outside and a rock gets caught in the blade and gets propelled out? Whether it hits a window or a kid walking by, you better hope that your insurance policy is up to date.
No matter where you are working, there are always perils (aka risks) that can arise. If you’re working with a broker who understands the scope of your business, these risks are likely covered.
