Common Insurance Claims for Lawn Care Businesses, And How to Prevent Them
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
If you run a mowing company, you’ve likely searched for a lawn care business insurance quote after hearing a horror story about a flying rock or stolen mowers. The good news: knowing the most common lawn care business insurance claims, and how to prevent them, can lower risk and keep premiums stable.
Below are the top claim types we see with lawn care contractors, plus practical prevention tips you can implement.
1) Property Damage (Windows, Vehicles, Irrigation)
The claim: Rocks or debris thrown by mowers; edging near cars; broken sprinkler heads.
Prevent it:
Use debris guards; walk the site for hazards before mowing.
Point discharge away from buildings, vehicles, and pedestrians.
Flag or map irrigation heads; use trim shields near fragile areas.
Coverage touch-point: General Liability.
2) Third‑Party Bodily Injury (Trips, Slips, Flying Debris)
The claim: Clients or passers‑by slip on clippings or get hit by debris.
Prevent it:
Cones/signage to direct foot traffic; blow clippings off hard surfaces immediately.
Maintain safe distances; use spotters near sidewalks and entryways.
Coverage touch-point: General Liability (medical payments & liability).
3) Theft of Mowers, Trailers, and Handhelds
The claim: Overnight trailer theft or grab‑and‑go equipment loss mid‑route.
Prevent it:
Harden your yard (lighting, cameras, fencing) and lock trailers.
Etch/serialise mowers; keep an equipment schedule with photos.
Park trucks with trailer tongues facing walls/obstacles.
Coverage touch-point: Tools & Equipment (Inland Marine).
4) Auto Accidents (Trucks & Trailers)
The claim: Rear‑ends, backing incidents, trailer‑jackknifes.
Prevent it:
Backing protocols (spotters), dash cams, and telematics.
Monthly trailer brake/lighting checks; documented pre‑trip inspections.
Coverage touch-point: Commercial Auto.
5) Crew Injuries (Lacerations, Strains, Heat)
The claim: Blade cuts, lifting injuries, heat exhaustion.
Prevent it:
Cut‑resistant gloves, long pants, hearing/eye protection.
Two‑person lifts for heavy gear; hydration and heat‑index breaks.
Coverage touch-point: Workers’ Compensation.
6) Chemical Over-spray & Application Errors (If Applicable)
The claim: Herbicide drifts onto ornamental or neighbouring lawns.
Prevent it:
Calibrate sprayers; monitor wind and buffer zones.
Keep labels/SDS on hand; document each application.
Coverage touch-point: GL with pesticide/herbicide endorsement or separate pollution coverage.
Get a Tailored Policy That Reduces Claim Stress
Wexford Insurance helps mowing contractors nationwide place General Liability, Commercial Auto, Tools & Equipment, Workers’ Compensation, Umbrella, and pesticide/herbicide endorsements, bundled to fit your route, crew size, and equipment list.
👉 Request your lawn care business insurance quote from Wexford Insurance today and compare options designed to minimise the claims that hit lawn care companies most.
