General Liability vs Tools Coverage in Lawn Irrigation Business Insurance
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Lawn irrigation contractors face daily risks that can lead to costly claims, from property damage caused by faulty installations to stolen or damaged tools. Two of the most important policies in lawn irrigation business insurance are general liability insurance and tools and equipment coverage. While both are essential, they protect very different aspects of your business.
What Is General Liability Insurance?
General liability insurance protects your business from third-party claims related to bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. For lawn irrigation installers, this coverage is critical due to the nature of working on client properties.
Examples of claims covered by general liability include:
Water damage to a home caused by improper sprinkler installation
Damage to underground utility lines while trenching
A client slipping on mud or equipment at a job site
Most states and clients require contractors to carry general liability insurance, often with minimum limits of $1 million per occurrence. This coverage helps pay for legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments.
What Is Tools and Equipment Coverage?
Tools and equipment coverage, sometimes called inland marine insurance, protects the physical assets your business relies on to operate. Lawn irrigation contractors use specialized tools and equipment that can be expensive to replace.
This coverage typically protects against:
Theft of tools from a vehicle or job site
Damage to equipment caused by accidents, fire, or vandalism
Loss of tools while in transit between job sites
Without tools coverage, contractors often must pay out of pocket to replace stolen or damaged equipment, leading to downtime and lost revenue.
Key Differences Between the Two
Coverage Type | What It Protects | Who It Protects |
General Liability | Third-party injuries and property damage | Clients and third parties |
Tools Coverage | Business-owned tools and equipment | Your business |
General liability does not cover stolen or damaged tools, and tools coverage does not cover injuries or property damage claims. That’s why most irrigation contractors need both.
Which Coverage Do You Need?
Most lawn irrigation businesses should carry both policies to ensure complete protection. General liability protects your reputation and financial stability, while tools coverage keeps your business operational after a loss.
Client contracts, state regulations, and municipal requirements often demand proof of liability insurance.
Why Work With Wexford Insurance
Choosing the right coverage limits and policy types can be confusing. Wexford Insurance specializes in contractor insurance and helps lawn irrigation businesses bundle general liability, tools coverage, and other essential policies into a customized, cost-effective solution. Wexford ensures you’re protected from both liability claims and equipment losses—without paying for unnecessary coverage.
FAQs
How do I get lawn irrigation business insurance for my sprinkler contracting company?
How much does lawn irrigation business insurance cost, and what factors affect the price?
What lawn irrigation business insurance is required for installers by state?
