How Much Does Business Insurance Cost for a Landscaping Business
- May 25
- 7 min read
You’re loading up your trailer for another long day—mowers fueled, crew ready, schedule packed. Maybe you’ve got three residential jobs lined up in the morning and a commercial property in the afternoon. But before you pull out of the driveway, there’s a question that every landscaping business owner eventually asks: How much does landscaping business insurance cost—and what do I actually need?
At Wexford Insurance, we’ve worked with landscaping businesses at every stage, from solo operators mowing a handful of yards each week to multi-crew companies handling commercial contracts. In Nate Jones’s CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU, experience as a former underwriting manager, the biggest mistake landscapers make isn’t overpaying for insurance—it’s not understanding what drives the cost in the first place.
The short answer? Landscaping insurance typically ranges from $500 to $3,500+ per year for smaller operations, increasing as your business grows. The real answer is more nuanced—and that’s what we’ll break down below.
Average Cost of Landscaping Business Insurance
When you request a quote for landscaping contractor insurance, your total cost is made up of several different policies. Each one protects a specific type of risk your business faces daily.
Here are realistic estimated ranges based on what we see across the marketplace.
General liability insurance is the foundation of your coverage.
Estimated cost: $400–$1,500 annually
Covers: Property damage, bodily injury, legal defense
This policy kicks in if you accidentally break a client’s window with a mower or if someone trips over your equipment.
At Wexford Insurance, we frequently see claims where a mower throws debris into siding or a vehicle. These are usually small claims—but without coverage, they come straight out of your pocket.
“For most landscapers, general liability is non-negotiable,” says Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU. “I typically recommend at least $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate because even simple claims can escalate quickly.”
Learn more about https://www.wexfordins.com/general-liability and how it protects your business.
If you have employees—even just one—workers’ compensation insurance is essential.
Cost: Based on payroll, job duties, and claims history
Covers: Medical bills, lost wages, disability benefits
Landscaping is physically demanding. Injuries from lifting, heat exhaustion, equipment use, and slips are all common.
At Wexford Insurance, one of the most common claims we see is back injuries related to repetitive lifting and loading equipment. These claims can linger and become costly if not handled properly.
Your trucks and trailers are the backbone of your business. Personal auto policies won’t cover them.
Estimated cost: $1,000–$3,000 per vehicle annually
Covers: Accidents, property damage, injuries involving business vehicles
Whether you’re towing equipment or driving between job sites, you need commercial auto insurance.
At Wexford Insurance, we’ve helped landscaping businesses navigate auto claims involving trailer detachment, rear-end collisions, and parking lot incidents—all of which can become expensive quickly.
Landscapers are constantly moving tools and equipment between job sites. That’s where inland marine insurance comes in.
Cost: Based on total equipment value
Covers: Theft, damage, or loss of tools and machinery
From zero-turn mowers to trimmers and blowers, your equipment represents a major investment.
We’ve seen cases where trailers are stolen overnight, resulting in complete equipment losses. Without this coverage, replacing everything out-of-pocket can set a business back significantly.
If you own or lease a shop, garage, or office space, you need commercial property insurance.
Cost: Based on property value, location, and building type
Covers: Buildings, inventory, stored equipment
This is especially important if you store equipment indoors or maintain a physical headquarters.
You can learn more about https://www.wexfordins.com/commercial-property-insurance here.
A Business Owner’s Policy combines general liability and property insurance into one package.
Cost: Typically more affordable than buying policies separately
Covers: Liability + property risks
For many landscaping companies, this is the most efficient way to bundle fundamental coverage.
An umbrella policy adds an extra layer of liability protection above your existing limits.
Cost: Relatively affordable compared to coverage provided
Covers: Large or catastrophic liability claims
If you work on higher-end properties or commercial contracts, this added protection can be critical.
What Factors Affect Landscaping Insurance Costs?
Your premium isn’t random—it’s based on how your business actually operates.
1. Business Size and Revenue
The larger your operation, the higher your exposure to risk.
A solo operator is a very different risk than a company running multiple crews with several trucks. More employees and more revenue typically lead to higher premiums.
2. Type of Landscaping Work
Not all landscaping work carries the same level of risk.
Lower risk: Lawn mowing, edging, basic maintenance
Higher risk: Tree removal, hardscaping, retaining walls
In Nate Jones’s CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU, experience as an underwriting manager, higher-risk activities like tree trimming can significantly increase both liability and workers’ comp costs.
3. Equipment and Vehicles
The more equipment you own, the more you need to insure.
High-value mowers, trailers, and trucks all increase your total premium—but they also represent assets you can’t afford to lose.
Learn More: Work Bay
4. Claims History
Insurance companies look closely at your past claims.
A clean record can help keep your costs low, while frequent claims—even small ones—can increase your premiums over time.
5. Coverage Limits
Higher limits mean better protection—but also higher premiums.
At Wexford Insurance, we often help clients balance cost versus risk to find the right level of coverage for their business size and contract requirements.
6. Subcontractors vs Employees
If you use subcontractors, your insurance structure becomes more complex.
You may need to verify certificates of insurance and ensure you’re not unintentionally absorbing their risk.
Insurance Requirements for Landscaping Businesses
Even though specific requirements can vary, there are several universal expectations landscaping businesses need to meet.
Workers’ Compensation Expectations
Most businesses with employees are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage.
Even if not strictly required in your situation, going without it exposes you to serious financial risk if an injury occurs.
Licensing and Contract Requirements
Many landscaping contracts—especially commercial ones—require proof of insurance.
Common requirements include:
General liability with minimum limits
Certificate of insurance (COI)
Additional insured endorsements
Without proper coverage, you may lose out on valuable opportunities.
Auto Insurance Compliance
Any vehicle used for business purposes must be properly insured under a commercial policy.
This ensures both your business and your drivers are protected in the event of an accident.
How to Lower Your Landscaping Insurance Costs
Insurance is a necessary expense—but there are smart ways to keep it manageable.
1. Work With a Specialized Agency
Not all agencies understand landscaping risks.
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in contractor insurance.
That means we know how to structure policies efficiently without over-insuring you.
2. Bundle Your Policies
Combining coverage into a BOP or bundling multiple policies can reduce overall costs and simplify your insurance management.
3. Invest in Safety Practices
Fewer claims = lower premiums.
Focus on:
Equipment safety training
Proper lifting techniques
Vehicle safety protocols
Kami Jones, our Director of Customer Experience, often works with clients to ensure documentation and processes are in place to demonstrate strong safety practices.
Learn More: OSHA
4. Maintain a Clean Claims History
Avoid small, preventable claims whenever possible.
Sometimes paying minor damages out-of-pocket helps preserve your long-term premium stability.
5. Review Your Coverage Annually
As your business grows, your insurance needs change.
At Wexford Insurance, we recommend annual reviews to make sure your coverage aligns with your current operations—not where you were two years ago.
6. Verify Subcontractor Coverage
Make sure subcontractors carry their own insurance and provide certificates.
This helps prevent their risks from becoming your liability.
7. Right-Size Your Coverage Limits
Don’t overbuy or underbuy.
Finding the right balance between protection and affordability is where working with an experienced advisor makes a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does landscaping insurance vary so much?
Every landscaping business operates differently. The type of work you do, the number of employees you have, and the equipment you own all influence your risk—and your pricing.
Can I get insurance if I’m just starting out?
Yes. Many new landscaping businesses start with basic general liability coverage and scale up as they grow. At Wexford Insurance, we regularly help startups build affordable, flexible policies.
Is general liability enough on its own?
It’s a good starting point, but it’s rarely enough. Most landscaping businesses also need commercial auto, equipment coverage, and workers’ compensation to be fully protected.
How quickly can I get a certificate of insurance?
In most cases, we can issue a COI quickly—often the same day—so you can start work or meet contract requirements without delays.
What’s the biggest risk landscapers overlook?
Equipment theft and employee injuries are the two biggest risks we see underestimated. Both can result in significant financial strain if not properly insured.
Why Landscaping Businesses Choose Wexford Insurance
At Wexford Insurance, landscaping businesses aren’t just another account—we understand the day-to-day challenges you face because we work with contractors like you every day.
Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU, founded Wexford Insurance after working as an underwriting manager and risk consultant. He graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in Insurance and Risk Management and built this agency to give business owners better guidance—not just policies.
“Our goal isn’t just to sell insurance,” Nate Jones CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU, says. “It’s to help you understand your risk so you can make confident decisions about protecting your business.”
As an independent agency and proud Trusted Choice member, we represent multiple insurance carriers. That means we can shop the market on your behalf to find the best combination of coverage and pricing.
We’ve helped landscapers:
Structure coverage for growing crews
Navigate equipment theft claims
Win contracts by meeting insurance requirements
Lower premiums with smarter policy design
At Wexford Insurance, we have seen firsthand that the right insurance setup doesn’t just protect your business—it helps it grow.
Get a Quote for Landscaping Business Insurance
Understanding how much landscaping business insurance costs is important. Getting the right coverage for your specific business is what really protects you.
At Wexford Insurance, you’ll work with a team that takes the time to understand your operations, your equipment, and your goals.
Wexford Insurance Address: 107 N State Road 135, STE 304, Greenwood, IN 46142
Call 317-942-0549 or visit www.wexfordins.com. We will compare multiple carriers and help you secure the right protection at the best possible price.