Lawn Care Business Insurance Requirements for 2026
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
If you operate a mowing company or full‑service landscaping crew, meeting lawn care business insurance requirements is essential for contracts, safety, and compliance. Below is a requirements‑first checklist you can follow in 2026, plus what regulators and carriers look for when you request a lawn care business insurance quote.
1) General Liability (GL), Required by Most Clients
Most residential, HOA, and commercial contracts require GL before work starts. GL helps cover third‑party property damage and bodily injury (e.g., broken windows, slip‑and‑fall near your equipment). Keep certificates of insurance (COIs) handy and be prepared to add Additional Insured / Waiver of Subrogation where contracts demand it.
2) Commercial Auto, Not Your Personal Policy
If you use trucks or tow trailers for business, carriers and many contracts require Commercial Auto (personal auto policies commonly limit or exclude business use). Insurers recommend Commercial Auto when vehicles are titled to the business, used to carry tools/equipment, or driven by employees, scenarios typical for mowing crews.
Zero‑turn mowers, walk‑behinds, trimmers, blowers, aerators, and handhelds move with you from site to site. Inland Marine (a.k.a. Contractor’s Equipment) is the standard way to cover theft and damage in transit or on a job-site. Keep an itemised schedule (serials, photos) to speed claims and underwriting.
4) Workers’ Compensation (WC), Usually Mandatory With Employees
If you hire employees (even seasonal), most states require WC to cover medical costs and lost wages after job‑related injuries. Landscaping has unique hazards (machinery, noise, debris, heat/cold, chemicals), so OSHA urges robust training and programs for this industry, something underwriters value when pricing WC.
5) Pesticide/Herbicide Liability & Licensing (If You Apply Chemicals)
If your services include herbicides or fertilisers, ask your agent for pesticide/herbicide liability (endorsement or separate coverage). Also confirm your licensing: federal law requires certification for anyone applying or supervising Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs), with certification administered by each state; many states certify all commercial applicators, not just RUP users.
6) Umbrella/Excess Liability, For Bigger Jobs & HOAs
When contracts require higher limits (municipal sites, large HOAs, medical/education campuses), an Umbrella policy increases liability protection above GL/Auto/WC (employers’ liability). Keep your schedule/limits ready for pre‑qualification.
7) Safety & Documentation, What Underwriters Want to See
Underwriters weigh driver MVRs, equipment maintenance logs, chemical handling procedures/SDS access, and tailgate talks. Strong safety programs align with OSHA’s landscaping guidance and can help you qualify for better pricing.
Get Contract‑Ready With Wexford Insurance
Wexford Insurance helps lawn care contractors nationwide secure the exact bundle most contracts call for:
Pesticide/Herbicide Liability
Umbrella/Excess
We work with carriers that insure lawn care contractors across the nation and can tailor your limits and endorsements to match 2026 contract language.
👉 Request your lawn care business insurance quote from Wexford Insurance today and get contract‑ready coverage—without paying for extras you don’t need.
