Common Mistakes That Increase the Insurance Cost for a Pest Control Business
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Pest control companies face a wide range of risks, chemical applications, termite bonds, fumigation hazards, bed bug heat treatments, climbing and ladder exposure, and vehicles on the road daily. Because of this, the cost for pest control business insurance can rise quickly if certain mistakes aren’t addressed. Luckily, many of these factors are preventable. Here are the most common mistakes pest control businesses make that increase their insurance premiums.
1) Poor Chemical Handling and Documentation
Underwriters closely evaluate how your business stores, mixes, applies, and transports chemicals. Pricing typically increases when:
No written chemical‑handling SOPs
Inadequate PPE training
Poor drift control or containment procedures
No documentation of post‑treatment instructions
Proper documentation makes your business appear safer and lowers your risk rating.
2) Weak Fleet Safety and Driving Protocols
Most pest control claims come from commercial auto losses, and many are preventable. Underwriters charge more when:
No MVR checks are performed
Technicians receive no driver training
Vehicles aren’t regularly maintained
Vans containing chemicals are left unsecured overnight
Fleet safety improvements directly reduce auto premiums.
3) Incorrect Coverage Limits or Missing Endorsements
Some pest control contractors unknowingly carry the wrong coverage types. This can cause both coverage gaps and higher premiums, especially for:
Termite bonds and WDO inspections
Contractors Pollution Liability
Fumigation work
Commercial contracts requiring endorsements
Working with a general insurance agent often results in missing or misclassified coverages, which increases long‑term claim risk and therefore pricing.
4) Inaccurate Employee Classifications
Insurance carriers rely on correct job classifications for workers’ compensation. Errors such as classifying field technicians as admin staff can trigger audits and premium hikes.
Accurate payroll splits between:
Technicians
Helpers
Office staff
help control costs while staying compliant.
5) Not Maintaining a Clean Claims History
Frequent claims, especially termite warranty disputes, over-spray damage, missed infestations, or auto accidents, lead to higher premiums.
Improving documentation, implementing QA checklists, and adopting regular safety training programs can significantly reduce claims and stabilise pricing.
Get Affordable, Accurate Pest Control Insurance Today
Not every insurer understands extermination, fumigation, and termite bond exposures, and common mistakes can raise your premiums unnecessarily. Wexford Insurance partners with top‑rated carriers that specialise in pest control business insurance, helping owners avoid costly errors while securing the right limits, deductibles, and policy forms.
👉 Request your Pest Control Business insurance quote from Wexford Insurance today and ensure your technicians, customers, and business are fully protected.
