What Insurance Coverages Does a Lawn Care Business Need?
- May 25
- 6 min read
Running a lawn care business means early mornings, unpredictable weather, and working on property that isn’t yours. All it takes is one accident—like a rock thrown from a mower or a trailer backing into a garage door—to turn a normal workday into an expensive claim. That’s why understanding lawn care business insurance is critical before something goes wrong.
At Wexford Insurance, we’ve worked with hundreds of lawn care operators—from solo mowing crews to full-service landscaping companies. Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, and AU, our agency principal, often reminds business owners that the biggest risks aren’t always obvious until it’s too late. “Most lawn care businesses don’t realize how exposed they are until a claim happens. The right coverage isn’t just protection—it’s what keeps your business alive after a bad day,” Nate Jones CPCU, ARM, CLCS, and AU, says.
If you’re trying to figure out what insurance your lawn care business actually needs, this guide breaks it down in a practical, real-world way—based on what we see every day in this industry.
Average Cost of Lawn Care Business Insurance
Insurance costs vary significantly based on your operations, payroll, equipment, and claims history. Below are realistic estimated ranges for common policies most lawn care businesses carry.
Estimated Range:
$400 – $1,500 per year for small operators
$1,500 – $5,000+ for larger crews or higher-risk services
General liability insurance is your foundation. It covers third-party property damage and bodily injury.
At Wexford Insurance, most lawn care clients carry at least $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate limits, especially if they work on higher-end residential or commercial properties.
Estimated Range:
$1,000 – $4,000 per employee annually (varies heavily by payroll and job duties)
If you have employees, workers’ compensation insurance is typically required. It covers medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages for work-related injuries.
Lawn care work involves lifting, repetitive motion, and equipment use—making injuries more common than many owners expect.
Estimated Range:
$1,200 – $3,500 per vehicle annually
If you’re driving trucks, hauling trailers, or transporting equipment, commercial auto insurance is essential. Personal auto policies exclude business use in most cases.
In Nate Jones’s CPCU, ARM, CLCS, and AU, experience as a former underwriting manager, one of the most overlooked risks is “drive-time exposure.” Crews that are constantly on the road between jobs face a much higher likelihood of accidents.
Estimated Range:
$300 – $1,500 annually depending on equipment value
Your tools are your livelihood. Inland marine insurance protects mobile equipment like mowers, blowers, trimmers, and trailers whether they’re on a job site or in transit.
At Wexford, one of the most common claims we see is equipment theft from trailers overnight. This coverage fills a critical gap that standard property policies don’t address.
Estimated Range:
$800 – $3,000 annually
A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) bundles general liability and property coverage into one package. It’s often a cost-effective choice for businesses with a physical location or storage facility.
Estimated Range:
$500 – $2,000 annually per $1M in coverage
An umbrella policy adds extra liability protection above your other policies. It becomes crucial if you work on large properties, commercial contracts, or higher-value homes.
Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, and AU, often advises lawn care companies to consider umbrella coverage once they reach consistent revenue and start taking on bigger contracts. “Liability claims can escalate quickly, especially if multiple parties are involved,” he explains.
What Factors Affect Lawn Care Insurance Costs
Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your pricing depends on how your business actually operates.
Here are the biggest cost drivers we evaluate at Wexford Insurance:
Business size and revenue — Larger operations carry more exposure
Number of employees — More workers increase workers’ comp costs
Service offerings — Adding tree work, fertilization, or hardscaping increases risk
Equipment value — Expensive tools raise inland marine premiums
Driving exposure — More vehicles and miles driven increase auto risk
Claims history — Past claims can significantly impact pricing and eligibility
Type of clients — Commercial contracts often require higher limits
At Wexford Insurance, we’ve seen firsthand that two lawn care businesses with similar revenue can have completely different insurance costs simply because one has employees driving daily while the other operates solo.
Insurance Requirements Lawn Care Businesses Should Know
Even though requirements can vary depending on your situation, there are several baseline expectations every lawn care operator should understand.
Workers’ Compensation Requirements
If you have employees—even part-time—you are generally expected to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Failing to carry it can result in significant penalties and leave you personally responsible for workplace injuries.
Learn More: MEM
Contractual Insurance Requirements
Many property managers, HOAs, and commercial clients require proof of insurance before hiring you.
These usually include:
General liability with minimum limits (commonly $1M/$2M)
Additional insured endorsements
Certificates of insurance (COIs)
At Wexford Insurance, we regularly help clients issue COIs quickly so they can start jobs without delays.
Licensing and Pesticide Application Regulations
If your business offers fertilization, weed control, or chemical treatments, you may need additional licensing and certifications.
This can also affect your insurance needs, as applying chemicals increases environmental and liability exposure.
Learn More: EPA
Vehicle and Trailer Compliance
If you operate trucks and trailers, commercial auto coverage is essential. In some cases, you may also need:
Higher liability limits
Trailer coverage
DOT compliance depending on vehicle weight and use
Learn More: UL Solutions
How to Lower Your Lawn Care Insurance Costs
Insurance is a necessary expense—but there are smart ways to control costs without cutting corners on protection.
Here are practical strategies we recommend to lawn care businesses:
Bundle policies – Combine general liability, property, and equipment under a BOP
Implement safety training – Fewer claims lead to lower premiums over time
Maintain a clean driving record – Monitor employees who operate vehicles
Secure your equipment – Use trailer locks and overnight storage practices
Choose appropriate deductibles – Higher deductibles can reduce premiums
Work with an independent agency – Compare multiple carriers instead of settling for one option
Document processes and contracts – Clear agreements reduce disputes and claims
At Wexford Insurance, we often identify savings opportunities simply by restructuring how policies are packaged across carriers.
Real-World Example: How These Coverages Work Together
At Wexford Insurance, we recently worked with a lawn care company that experienced three separate incidents in a single season:
A mower kicked debris and shattered a client’s patio door
A crew member strained their back loading equipment
A trailer was broken into overnight and multiple tools were stolen
Each policy responded differently:
General liability covered the property damage
Workers’ compensation handled the employee injury
Inland marine insurance covered the stolen equipment
Without all three policies in place, the business owner would have faced major out-of-pocket costs.
This is why layering coverage correctly is critical—not just having “some insurance.”
FAQ: Lawn Care Business Insurance
Do I need insurance if I only mow a few lawns per week?
Yes. Even small operations face real liability risks. A single accident can result in thousands of dollars in damages, regardless of how often you work.
Does general liability cover my employees?
No. General liability insurance does not cover employee injuries. You need workers’ compensation for that type of exposure.
Can I bundle my lawn care insurance policies?
Yes. Many lawn care businesses bundle general liability, property, and equipment coverage into a Business Owner’s Policy for cost savings and convenience.
What if I operate out of my home?
You can still get business insurance even without a physical office. However, your homeowner's policy will not cover business-related claims.
Do I need coverage for my equipment if I store it in my garage?
Yes. Even at home, your equipment is at risk of theft or damage. Inland marine insurance ensures your tools are protected wherever they are.
Is insurance required for contracts?
In most cases, yes. Commercial clients and property managers typically require proof of insurance before allowing work to begin.
Why Lawn Care Business Owners Choose Wexford Insurance
At Wexford Insurance, lawn care and landscaping businesses aren’t just another category—we work with them every day. From solo operators to growing crews, we understand how this industry really operates.
Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, and AU, leads our agency with a background in underwriting and risk management, and a degree in Insurance and Risk Management from Indiana State University. That means we don’t just sell policies—we understand how they’re built, priced, and applied when claims happen.
As a Trusted Choice independent agency, we represent multiple A-rated carriers. This allows us to:
Compare coverage options side-by-side
Customize policies based on your operations
Adjust your coverage as your business grows
At Wexford Insurance, we’ve seen firsthand that no two lawn care businesses are alike. Some need basic liability protection, while others require complex coverage for vehicles, employees, and specialized services.
One of the most common mistakes Nate Jones CPCU, ARM, CLCS, and AU, sees lawn care owners make is relying on the cheapest policy available. “Price matters, but coverage matters more. The gaps in a cheap policy are what end up costing you the most,” he says.
Get a Lawn Care Insurance Quote
Choosing the right lawn care business insurance isn’t about checking a box—it’s about protecting your income, your equipment, and your future.
If you want a policy that actually fits how your business works, we’re here to help.
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.
