Tree Service & Tree Trimmer Insurance
Specialized Insurance for Tree Care Businesses
Tree service businesses face risks that many other companies simply don’t encounter. John Scott Insurance helps tree care professionals build insurance programs around the way their businesses actually operate.
Risks Most Businesses Never Face
Working at heights, operating chainsaws and heavy equipment, removing trees near homes and power lines, transporting equipment between job sites, and managing employees and subcontractors can create significant exposures.
For companies that need specialized expertise, John Scott Insurance also operates Tree Trimmers Insurance Agency, a division focused specifically on the insurance needs of tree service businesses.
What Insurance Does a Tree Service Business Need?
There isn’t one policy that covers every risk a tree service company faces. The right program depends on the services performed, number of employees, vehicles, equipment, subcontractor use, geographic area and other factors. Coverage commonly considered includes:
General Liability
Can help protect a tree service business when operations result in third-party bodily injury or property damage — especially around homes, businesses, vehicles, fences and other property.
Workers’ Compensation
Tree work can expose employees to falls, equipment injuries, falling limbs and other hazards. May provide benefits for qualifying work-related injuries or illnesses and may be required depending on location and circumstances.
Commercial Auto
Trucks and other commercial vehicles move crews, equipment, trailers and materials. Personal auto generally isn’t designed for vehicles used primarily for business.
Equipment & Inland Marine
Chippers, stump grinders, chainsaws, loaders and other specialized equipment are a substantial investment. May help protect equipment that travels between job sites, subject to policy terms.
Commercial Property
For businesses that own or lease offices, shops, garages, storage buildings or other property — eligible buildings, contents and business property.
Commercial Auto
Trucks and other commercial vehicles move crews, equipment, trailers and materials. Personal auto generally isn’t designed for vehicles used primarily for business.
Employment Practices Liability
As a tree service grows and hires, employment exposures grow too. May cover certain claims alleging discrimination, harassment or wrongful termination, depending on the policy.
Insurance Built Around How Your Tree Service Operates
Not every tree company performs the same work. One business may handle residential trimming and removal while another performs large commercial jobs, land clearing, storm cleanup or specialized arborist services. Important considerations include:
Understanding what a company actually does is an important part of identifying its insurance exposures.
Why Tree Service Insurance Requires Specialized Knowledge
Tree service insurance isn’t simply standard business insurance with a different company name attached to it.
Employees working at height, specialized equipment, commercial vehicles, property damage exposures and potentially severe liability claims make understanding the operation especially important.
Carriers may also evaluate tree businesses differently based on the type of work, employee experience, safety practices, loss history, equipment, geographic territory and other underwriting factors. An agency familiar with the tree care industry can help owners better understand their exposures and options.
Tree Trimmers Insurance Agency
John Scott Insurance has expanded its commercial insurance expertise through Tree Trimmers Insurance Agency, a specialized division dedicated to serving tree service professionals — focused on the challenges of tree trimming, tree removal and tree care businesses.
This focus lets our team keep building knowledge and resources for the tree care industry while being backed by the experience and resources of John Scott Insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Service Insurance
What insurance should a tree trimming company have?
Coverage needs vary by business, but tree service companies commonly consider general liability, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, equipment/inland marine, commercial property and umbrella or excess liability coverage. The appropriate combination depends on the company’s operations and exposures.
Does general liability insurance cover damage caused by a falling tree?
General liability may respond to certain covered third-party property damage claims resulting from business operations. Whether a particular incident is covered depends on the circumstances and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy.
Do tree service companies need workers’ compensation?
Requirements vary by state and business circumstances. Tree service businesses with employees should review applicable workers’ compensation requirements and their occupational injury exposures with a qualified insurance professional.
Does tree service insurance cover chainsaws, chippers and stump grinders?
Certain equipment may be insured through commercial property or inland marine/equipment coverage. Coverage depends on how the equipment is owned, used, stored and transported and on the specific policy.
Do tree companies need commercial auto insurance?
Businesses using vehicles for tree service operations should review commercial auto coverage. This can include trucks and other vehicles used to transport employees, equipment or materials.
Are subcontractors automatically covered by a tree company’s insurance?
Not necessarily. The use of subcontractors can create additional insurance and contractual considerations. Tree service companies should discuss subcontractor use with their insurance professional and understand any carrier requirements.
Can one policy cover an entire tree service business?
Some coverages may be packaged together, but tree service businesses frequently need several types of insurance to address different exposures. The appropriate structure depends on the individual company.
Where can I get insurance specifically for a tree service company?
John Scott Insurance operates Tree Trimmers Insurance Agency, a specialized division focused on helping tree service professionals understand and address their business insurance needs.
Let’s Talk About Your Tree Service Business
Every tree care company operates differently. The first step is understanding your services, employees, equipment, vehicles and the risks your crews encounter every day.
John Scott Insurance and Tree Trimmers Insurance Agency can help you review those exposures and explore insurance options designed for your operation.
Let’s Talk About Your Tree Service Business
Every tree care company operates differently. The first step is understanding your services, employees, equipment, vehicles and the risks your crews encounter every day.
John Scott Insurance and Tree Trimmers Insurance Agency can help you review those exposures and explore insurance options designed for your operation.