Cyber insurance for landscapers

A data breach can be devastating for a small landscaping business, especially if your customers' payment information is compromised. The costs of a data breach often include notifying affected customers, supplying them with fraud monitoring services, and hiring a security company to investigate the breach.

That's why businesses that store credit card numbers and other sensitive information need a cyber liability policy. Cyber insurance can pay for data recovery costs and provide essential support and resources.

This policy provides coverage related to:

• Data breaches
• Cyberattacks
• Ransomware
• Phishing
• Malware
• Denial of service (DOS) attacks
• Other cyber incidents that disrupt business

Landscaping businesses typically need first-party cyber insurance, which provides financial protection against cyber threats at your own business. For example, it would help your business recover after a cyberattack exposed your customers' credit card numbers.

You may be able to add this coverage, also called data breach insurance, to your general liability insurance or business owner's policy (BOP).

Another type of cyber policy, third-party coverage, is recommended if you're responsible for another business's cybersecurity. For example, if you're hired to help another landscaper start a business and you recommend insecure software, you could be held liable for a data breach.

First-party cyber insurance coverage can help pay for:

• Notifying customers affected by a data breach
• Providing credit monitoring services
• Running public relations campaigns
• Business interruption due to cyber crime
• Cyberextortion payments
• Other recovery activities

Data breaches are expensive, and running a small business doesn't mean you're safe from hackers. Small companies are often targeted by cybercriminals because they have fewer security measures in place. On top of that, simple accidents by employees – such as opening a phishing email – are the most common cyber risks.

While cyber liability insurance protects against cybercrime and data breaches, it's not the only insurance you need.

Landscaping business owners should also consider:

General liability insurance: This policy covers expenses related to customer injuries and property damage, such as accidental damage to a customer's fence.

Business owner's policy: A BOP bundles general liability coverage with commercial property insurance at a discount. It includes coverage for fires, theft, and other common losses.

Commercial auto insurance: Required in most states, commercial auto insurance covers vehicles owned by your business. It can pay for injuries and property damage in an accident, along with vehicle theft, weather damage, and vandalism.

Workers’ compensation insurance: This policy is required in most states for businesses with employees. If a landscaper hurts their back while loading equipment or develops an illness from prolonged exposure to pesticides, workers’ comp would pay for their medical expenses, as well as partial lost wages.

Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance: A type of inland marine insurance, this policy repairs or replaces a landscaping contractor’s business property if it is lost, stolen, or damaged while in transit or stored off-site, like at a job site.

License and permit bonds: Landscapers might need a surety bond to get a license in their state, or to do specific types of work.

Are you ready to safeguard your landscaping business with cyber insurance?

Complete Insureon’s easy online application to compare quotes from top U.S. insurance companies. A licensed insurance agent is available to discuss your coverage options and answer all of your questions.

Once you find the landscaping business insurance policies that fit your unique business needs, you can begin coverage and get a certificate of insurance in less than 24 hours.