Tree service and arborist insurance costs

Tree service contractors and businesses pay an average of $138 per month, or $1,651 per year, for general liability insurance (sometimes called public liability insurance).

General liability insurance covers common landscaping risks, including third-party property damage and bodily injury. For example, if a tree trimmer damages a homeowner's window while cutting down a tree branch, a general liability policy would cover any resulting legal expenses.

It also helps pay for legal fees if someone sues your business over copyright infringement or advertising injuries, including defamation.

Some tree service small business owners may need proof of general liability insurance to sign a commercial lease or secure a client contract.

Below is the average policy for tree care businesses that buy from Insureon:

Premium: $138 per month
Policy limits: $1 million per occurrence; $2 million aggregate
Deductible: $1,000

Insureon’s licensed agents typically recommend a business owner’s policy (BOP) for small, low-risk landscaping companies. This policy combines general liability coverage with commercial property insurance at a discount to protect your tree service business property, such as pruners and chainsaws.

For tree service professionals, the average cost for a business owner's policy is $181 per month or $2,170 per year. To protect against financial losses due to a forced closure, such as from a fire or flooding, you can also add business interruption insurance to a BOP.

General liability insurance costs depend on factors such as the coverage limits you choose, the size of your business, the amount of foot traffic you have, and any additional insured endorsements you select.

Learn more about how your insurance premium is calculated and how to save money on your general liability coverage.

The average cost for workers’ compensation insurance for tree service professionals is $186 per month, or $2,235 annually.

A workers’ compensation policy covers medical bills and lost wages if you or an employee gets injured or ill on the job, such as a tree trimmer who is briefly exposed to a power line and at high risk of electrical shock. Businesses that have employees typically must purchase workers' comp to comply with state requirements and avoid penalties.

Workers' comp state laws vary and your specific requirements will depend on the state you live in. For example, all tree service companies are required to carry workers' comp insurance in California if they have one or more employees. However, coverage is optional in Texas.

Since health insurance plans can deny claims for injuries related to your job, workers' compensation coverage is also recommended for sole proprietors as a financial safety net and for extra peace of mind.

The cost of workers' comp depends on several factors, primarily your number of employees and their occupational risks. You can save money on your workers' comp coverage by classifying your employees correctly and implementing a risk management plan to minimize work-related injuries.

Landscaping companies pay an average of $204 per month, or $2,452 per year, for commercial auto insurance.

An auto policy pays for property damage and medical expenses from accidents involving your company vehicles, such as your business-owned truck. It can also cover vehicle theft, vandalism, and weather damage.

Most states require this type of insurance for vehicles owned by your tree service business. For personal, rented, and leased vehicles used for work purposes, look to hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) instead.

The cost of commercial car insurance depends on several factors, including the policy limits you choose, claims history, the number and value of your vehicles, and the driving records of anyone permitted to drive.

Learn how insurers calculate your premium and how to save money on your commercial auto coverage.

Tree care businesses pay an average of $57 per month, or $681 annually, for contractor’s tools and equipment insurance.

A form of inland marine insurance, this policy covers your business property whether it’s in your office, in transit, or at a job site. Tools insurance can pay for lost, stolen, or damaged tools and equipment valued at $10,000 or less. This includes your pesticide sprayers, climbing gear, handsaws, and more.

The cost of contractor's tools and equipment coverage depends on the value of your tree service equipment and the types of trees you work on.