Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping Insurance

Hi there! If you’re running a landscaping business, you’ve probably wondered what kind of insurance you really need. We get this a lot here at Illinois Insurance Center, especially when clients ask common questions about landscaping insurance. The short answer? It depends on your business, your team, your equipment, and what kind of jobs you take on. Let’s break this down in a simple way, so you can make smart decisions to protect yourself, your employees, and your customers.

Why Should I Worry About Landscaping Insurance?

Let’s say you’re mowing a client’s lawn in Chicago, and your mower throws a rock through their window. Who pays for the damage? That’s where landscaping insurance steps in. These policies are built to cover things like:

• Accidental damage to customer property

• Worker injuries while on the job

• Equipment damage or theft

• Vehicle accidents involving work trucks or vans

Having the right insurance can keep you from paying out of pocket for things that go wrong. And trust me, in this business, things do go wrong.

What Does Landscaping Insurance Actually Include?

People often think there’s one specific “landscaping insurance” policy, but that’s not exactly how it works. It’s really a mix of several types of coverage bundled to fit your line of work. When we talk about questions about landscaping insurance, this one always comes up first.

Here’s what’s usually included:

• General Liability Insurance: This pays out if you or your employees damage property or cause injury while working. For example, if a tree you trimmed falls on a neighbor’s fence, this policy kicks in.

• Commercial Auto Insurance: If you drive trucks or vans to get to job sites, you’ll need this. We offer Commercial Auto Insurance that can handle accidents, theft, and more.

• Property Insurance: Do you store mowers, blowers, or tools at a shop or garage? This protects that space and everything inside it from theft or fire.

• Workers’ Compensation: In Illinois, this one isn’t optional. If an employee gets hurt using a weed trimmer or loading heavy materials, this coverage takes care of their medical bills and lost wages.

• Inland Marine Insurance: Don’t let the name confuse you. This just means coverage for tools and equipment while they’re in transit.

• Employment Practices Liability (EPL): This can protect your business if an employee claims they were treated unfairly—like discrimination or wrongful termination.

Each of these plays a role in shielding your company from expensive claims.

Are Surety Bonds the Same Thing?

Nope. This is another one of those common questions about landscaping insurance we hear all the time.

Insurance protects your business from losses. Surety bonds, on the other hand, are more about guaranteeing that you’ll do the work you promised. Some cities—even ones like Aurora, IL or Naperville, IL—may require a bond before issuing a landscaping license.

Some examples include:

• Contract Bonds: These prove you’ll finish a job under the terms you agreed on.

• Fidelity Bonds: These protect clients from employee theft.

So, while both give customers peace of mind, they don’t cover the same risks.

How Much Will Landscaping Insurance Set Me Back?

Cost is a huge concern, especially for small businesses. The truth is, prices vary depending on your location, your crew, your gear, and your services. Let’s say you’re running a company in Joliet, IL and have three trucks, a few riders, and seasonal workers—your rates will be different from a one-person operation in Rockford, IL.

Still, here’s a rough breakdown:

• General Liability: $2,200 to $4,600 per year for $1M in coverage.

• Commercial Auto or Inland Marine: As low as $100 to $550 annually.

• Workers’ Comp: This depends on your total payroll. More employees usually means higher premiums.

Want to lower your monthly premiums? Choose a higher deductible. Just make sure you can cover that out-of-pocket amount if something happens.

Do I Really Need All These Policies?

If you’re mowing a few lawns part-time, you may not need the full package. But if you’ve got a growing crew and do work like hardscaping, tree trimming, or irrigation installation, then yes—more protection is better.

Plus, some clients won’t even hire you unless you show proof of insurance. And if you’re looking to bid on bigger jobs, especially commercial or municipal ones, you’ll likely need a complete coverage setup.

If you’re not sure where to start, we at Illinois Insurance Center can walk you through it. We’ve helped landscaping businesses all over Chicago, IL get exactly what they need.

What Happens If I Don’t Have the Right Coverage?

Honestly, it’s a risk not worth taking. Without insurance:

• You’re paying out of pocket for damage or injuries.

• You might face lawsuits without legal defense.

• Your business license could be denied or revoked.

Something as small as a cracked sidewalk or broken sprinkler head could end up costing thousands. And without coverage, that money’s coming straight from your pocket.

Do You Offer Other Business Protection Options?

Absolutely. Landscaping is just one piece of the bigger puzzle. We also help with:

• Business Insurance for other kinds of operations

• Contractor Insurance for all types of trades

• Life Insurance for business owners who want to protect their family or partners

• Homeowners Insurance if you run your office out of your house

Whether you’re based in Naperville or Joliet, we’re ready to help.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping Insurance

1. Is landscaping insurance required by law?
   Not always, but workers’ comp is required in Illinois. Also, many clients ask for proof of insurance.

2. Can I get coverage for part-time employees?
   Yes, and you should. Even part-time workers can get injured on the job.

3. What if I rent equipment—do I need coverage for that?
   Yes. You can add rental equipment coverage to your policy.

4. Is my personal truck covered when I use it for work?
   Only if you have a Commercial Auto Insurance policy. Personal auto insurance won’t cover business use.

5. Does my general liability cover damage to a customer’s tree?
   Yes, if the damage was caused by your work, it should be covered under liability.

6. Can I get landscaping insurance as a sole proprietor?
   Definitely. Even solo operators need protection.

7. Does the insurance cover snow removal services?
   Often, yes—but it must be listed in your policy. Let us know if you do that kind of work.

8. Can I bundle all these coverages together?
   Yes, and it often lowers your overall cost.

9. How long does it take to get a policy set up?
   Usually just a day or two. Give us a call at 708-524-4900 or visit our Contact Page.

10. Will this insurance cover my business in multiple cities?
    Yes. Whether you’re in Rockford, IL or beyond, we can write policies across Illinois.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line? If you’re serious about your landscaping business, having proper insurance isn’t just a smart move—it’s necessary. Accidents happen, and without the right coverage, a single mistake can wipe out everything you’ve worked for. Whether you’ve got questions about landscaping insurance, need help figuring out the right mix of policies, or just want a quote, Illinois Insurance Center is here for you.

Call us today at 708-524-4900 or visit our Contact Page to get started. We’ll make sure your business stays safe while you focus on keeping Illinois green.

See Also:

• 8 Types of Small Business Insurance Every Owner Should Know
• Re-Evaluating Your Auto Insurance: 5 Key Questions
• Questions To Ask Before You Purchase Business Insurance
• Liability, Collision, or Both? What You Need to Know About Your Auto Insurance Policy
• Why a Life Insurance Payout Can Be Denied in Illinois