Top 4 Lawn Care Insurance Claims
Rogue rocks, slippery grass, and unattended lawn levelers — what do all these have in common? They each can spell risk for your lawn care business. But with the proper knowledge of the most common lawn care insurance claims, you can proactively mitigate these everyday risks to ensure your company doesn’t wither on the vine.
Time to ask yourself honestly: which one of these common claims is your business most at risk for?
What Are the Most Common Insurance Claims for Lawn Care Businesses?
A monthly premium payment for lawn care insurance may feel like just another business expense. That is, until a wallet-buster of a claim hits, setting your revenue back months. While claims in the lawn care industry are varied, here are the four most common:
1. Property Damage
For small lawn care businesses, property damage claims are among the most frequent. Because lawn care tasks often involve heavy equipment and delicate environments, it is often not a matter of “if” but “when” damage will occur on a job — making comprehensive coverage crucial for accident coverage.
Here are a few real examples of claims submitted by our insureds:
- A lawn care employee reported damage to a client’s sliding door by a rock flung by a weed-eater
- A professional lawn mower reported damage to a client’s car by a rogue piece of equipment
- An insured’s mowing service kicked up a rock that damaged a passing school bus’ windshield
These scenarios aren’t out of the ordinary — and they can all lead to repair costs, damaged client relationships, negative word of mouth, and potential loss of business.
How can you mitigate this type of risk?
To lessen your chances of property damage while on the job:
- Conduct thorough site inspections before each job
- Use an inspection checklist to identify potential hazards like exposed sprinkler heads, loose rocks/stones, or fragile lawn decorations
- Mark any hazardous areas with visible markers or use temporary protective barriers to prevent accidental damage
- Train employees rigorously on equipment operation and situational awareness
Here’s where robust insurance becomes your safety net.
General liability insurance, which is the base coverage in lawn care business insurance, is designed to cover property damage, ensuring that a simple mistake doesn’t become a financial disaster. With the right coverage, you can focus on creating pristine lawns while knowing you’re protected.
2. Equipment Theft or Damage
The tools of your trade — ranging from lawnmowers to edge trimmers — are essential for successful lawn care business operations. So, their loss or damage can stall your productivity and cause unexpected expenses.
Common scenarios reported among Insurance Canopy insureds include:
- Equipment stolen from storage trailers
- Disaster damage ruining power equipment
- Improper storage leading to costly replacements
Thankfully, such scenarios are covered by inland marine (tools and equipment) coverage. It provides reimbursement for replacement or repair-related costs if your gear is damaged or stolen.
How can you mitigate this type of risk?
Don’t let a snagged leaf blower or power trimmer skyrocket your expenses. Instead:
- Invest in secure storage. Use heavy-duty locks to secure equipment to trucks when onsite and opt for lockable trailers/storage sheds when off-duty
- Implement GPS tracking on valuable machinery to deter theft and aid in recovery efforts if stolen
- Establish a routine for regular maintenance checks to prevent equipment damage
- Train employees on how to care for specialty tools, particularly in the event of inclement weather or
When paired, a solid tools and equipment policy and a proactive risk mitigation approach can provide a sense of reassurance and reduce stress for business owners.
3. Third-Party Bodily Injury
Third-party bodily injury claims remain prevalent in the lawn care industry–and for good reason. Spiny leaves and brush, sharp tools, and heavy machinery all increase the likelihood of accidents.
For instance, a client might trip over a hose left unattended on a walkway, or a passerby could be struck by flying debris from a string trimmer. These types of incidents highlight the need for stringent safety measures to protect clients and other third parties.
How can you mitigate this type of risk?
- Train employees to properly handle and safely store equipment when not in use
- Maintain clear and organized work areas, ensuring pathways are free of any hazards or obstructions
- Give explicit warning to clients as to which areas will be potential “danger zones” during your work and for how long they should avoid the area
General liability insurance covers third party injury claims, protecting you from having to pay medical expenses out of pocket. This form of coverage emphasizes your company’s professionalism and commitment to public health and safety, assuring your clients that they’re in good hands.
4. Employee Injury
Like client injuries, employee injuries are a significant concern for lawn care businesses. Lawn care work is physically demanding and often requires long hours of labor, rain or shine.
Examples of a work-related injury could include:
- An employee slipping and falling on a patch of freshly watered grass, leading to incurred medical bills
- An employee sustains a back injury from improperly lifting a heavy lawnmower into a truck bed
- An employee suffers cuts from handling hedge trimmers without adequate protection
How can you mitigate this type of risk?
Employees should have the knowledge and protective gear necessary to mitigate risk. Ways to improve employee safety include:
- Provide ergonomic training for employees, emphasizing correct techniques with lifting and handling heavy machinery
- Regularly sharpen and maintain tools to prevent injuries caused by faulty machinery
- Equip employees with the appropriate protective gear, such as goggles and cut-resistant gloves
The addition of a Workers Compensation policy to your coverage is more than just a benefit. It’s a testament to your commitment to the well-being of your employees.
This policy allows for coverage for work-related injuries, fostering a loyal and healthy workforce dedicated to delivering high-quality service, knowing that they are cared for and supported.
How Do I Avoid Lawn Care Business Risks?
Reducing your risks can minimize insurance claims. Here’s how:
Provide Proper Training
Train your team on safe equipment use, proper techniques, and preparing an area for lawn work. This not only protects your employees, but also your clients’ property.
Provide your employees with the right protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, and demonstrate how to wear them correctly. This helps prevent health issues and accidents, keeping everyone safe and sound.
Use the Right Equipment
Equip your team with the right tools for each specialized lawn care task. Using appropriate equipment reduces the chance of damaging client property, increases efficiency, and ensures employee safety.
Regularly check, service, and maintain your tools to prevent malfunctions and accidents.
Maintain Safety Protocols
Establish and enforce standard safety protocols your employees can easily follow. Regularly review and update these practices to adapt to new challenges and ensure they remain relevant.
Display clear instructions and reminders about safety measures in common areas.
Don’t let employees work without proper safety gear — it’s not worth the risk to them or your company!
How To File a Lawn Care Claim with Insurance Canopy
Filing a lawn care claim with Insurance Canopy couldn’t be easier! After you’ve secured a policy with us, you’ll receive access to an online dashboard you can use to manage your policy and make claims. Here’s the fastest route to success:
- Log in to your dashboard
- Find “Manage Policies”
- Click on “File a Claim” and share your info
Once you’re done, a claims adjuster will get in touch to assist you. They’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure the claims process goes smoothly.
If you’re having trouble submitting a claim, our support team is here to help at any time.
Get Instantly Insured Online with Insurance Canopy!
Protecting your lawn care business with the right coverage is just a click away. Insurance Canopy provides a 100%-online experience, so you can get comprehensive coverage within minutes!
Don’t wait for an accident on this list to blindside you. Stay safe and shield your business with Insurance Canopy.
