Landscape Workers’ Comp Insurance: Needs, Costs, & More

If you are a landscape business owner, then you know that there are many risks associated with the industry. From accidents on the job to property damage - there’s a whole host of things that could go wrong. 

That's why it is important to have the right insurance in place to protect your business.

What type of Insurance does a Landscaping Business need?

Landscaping and gardening are physical work that of course often require the use of power tools, ladders, and other equipment. This work can be dangerous and accidents do happen. If an employee is overexposed to pesticides, or a tree trimmer is hit by a falling branch, it could lead to costly medical bills.

Landscape workers’ comp insurance covers medical expenses from work-related injuries or illnesses and can help pay for wages while the employee is recovering.

It also usually includes employers liability insurance which protects landscaping businesses if an employee sues the business owner due to a work-related injury. Even when a lawsuit is unfounded, you could end up paying a lot of legal fees if you are uninsured.

If you are the owner of a landscaping business or a sole proprietor, you might decide to buy this coverage for yourself, as it provides financial protection against work injury claims that health insurance could deny.

How much does Landscape Workers’ Compensation Insurance cost?

Now that you know why landscape workers’ comp insurance is important, how much does it cost?

The cost of landscape workers’ comp insurance will vary depending on the size of your business, the type of work your employees do, and your company’s claims history.

For example, if you have a small landscape business with only a few employees, you might pay $500 per year for coverage. However, if you have a large landscape business with many employees doing high-risk work, you could pay $50,000 or more. It can vary greatly.

How is Workers’ Comp for Landscapers Calculated?

Here’s the equation that’s used to calculate your landscaping premium:

Here’s how it works: 

1. Annual Employee Payroll: This is the total payroll you plan to pay your employees during the policy term. To begin the calculation, divide this annual payroll figure by 100.  

2. The Rate: Insurance companies use several factors to decide the rate they’ll charge you. A key factor is the number and total value of claims filed in your state within your industry over time. This rate changes every year based on the amount of claims filed.  

Every industry is assigned a specific class code, usually a 4-digit number, that underwriters use to categorize your business type. For example, the class code for landscapers is usually 0042. Once you know your industry’s class code, you can check up your state’s rate for that code. 

Watch this video to learn more about calculating your workers’ comp rate.  

If you're looking for landscape workers’ comp insurance, be sure to speak with a dedicated insurance specialist like the experts here at Kickstand before committing to a plan.

How Can Landscapers Lower Their Workers Comp Costs? 

After you’ve had workers’ comp insurance for a few years, your claims history will start to impact your rate. This is especially important to  note if you’re in the landscaping business. From handling heavy machinery and sharp tools to dealing with various chemicals, the nature of the job is inherently risky. 

Here are some practical steps you can take to reduce accidents and claims and keep your rate down: 

1. Require Safety Training: Employees should have access to written safety guidelines on safety protocols. But don’t stop there. Provide regular training sessions on how to safely use and operate machinery and mix and apply chemicals. 
2. Proper Safety Equipment: Equip your team with essential protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, ear protection, and sturdy footwear. Depending on the specific task, they might also need respirators or safety harnesses. Remember, the right gear can be the difference between a close call and a workers' comp claim.
3. Regular Equipment Maintenance: A well-oiled machine is a safe machine. Regular checks and servicing can nip potential hazards in the bud, preventing accidents caused by faulty machinery. This includes sharpening blades, checking for loose parts, ensuring proper functioning of safety guards, and regularly servicing engines.

Is Pay-As-You Go Workers’ Comp Right for Your Landscaping Business?

If you're in the landscaping business, you might have heard about 'pay-as-you-go' workers' comp insurance. This option can be a great fit, particularly for seasonal businesses like yours. 

Why? Because when your income varies throughout the year, it makes sense to adjust your expenses accordingly.

Here's how pay-as-you-go works: after you run your monthly payroll, you report it to your insurance company. The insurance company will then calculate your premium based on the actual payroll numbers from the previous month. 

This way, you pay for insurance based on what you're actually earning, not on estimates or projections.

If staying on top of monthly bills sometimes slips your mind, this policy might not be your best bet. It's best suited for those businesses that are extremely organized and will remember to take care of it every month. 

Learn more about the pros and cons of pay-as-you-go workers' comp.

Is Landscape Workers’ Comp Insurance required by law?

Some states do require landscape businesses to have workers’ compensation insurance, while others do not.

For example, Connecticut requires workers’ comp insurance for all employees, even part-time workers. In contrast, North Carolina only requires landscape workers’ comp insurance if a company has three employees or more.

Check your local state laws to see if landscape workers' compensation insurance is required in your area.

Get an Instant Landscape Workers’ Comp Insurance quote today!

Purchasing landscape workers’ comp insurance is a wise decision for any business, but especially for those in the landscaping and gardening industry. Your employees are your most valuable asset, and protecting them should be a top priority.

‍Kickstand Insurance offers quick, painless, and simple workers’ comp insurance quotes for landscaping and gardening businesses. Simply fill out our easy online form and we'll get you a landscape workers’ comp insurance quote within minutes.

You can also purchase landscape workers’ comp insurance if you are an independent contractor, sole proprietor, or partner. This type of policy protects you in the event of an injury while on the job.