Jeffrey Wade
Tree care is a dangerous profession, with a fatal incident rate six to eight times higher than the all-industry average. As such, it's important to ensure that any tree service company you hire has insurance. There are two main types of insurance to look out for: liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Liability insurance covers any accidental damage during the tree removal process, protecting both the homeowner and the tree removal professional. Meanwhile, workers' compensation insurance ensures that the company is responsible if an employee is injured on the job. When hiring a tree service company, don't be afraid to ask questions about their insurance and request a copy of their insurance certificate. You can also call the insurance company directly to confirm the validity of their policy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insurance Types | Liability Insurance, Workers' Compensation Insurance |
| Insurance Certificate | Request a copy of the insurance certificate from the contractor and call the insurance company to verify its validity |
| Insurance Coverage | Check the dates of coverage, including the effective date, expiration date, and issuance date. Ensure the issuance date is less than 30 days, and the policy is valid until after your project is complete |
| Policy Details | Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the company, which should include their policy number and limits |
| Additional Insured | Ask to be added as an additional insured or the certificate holder on the insurance policy |
| Verify with Insurance Company | Call the insurance company listed on the certificate to confirm the policy is real and in good standing and covers the work being performed |
| Licensing and Bonding | Be aware that there is no special licensing for tree services, and no company is bonded for tree work |
| Permits | Ensure the tree service company obtains any necessary permits for tree removal |
| Safety and Professionalism | Choose a company that prioritizes safety and professionalism, such as certified arborists who work with industry associations |
| Clean-up | Select a company that commits to thorough clean-up after the job is complete |
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What You'll Learn
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Requesting a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from a tree service company is a crucial step in verifying their insurance coverage and ensuring you are protected from any potential liabilities. Here are some detailed instructions on asking for a COI:
Understand the Importance of COI
A valid Certificate of Insurance is the only way to ensure your tree service contractor is actually insured. This document provides proof of their liability insurance coverage and Workers' Compensation policy. It protects you from financial responsibility in case of property damage or injuries/accidents while the company is on your property.
Request the COI from the Tree Service Company
When hiring a tree service company, don't hesitate to ask for their COI. Reputable companies should be happy to provide this documentation. You can request it directly from the company or contact the insurance provider listed to obtain a copy.
Verify the Details on the COI
Once you receive the COI, review it carefully. Check that it includes crucial details such as the policy number, coverage limits, and expiration date. Verify that the COI lists the insurance agent ("Producer") and the company or individual hired as the "Insured." The COI should also show the name of the insurance company providing coverage. Ensure that the homeowner's name and address are listed in the bottom left corner as the "Certificate Holder."
Confirm the Validity of the COI
Don't rely solely on the COI. Take the extra step to contact the insurance provider listed on the COI to confirm that the coverage is active and valid. This step ensures that the tree service company hasn't provided outdated or false information.
Understand the Different Types of Insurance
When reviewing the COI, note that tree service companies typically have separate insurance policies for liability and Workers' Compensation. Liability insurance covers accidental property damage and legal protection in case of a lawsuit. Workers' Compensation ensures that the company is responsible for any injuries sustained by their employees while on the job.
By following these instructions and carefully reviewing the COI, you can be confident that you're hiring a tree service company with adequate insurance coverage, protecting yourself and your property from potential risks and liabilities.
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Check the dates of coverage
Checking the dates of coverage is a crucial step in verifying a tree service company's insurance. This process ensures that you are protected from potential liabilities and that the company is fully insured. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Firstly, request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the tree service company. This document is standardised and should outline the company's insurance coverage. It typically includes information such as the types of coverage, policy limits, expiration date, insurer details, and agent contact information. Reputable companies will gladly provide this certificate upon request, and it is usually free of charge.
When you receive the COI, carefully review all the details. Pay close attention to the expiration date and ensure that the policy is still active. An expired certificate is essentially invalid, and you should not proceed with hiring the company in such cases. Check the dates of coverage to confirm that the policy will be in force during the period you intend to engage their services.
After obtaining the COI, take the additional step of verifying the information with the insurance provider listed on the certificate. Contact the insurance company directly to confirm that the policy is up-to-date, valid, and authentic. This step ensures that the tree service company hasn't provided fraudulent or expired insurance certificates.
By diligently checking the dates of coverage and verifying the insurance information, you can protect yourself from potential risks and liabilities. It is always better to be cautious and thorough when dealing with potentially hazardous tree removal or maintenance work.
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Verify with the insurance company
Tree care is a dangerous profession, and tree removal can be hazardous, so it's crucial to ensure your tree removal contractor is insured. The right insurance will protect you in the event of unexpected damage or injury. There are various types of insurance for tree service contractors, but liability insurance and workers’ compensation are the most important ones.
Liability insurance will come in handy if there is accidental damage during the tree removal process. It covers both the homeowner and the tree removal professional. It offers legal protection if a lawsuit results from personal injury or property damage. If the contractor has liability insurance, you won't be responsible if they make a mistake while working. However, without liability insurance, you may be on the hook for repair bills.
Workers' compensation insurance ensures that the contractor or company is responsible if an employee gets injured on the job. Work-related injuries can result in costly claims, so this insurance is a must for any contractor you hire, regardless of company size.
When hiring a tree service company, don't hesitate to ask questions about their insurance and credentials. You can even request a copy of their insurance certificate. A reputable tree service will be happy to provide this documentation.
To ensure the provided insurance certificate is valid, call the insurance company directly. Request a copy of the tree removal company's certificate of insurance. Hold off on signing any contract with the company until you have confirmed this information.
When requesting a quote, ask the contractor for a Certificate of Insurance (COI). This should list their policy number, policy dates, and limits. The certificate should be current, with an issuance date of less than 30 days, and the policy should not expire until after your project is complete.
You can also ask the contractor to add you as an additional insured or certificate holder. The insurance company will typically do this for free. If the contractor is working on a property line, both property owners should be listed.
If the contractor is hesitant or unable to provide a current insurance certificate, this should be a red flag. In this case, call the insurance company to see if their policy is still in effect. It is possible for a contractor to produce fraudulent or expired insurance certificates, so it is important to verify this information with the insurance company directly.
By taking the time to verify insurance coverage, you can protect yourself and your property in the event of any accidents or damage during tree removal work.
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Understand the types of insurance
It is important to understand the types of insurance a tree service company should have before hiring them for the job. Tree removal can be hazardous, and the right insurance will protect you in the event of unexpected damage or injury. Here are the types of insurance to look out for:
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is crucial as it offers legal protection in case of accidental damage, personal injury, or property damage during the tree removal process. It covers both the homeowner and the tree removal professional. If the tree service company does not have liability insurance, you may be held responsible for any repair bills or lawsuits that arise from mistakes made during the work.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Workers' compensation insurance ensures that the tree service company is responsible if one of their employees gets injured on the job. Work-related injuries can result in costly claims, so this insurance is essential to protect both the contractor and the client.
Trailer and Equipment Coverage
Also known as inland marine insurance, this type of insurance covers the financial costs of repairing or replacing stolen or damaged trailers and equipment.
When hiring a tree service company, it is recommended to ask for their insurance certificate and hold off on signing a contract until you have confirmed their insurance coverage. You can also request to be added as an additional insured to their policy for extended protection.
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Ask about workers' compensation
When hiring a tree service company, it is important to ask about workers' compensation insurance to protect yourself from potential liabilities. Tree work is inherently dangerous, with a high rate of injuries and fatalities. Workers' compensation insurance covers employees' injuries and accidents that occur on the job. It is a no-fault system, making financial sense for both parties involved.
In most states, workers' compensation insurance is required by law. However, some companies may try to cut costs by classifying themselves as landscapers, as tree work coverage is more expensive due to its higher risk. This means that if an employee is injured while working on your property and the company does not have the correct insurance, you may be held liable and required to pay the bill.
To ensure you are protected, ask the tree service company about their workers' compensation coverage and request a Certificate of Insurance (COI). The COI should list their policy number and limits, and the company should be willing to add you as an additional insured party. If a company is hesitant to provide this information or becomes offended by your request, it is best to reconsider doing business with them.
In addition to workers' compensation, tree service companies should also have general liability insurance to protect both the homeowner and the business in the event of accidents, property damage, or bodily injury. It is important to understand the specific scope of their insurance policies, including any height restrictions, to ensure you are covered in the event of an incident.
By asking about workers' compensation and verifying the tree service company's insurance coverage, you can help protect yourself and your property from potential liabilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Tree care is one of the world's most dangerous professions, so it is crucial to ensure your tree removal service is insured. The right insurance will protect you in the event of unexpected damage or injury.
A reputable tree service company should have liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Liability insurance covers any accidental damage during the tree removal process, while workers' compensation insurance ensures that the company is responsible if an employee gets injured on the job.
You can ask the company for a Certificate of Insurance (COI), which is a standardised form listing the lines of coverage they carry. Check that the policy dates are in force for the day you plan to have the work done and that the certificate is current. You can also call the insurance company directly to confirm the validity of the certificate.
Do not hire a tree removal company that cannot provide proof of insurance. You may also want to check for online reviews or ask for references from previous customers to ensure the company is reputable.
