Ohio Tree Trimmer: Fully Insured? Verify Before You Hire

Tree trimming is a dangerous job, and tree workers are at risk of serious injury or death. As such, it's important to ensure that any tree trimmer you hire is fully insured. In Ohio, tree service companies should have both general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Liability insurance will protect you in the event of accidental damage to your property, while workers' compensation insurance will cover employees if they are injured on the job. To confirm that a tree trimmer is fully insured, ask for a copy of their insurance certificate and call the insurance company to check that their policy is still in effect.

Ask for proof of insurance and check it's valid

When hiring a tree removal company, it is important to ask for proof of insurance and to check that it is valid. Tree removal work is hazardous, and insurance protects everyone involved, including the homeowner, the tree removal service, and their crew. There are various types of insurance for tree service contractors, but liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance are the most important.

Liability insurance will cover any accidental damages during the tree removal process, including property damage and medical expenses for customer injuries caused by falling debris or stray tools. It also offers legal protection in the event of a lawsuit resulting from personal injury or property damage. If the tree removal company you hire has liability insurance, you won't be held responsible if they make a mistake while working.

Workers' compensation insurance is also crucial, as it ensures that the contractor or company is responsible if an employee gets injured on the job. Without workers' compensation insurance, the business owner is legally required to pay for work injuries to any crew members. If they can't or won't pay, you, as the property owner, will be required to pay the bill if an employee is injured.

To confirm that a tree removal company has valid insurance, you can ask them to provide a copy of their insurance certificate. Most professionals are happy to provide this documentation. You can then call the insurance company to verify the information and confirm that their policy is still in effect. A billing statement from the insurance company is not sufficient proof, as it does not prove that the contractor has paid the bill or that the policy is up-to-date.

Ensure they have liability insurance

Tree trimming is a dangerous job, and accidents can happen. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your tree trimmer has liability insurance to protect you and your property in the event of any mishaps.

Liability insurance covers both the homeowner and the tree removal professional. It offers legal protection if a lawsuit arises from personal injury or property damage. If your tree trimmer has liability insurance and accidentally damages your property or injures someone, their insurance will cover the costs, and you won't be left footing the bill.

There are a few ways to ensure your tree trimmer has liability insurance:

• Ask to see their insurance certificate: Don't be afraid to ask your tree trimmer about their insurance and credentials. Reputable contractors will be happy to provide you with proof of insurance, and you can even request a copy of their insurance certificate to keep for your records.
• Check their website: The company's website may indicate whether they have insurance, but this is not always the case.
• Call the insurance company: If you want to be extra sure, you can call the insurance company directly to confirm that the tree trimmer's policy is valid and up-to-date.

By taking these steps, you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your property are protected in the event of any accidents or damage during the tree trimming process.

Check they have workers' compensation insurance

Tree trimming is a hazardous job, and accidents can happen. Workers' compensation insurance is a must for any contractor you hire, no matter the size of the company. This type of insurance can protect both the homeowner and the contractor working on the property. It ensures that the contractor or company is responsible if an employee gets injured on the job. Without it, you could be liable for any injuries that happen during the project.

When searching for a tree removal service, don't hesitate to ask questions about insurance and credentials. Reputable companies should carry both types of insurance coverage and should be happy to provide proof of insurance. You can request a copy of the insurance certificate, which is a great thing to have for your records. The certificate should list their policy number and limits. You can also ask to be added as an additional insured or certificate holder to the policy. The insurance company will usually do this for free.

If the company website does not indicate whether they have insurance, call or email the insurance company directly to request a copy of their certificate of insurance. Hold off on signing any contracts with the company until you have confirmed their insurance details. A billing statement is not adequate proof of insurance, as it does not prove that the contractor has paid or that the policy is up to date. If the company cannot provide a current insurance certificate, call the insurance company to see if their policy is still in effect.

In some cases, workers' compensation coverage will not protect employers or employees from legal liability resulting from a workplace injury. For example, if the employee engages in \"willful misconduct\" by failing to use a safety appliance, the insurance company may deny the claim.

Understand the risks of no insurance

Tree trimming and removal is a hazardous job. Accidents can happen, even with the best companies, and your homeowners' insurance policy might not cover the damages. Therefore, it is essential to understand the risks of hiring a tree trimmer or removal company that is not fully insured.

Firstly, if the tree trimmer does not have insurance and gets injured on your property, you could be held liable for their medical costs and lost wages. This is because, without workers' compensation insurance, the tree trimmer's company or the trimmer themselves are responsible for any injuries sustained on the job. If they cannot pay the medical bills, you may be required to do so as the property owner. This can result in hefty costs that you may not be able to afford.

Secondly, if the uninsured tree trimmer causes any damage to your property or the property of your neighbours, you may have to bear the cost of repairs yourself. Liability insurance is crucial in this industry as it covers both the homeowner and the tree removal professional in case of accidental damage or injury. Without this insurance, you could be held responsible for any repairs or replacements needed due to the trimmer's negligence or mistakes.

Additionally, there is a risk of being sued by an uninsured tree trimmer if they sustain injuries on your property. While they may sign a waiver agreeing not to sue, this is not always legally binding, and they or their insurance company may still seek to hold you liable for their injuries. This could result in a lengthy and costly legal battle, causing you unnecessary stress and financial burden.

Finally, hiring an uninsured tree trimmer can also put you at risk of fraud. Some companies have been known to produce fraudulent or expired insurance certificates, leaving you vulnerable to potential scams. Always verify the insurance directly with the insurance company and request a copy of their current insurance certificate to protect yourself from potential fraud.

Ask about other types of insurance coverage

When hiring a tree removal or trimming service, it is important to ensure that the company has the necessary insurance coverage. While liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance are the most crucial types of insurance for tree removal companies to have, there are other types of insurance coverage that you should ask about to ensure that you are fully protected.

Firstly, ask about professional liability insurance, also known as Errors & Omissions. This type of policy will cover you in the event that the tree care company provides false information or bad advice, protecting against any disputes over potential negligence. Given the dangers associated with tree removal and trimming, it is also worth enquiring about inland marine insurance, which covers the transportation and use of land-based equipment such as chainsaws, ladders, stump grinders, and even electronic devices like tablets and computers. This type of insurance can protect you in the event of theft, damage, or loss of equipment.

Additionally, don't hesitate to inquire about the specific details of their liability and workers' compensation insurance policies. For example, ask about the working height clause of their liability insurance policy, as some policies may not cover work performed at certain heights. Similarly, ask about the extent of their workers' compensation coverage, including any exclusions or limitations. As the property owner, you may be held liable for work-related injuries if the tree company does not have adequate insurance, so it is crucial to understand the specifics of their coverage.

Finally, ask the tree removal or trimming company about their training and safety practices. While this is not a type of insurance, understanding their safety protocols will give you a better idea of the potential risks involved and how they plan to mitigate those risks. Reputable companies should be happy to share this information and provide you with peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions