What is Arborist Insurance?

Performing tree work comes with a range of inherent risks, including property- and liability-related perils. Arborist insurance helps tree service businesses and professionals in Massachusetts protect themselves from many of the risks they face.

Arborist insurance is a specialized form of insurance that’s designed to meet the unique insurance needs of tree service businesses and professionals. Most policies are written as package policies that come with multiple coverages, so they can offer a range of protections.

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What Risks Are Tree Service Businesses and Professionals Exposed To?

People and businesses in the tree service industry are exposed to many different risks. A falling tree that causes damage or injury is one obvious risk, but it’s far from the only one. For example, consider these other potentially costly scenarios:

  • A professional causes a car accident while driving to or from a customer’s location
  • A burglar steals tools left out at a worksite while a professional is working up in a tree
  • An equipment malfunction causes serious injuries to a nearby bystander
  • A professional falls while working and sustains multiple injuries
  • A customer sues claiming they were given bad advice regarding tree care

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What Coverages Do Tree Service Insurance Policies Provide?

Some of the more common coverages that tree service insurance policies make available include:

  • General Liability Coverage, which usually covers common accidents and defamation lawsuits
  • Errors and Omissions Coverage, which usually covers lawsuits related to errors in advice or work
  • Product Liability Coverage, which usually covers lawsuits related to damage caused by tools or products
  • Business Property Coverage, which may cover owned buildings and equipment
  • Commercial Auto Coverage, which may cover owned vehicles
  • Inland Marine Coverage, which may cover equipment during transportation
  • Equipment Breakdown Coverage, which may cover vital equipment if it malfunctions

An insurance agent who specializes in tree service insurance can help individuals and businesses select the combination of coverages that make sense for their situation.

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Do Tree Service Businesses Need Workers Compensation Coverage?

Workers compensation coverage normally insures against work-related illnesses and injuries, which is an obvious risk for anyone who cuts down trees professionally. If a covered employee sustains a significant injury while working, workers compensation might pay the associated medical bills and provide reimbursement for lost wages.

Most tree service businesses in Massachusetts businesses that hire paid employees are required to carry workers compensation, for state law typically requires businesses with employees to get this coverage for their employees.

Professionals who offer tree service on their own might not be legally required to purchase this coverage, but it’s often still advisable to. Some health insurance policies exclude work-related injuries from their protections, which can leave professionals with a dangerous coverage gap. Getting workers compensation might be a way to fill in this gap.

Regardless of the reason for purchasing, however, workers compensation coverage isn’t always procured as part of a tree service policy. Sometimes it’s included amongst a policy’s coverage, but other times it’s obtained via a separate policy that stands alone and offers only this protection. An insurance agent can help businesses and professionals explore the various options available to them, and decide how best to secure any workers compensation coverage that’s needed or desired.

Arborist Insurance Massachusetts

What Massachusetts Businesses Need Tree Service Insurance?

Tree service insurance may be helpful to many different businesses. Individuals and organizations that provide any of the following tree services can likely benefit from a policy's protections

  • Municipal tree care
  • Tree pruning and trimming
  • Tree removal
  • Tree pest management
  • Landscaping services
  • Hardscaping services

How Can Businesses in Massachusetts Get Arborist Insurance?

For help finding arborist insurance that will protect your business or yourself, contact the independent insurance agents at Haberman Insurance Group. Our agents have worked with many tree service professionals and companies in Massachusetts, and they have the expertise necessary to get you a policy that will provide robust protections.

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