How much does tree trimming insurance cost?

Tree service business owners spend an average of $138 per month, or $1,651 per year, on general liability insurance. This policy is also referred to as public liability insurance.

General liability coverage helps protect tree trimming businesses from common risks, such as third-party property damage and bodily injuries.

For instance, if a crew member accidentally damages a client’s outdoor furniture with a falling branch or knocks out a power line causing the client's fridge to lose power and their food to spoil, this policy could cover the repair or replacement costs along with any related legal fees.

It can also provide coverage if your business is sued for advertising injuries, like defamation or copyright infringement.

Many tree service professionals are asked to show proof of general liability insurance before signing a lease for commercial space or finalizing a contract with a homeowner or commercial client.

Here’s what a typical general liability insurance policy for a tree removal business looks like purchased through TechInsurance:

Premium: $138 per month
Policy limits: $1 million per occurrence; $2 million aggregate
Deductible: $1,000

The cost of general liability insurance depends on factors such as your policy limits, the size of your company, how many customers you serve, and any optional endorsements you add—like coverage for pesticide application or additional insureds.

Small, low-risk tree removal businesses may be eligible for a business owner’s policy (BOP), which costs an average of $181 per month or $2,170 annually.

A business owner's policy bundles general liability coverage with commercial property insurance at a lower rate than buying these policies separately. It protects against the most common liability and property lawsuits. This includes safeguarding your business from financial loss due to a fire, burglary, or other property claim.

You can add business interruption insurance to a BOP to defend against the cost of a temporary shutdown tied to a covered property claim. For example, it would help pay for employee wages and the cost of renting an office while your tree service business is closed for renovation after a fire.

Here’s what a typical business owner's policy purchased through TechInsurance looks like for tree trimmers:

Premium: $181 per month
Policy limits: $1 million per occurrence; $2 million aggregate
Deductible: $750

The cost of a business owner's policy mostly depends on the value of your business property. Other factors, such as your business's size and location, can also affect your premium.

The average cost of tree service workers’ comp insurance is $186 per month, or $2,235 per year.

This policy helps cover medical expenses and lost wages if you or an employee is hurt or becomes ill while working. For example, if a crew member suffers a head injury while trimming a large oak tree, workers’ comp can help pay for their medical bills and offer wage replacement during recovery.

Most states require businesses with employees to carry workers’ compensation coverage to stay compliant and avoid costly penalties. Requirements vary by state—for instance, California mandates coverage for any tree service company with at least one employee, while Texas doesn't have any specific workers' comp requirements.

Even sole proprietors in high-risk professions often choose this coverage, since health insurance usually won’t pay for work-related injuries. Having workers’ comp in place acts as a financial safeguard and offers peace of mind, so you don't have to handle the bills out of pocket.

Your workers' comp premium will depend on factors like the number of employees you have and the level of risk involved in their work. Tree maintenance companies can often reduce costs by ensuring employees are classified correctly and by putting safety programs in place to limit workplace accidents.

Tree cutting businesses typically pay an average of $57 per month, or $681 yearly, for contractor's tools and equipment insurance.

A form of inland marine insurance, this policy covers your business property while it’s in transit, at a jobsite, or stored off-site. Tools insurance can pay for lost, stolen, or damaged tools and equipment valued at $10,000 or less. This includes your tree trimmers, chainsaws, chippers, leaf blowers, and more.

It's important for tree care professionals to carry this coverage, as commercial property insurance covers items only at your main business location.

As with the cost of commercial property insurance, the cost of contractor's tools and equipment coverage mostly depends on how much your items are worth.

Landscaping contractors, including tree trimmers, pay an average of $204 per month, or $2,452 per year, for commercial auto insurance.

This type of business insurance coverage pays for property damage and medical expenses from accidents involving your company vehicles, such as your business-owned truck. It can also cover vehicle theft, vandalism, and weather damage.

Most states require this type of insurance for vehicles owned by your tree trimming business. For personal, rented, and leased vehicles used for work purposes, look to hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) instead.

Insurance companies consider many factors when determining the cost of a commercial auto policy. That includes your employees' driving records, policy limits and deductibles, the number of vehicles you own and their value, and the coverage options you choose.