Question 1

What insurance does a tree service & arborist business need?

Accepted Answer

Most tree service & arborist businesses need General Liability, Workers Comp, Commercial Auto at minimum. Depending on your state and contracts, you may also need Inland Marine.

Question 2

Is tree service & arborist insurance required by law?

Accepted Answer

General liability is not typically required by law, but workers' compensation is required in most states if you have employees. Client contracts and commercial leases often mandate specific coverage.

Question 3

How much does tree service & arborist insurance cost per month?

Accepted Answer

Most tree service & arborist businesses pay between $150 and $650 per month for general liability. Adding workers' comp or other coverages increases the total.

Question 4

What is NOT covered by tree service & arborist general liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

General liability does NOT cover: your own employees' injuries (workers' comp), your vehicles (commercial auto), professional mistakes (E&O), cyber attacks (cyber liability), or intentional acts.

Question 5

Can I get tree service & arborist insurance with no prior experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes. New businesses can get commercial insurance. NEXT Insurance covers new businesses immediately. Your premium may be slightly higher in the first year.

Question 6

What does a certificate of insurance (COI) look like for tree service & arborist businesses?

Accepted Answer

A COI (ACORD 25 form) lists your policy number, coverage types, limits, effective dates, and insured information. NEXT Insurance provides instant COI downloads after purchase.

Question 7

Do I need separate insurance if I work from home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your homeowner's insurance does NOT cover business activities. You need a separate commercial policy for your tree service & arborist business.

Question 8

What is the difference between occurrence and claims-made policies?

Accepted Answer

An occurrence policy covers incidents that happened during the policy period regardless of when the claim is filed. A claims-made policy only covers claims filed while the policy is active. Most GL policies are occurrence-based.

Question 9

How do I add an additional insured to my tree service & arborist insurance?

Accepted Answer

With NEXT Insurance, you can add additional insureds instantly online at no extra charge. You'll receive an updated COI immediately.

Question 10

Can I cancel my tree service & arborist insurance if I close my business?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can cancel at any time. Most carriers refund the pro-rated unused premium. Be careful with claims-made policies — you may want tail coverage.

Tree Service & Arborist Insurance FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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