Tree work is dangerous, your equipment is expensive, and one bad claim can threaten everything you’ve built. Shopping for the right commercial insurance doesn’t have to be complicated — but it does require knowing what to bring to the table and what to ask for.
Start With Your Loss Runs
Before any agent can quote your business, they’ll ask for your loss runs — a formal claims history report from your current carrier covering the last three to five years. It shows every claim, the payout, and any open reserves.
Request them before you start shopping. Carriers are required to provide them, but it can take up to a week. Clean loss runs are leverage for better rates; a spotty history just means you’ll need to explain the story behind the numbers.
Bring Your Current Declaration Pages
Your declaration pages (“dec pages”) are the summary sheets at the front of each policy — limits, deductibles, effective dates, named insured. Every agent needs these to give you an accurate, apples-to-apples competing quote and to make sure you don’t accidentally let coverage lapse between carriers.
Keep digital copies somewhere your whole team can access them. You’ll need them more than you think.
The Coverages You Actually Need
A tree service operation needs more than a basic business policy. Make sure you’re pricing all of these:
- General Liability — covers third-party bodily injury and property damage. Most contracts require at least $1M/$2M.
- Workers’ Compensation — required if you have employees. Tree work has one of the highest injury rates in the trades.
- Inland Marine — covers your equipment (chippers, saws, climbing gear) wherever it goes, not just at your shop. A standard BOP won’t cover tools stolen from a job site.
- Commercial Auto — required the moment you’re hauling equipment for work. Personal auto policies exclude commercial use.
- Commercial Umbrella — excess liability above your GL and auto limits. Given the catastrophic risk in tree work, this is cheap peace of mind.
Bundle Everything — It’s Worth It
The biggest mistake tree companies make is piecing together coverage from four different carriers. Bundling all your lines with one agent means:
- Multi-policy discounts (often 10–20%)
- One renewal date instead of juggling four
- Certificates of insurance pulled with a single phone call
- No finger-pointing between carriers when a claim touches multiple policies
Find an agent who specializes in contractor or tree service accounts. They’ll know the right carriers, the right class codes, and how to position your account at renewal.
What to Have Ready Before You Call
- Loss runs (3–5 years)
- Current dec pages for all policies
- Annual payroll and gross revenue estimates
- Vehicle list with VINs and values
- Driver list with license numbers
- Equipment schedule with serial numbers and replacement values
The right insurance program won’t just protect you — it’ll help you win work. Many commercial clients and property managers won’t let you on site without proper certificates. Get your coverage right, keep it current, and shop it every year.
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