Underwriting Guide
What Underwriters Ask About Landscaping & Lawn Care
Landscaping companies face GL exposure from property damage during service (damaged sprinkler systems, broken windows, vehicle damage), WC exposure from outdoor labor, and commercial auto exposure from trucks and trailers moving between job sites daily. Underwriters want to understand the full scope of services — from basic lawn maintenance to tree removal, irrigation, and hardscaping.
General LiabilityWorkers' CompensationCommercial AutoInland Marine / EquipmentCommercial Umbrella
Operations
Describe all services performed — mowing, planting, hardscaping, tree removal, irrigation, chemical application?
Why they ask: Each service type carries different risk. Tree removal and chemical application (pesticides, herbicides) have significantly higher GL exposure.
Does the company apply pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers?
Why they ask: Chemical application requires pesticide applicator licenses and creates pollution liability exposure if chemicals damage neighboring property.
Does the company perform tree trimming or removal?
Why they ask: Tree work is a high-hazard classification due to chainsaw injury risk, falling limb property damage claims, and height exposure.
Does the company install irrigation systems?
Why they ask: Irrigation installation creates property damage exposure if systems are installed incorrectly and water damage results.
Does the company work primarily on residential or commercial properties?
Why they ask: Commercial landscape contracts often have higher-value property nearby and may require higher GL limits and additional insured status.
Fleet & Equipment
How many trucks, trailers, and riding mowers does the company operate?
Why they ask: Commercial auto premium is based on fleet size. Trailers pulling equipment create additional liability when operated on roads.
What is the total value of equipment (mowers, blowers, trimmers, trailers)?
Why they ask: Landscaping equipment is expensive and frequently stolen or damaged. Inland marine coverage is needed for equipment away from premises.
Are there any owned or leased vehicles used to transport employees?
Why they ask: Crew transport vehicles must be listed on the commercial auto policy. Accidents transporting workers create both auto and WC exposure.
Employees & Loss History
How many employees are there, and are seasonal workers included?
Why they ask: Seasonal payroll must be included in WC calculations. Seasonal outdoor workers have elevated heat illness, cut, and strain injury risk.
Provide 5 years of GL and WC loss runs.
Why they ask: Landscaping WC claims are frequent due to outdoor hazards. Prior property damage claims from operations also affect GL pricing.
Does the company use any subcontractors, and do they provide certificates of insurance?
Why they ask: Subcontracted tree work or chemical application without proper certificates creates uninsured exposure.
Answers that raise red flags
⚠Tree removal services without appropriate contractor GL limits and height exposure coverage
⚠Pesticide application without a licensed applicator certificate
⚠Multiple property damage claims from mowing (throwing rocks, broken windows)
⚠Seasonal workers not included in WC payroll at audit
⚠Subcontractors used without requiring certificates of insurance
⚠No commercial auto for trucks and trailers used daily
Tips for presenting this risk favorably
✓Describe each service performed separately — underwriters rate tree work differently from basic lawn maintenance
✓Include pesticide applicator license numbers for all chemical application services
✓Provide a vehicle and equipment schedule with stated values
✓Document subcontractor certificate collection procedures
✓Confirm whether the business needs a pollution liability endorsement for chemical application exposure
Collect all this information automatically
AgencyAssist sends your client a plain-English intake link and maps every answer to the correct ACORD fields — including all the questions above.