Running a landscaping business is to make yards look good and green. Whether you’re installing a koi pond, trimming trees, or clearing a highway median, every job comes with its fair share of potential what-ifs. A good landscaping business insurance can cover your bases for a while. But what happens when your landscaping general liability insurance isn’t enough to close a major claim? Excess liability insurance is your financial safety net when things go south.
Let’s dig into why you need it, how it works, and how it can keep your landscaping business safe from hot water.
What is Excess Liability Insurance?
Think of excess liability insurance as a turbo boost for your existing landscaping liability insurance. It doesn’t replace your general liability policy—it enhances it. If a claim exceeds the limits of your general liability insurance for landscapers, excess liability coverage kicks in to cover the remaining costs. Read more on how to handle liability issues here.
When Does Excess Liability Insurance Apply?
Excess liability insurance isn’t an everyday policy—it only comes into play when:
- A lawsuit or claim exceeds the limits of your landscape liability insurance.
- Your liability insurance for the landscaping company is maxed out, and you need additional coverage.
- You work on high-risk projects (tree removal, excavation, irrigation system installation, etc.) that could lead to massive claims.
When Doesn’t It Apply?
- It won’t cover claims that aren’t already covered by your liability insurance for landscaping business.
- It’s not a standalone policy—you can’t purchase it without having a landscaping general liability insurance policy in place.
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s look at why landscapers specifically need this added protection.
Why Landscaping Businesses Face High Liability Risks
Landscapers aren’t just dealing with dirt and grass—they’re working with power tools, heavy machinery, chemicals, and sometimes, unpredictable clients. That’s a recipe for potential lawsuits. Here’s why insurance for landscaping business is a must-have:
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Accidents Happen—And They’re Expensive
According to the Small Business Administration, legal fees to defend a business in a lawsuit can run up to $150,000. That’s before factoring in any damages awarded by the court. If a claim goes beyond your business insurance for landscapers coverage limits, you’re on the hook for the rest.
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Property Damage Can Be Costly
One wrong move, and suddenly you’ve hit a gas line. Or maybe your crew’s truck accidentally smashes into a client’s prized rose garden. Without customized landscaping liability insurance, these mistakes could cost you big time.
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Injuries Are a Lawsuit Waiting to Happen
Whether it’s a client tripping over a hose or a worker getting injured on-site, lawsuits over bodily injury can skyrocket past a typical landscape business insurance policy’s limits. Excess liability steps in then.
What Does Excess Liability Insurance Cover?
If a lawsuit pushes your general liability insurance for landscapers past its limits, excess liability steps in to cover:
- Bodily injury claims
- Property damage claims
- Personal injury claims
- Advertising injury claims
Bottom line: It’s extra protection for when things go south, and your standard landscaping business insurance isn’t enough.
Is Excess Liability Insurance Required for Landscapers?
Legally, excess liability insurance isn’t always required—but it can be mandatory for certain jobs. If you contract with municipalities, large corporations, or other contractors, they might demand you carry excess coverage before signing off on a project.
Additionally, if your landscaping company partners with utility companies, excess liability insurance is a smart investment. It ensures you’re covered in case something goes wrong—without it, you could face financial hurt.
Why Choose LandPro for Base Insurance and Excess Liability Coverage
Now that you know why excess liability is crucial, let’s talk about how LandPro Insurance makes getting the right coverage easy.
Comprehensive Coverage for Landscaping Businesses
LandPro offers a full-package business insurance for landscaping that includes:
- General Liability Insurance (up to $1M per occurrence, $2M aggregate)
- Excess Liability Insurance (up to $5M)
- Auto Liability Insurance (up to $1M)
- Workers’ Compensation
- Contractors Pollution Liability
- Employment Practices Liability & Cyber Liability
Why Choose LandPro?
- 35+ years of experience protecting landscapers
- Customizable coverage tailored to your specific business needs
Accidents happen, and lawsuits can drain your business dry if you’re not properly covered. Standard landscape business insurance is a good start, but for true stability, you need excess liability insurance.
LandPro makes it easy to get the right coverage for your landscaping business, no matter the season or specialty. Don’t wait until a lawsuit threatens your livelihood—get covered!
Talk to your broker and get signed up for LandPro today.
Contact NIP here. Speak with a professional: 800-446-7647.
FAQs
What is excess liability insurance, and why do landscapers need it?
Excess liability insurance is additional coverage that extends beyond the limits of your landscaping general liability insurance. It protects against major claims that exceed your primary policy, ensuring your landscaping business insurance doesn’t fall short in high-cost lawsuits or accidents.
Does excess liability insurance cover property damage claims?
Yes, liability insurance for landscaping includes coverage for property damage claims that exceed your general liability limits. Whether it’s accidental damage to a client’s home or infrastructure, landscape liability insurance ensures your business is protected from costly repairs and legal fees.
Is excess liability insurance required for landscaping companies?
While it’s not always legally required, many municipalities, corporate clients, and high-value contracts demand that landscaping companies carry excess liability insurance. This added layer of customized landscaping liability insurance ensures you meet contract requirements while safeguarding your business.
How much excess liability coverage should my landscaping business have?
The amount of coverage depends on the size of your business, the complexity of your projects, and the risks involved. Most business insurance for landscaping policies start with a $1 million limit, but contractors working on larger projects or with hazardous equipment often opt for more liability insurance for landscaping company.
How does excess liability insurance differ from umbrella insurance?
While both provide extra coverage, excess liability insurance specifically extends your landscaping liability insurance limits, while umbrella insurance may add coverage for multiple policies, including auto or workers’ compensation. If you need to boost your general liability insurance for landscapers, excess liability is the right choice.
