Are you thinking about starting your own landscaping company in Jacksonville, TX? Before you begin servicing property owners in the 75766 zip code, you will want to make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. Here are three questions to ask when getting commercial insurance quotes for your landscaping business.
#1: What Types of Insurance Coverage Do I Need?
Owning and operating a landscaping business often requires multiple commercial business insurance policies to ensure you are fully covered. The three most common types of policies contractors in this field need are:
- General Liability Policy: This type of policy protects you against liability claims from property owners over accidents and mishaps. Examples of this would include situations where you damage a fence with a piece of lawn equipment or accidentally kill someone's prize-winning rose bush.
- Worker's Compensation Policy: This type of policy covers your employees medical costs and lost wages should an accident happen to them on the job. In Texas, this type of coverage is required by law.
- Commercial Auto Insurance Policy: You will most likely have to drive from one customer's location to another. Having a commercial auto policy is key to keeping you (and your vehicles) protected while on the road.
#2: Do I Have to Have Commercial Insurance to Operate My Landscaping Business?
With exception to worker's compensation insurance, you do not have to have commercial insurance to operate your company. However, taking on that additional risk can leave you open to a personal lawsuit and significant financial loss should there be any sort of mishap while running your business.
#3: How Will My Equipment Be Covered?
A special type of insurance coverage for business property covers things like lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and other yard care specific items. This is usually obtained through a businessowner package policy (BOP) that puts together your general liability policy and personal property together.
Of course, in any situation with insurance, contacting local insurance agencies to review your exact needs is always recommended.