Landscaping businesses involved in light construction activities, as well as lawn care professionals, face higher business liability risks because:
- Projects and daily operations take place at offsite customer locations
- Accidents that cause bodily injury or property damage can affect company employees and third parties such as residents, vendors, visitors and bystanders
- Motor vehicle accidents that occur when transporting construction materials, workers and equipment to work-sites can cause injury, fatality, or loss and damage to property
Landscaper Light Construction Umbrella Insurance works in a way similar to excess liability insurance, in the sense that this policy increases the liability limits of certain existing policies once those underlying limits are used up.
However, umbrella coverage will only extend or respond to specific areas of liability coverage that come under:
- Commercial General Liability
- Commercial Auto Liability
- Workers’ Compensation Employers Liability (where eligible)
This type of umbrella policy is designed for landscapers that perform light construction work such as installing retaining walls, irrigation systems, patios, fencing, walkways, and other small hardscape projects. These jobs often involve power tools, excavation, and heavy equipment, which can increase the chance of costly claims.
By adding an umbrella layer over your primary policies, you may be able to:
- Increase overall liability protection above the limits of your general liability and commercial auto policies
- Help protect business assets if a severe injury or property damage claim exceeds primary policy limits
- Address contract requirements from commercial clients, HOAs, or general contractors that ask for higher liability limits
Coverage, eligibility, and limits vary by carrier and state, and umbrella insurance does not replace the need for strong underlying policies. It is important to review your existing landscaper insurance program and discuss how an umbrella policy may sit over those coverages.
Related Topic/Coverage - Commercial Landscaper Umbrella Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is landscaper light construction umbrella insurance?
It is an additional layer of liability insurance that sits on top of your primary policies, such as general liability, commercial auto, and employers liability under workers’ compensation. It is designed to provide extra protection if a covered claim is larger than the limits on those underlying policies.
Who should consider a light construction umbrella policy for landscaping work?
Landscaping companies and lawn care contractors that install hardscapes, irrigation systems, decks, small structures, or do grading and light excavation should consider an umbrella policy, especially if they work on commercial sites or larger residential projects where the risk of serious injury or property damage is higher.
Does an umbrella policy cover all types of claims for my landscaping business?
No. An umbrella policy generally follows the terms and exclusions of the underlying policies it sits over. It can provide higher limits for covered liability claims, but it will not cover exposures that are excluded under your primary policies, such as certain professional services, intentional acts, or unendorsed pollution risks.
Is commercial auto insurance required before I can buy an umbrella policy?
In many cases, insurers require you to carry minimum limits on your commercial auto, general liability, and workers’ compensation (where applicable) before they will offer an umbrella. The umbrella then extends above those minimum required limits. Requirements vary by carrier and state.
How can I explore umbrella coverage options for my landscaping business?
You can review your current policies and then request a quote for additional umbrella limits to see how they may fit into your overall insurance program. To get started, you can request more information and a quote here: Landscaper Light Construction Umbrella Insurance quote.
Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert.