Protect Yourself with Proper Tree Service Coverage from Insurance Companies in Tallahassee

Insurance coverage for tree work done on your property probably is not the first thing you think about when hiring someone to prune, remove, treat, or maintain your trees. But it is arguably the most important consideration. What happens if a tree or branch falls on a person or structure while the work is being done? The outcome depends on the types and level of insurance coverage held by the person or company doing the work. Here is what you need to know about tree service insurance before hiring anyone to do tree work on your property.Tree Work is Dangerous It is not always obvious just how dangerous tree work can be, particularly for those without the training, equipment, and experience to do it properly and safely. Tree work is done at heights and is affected by heavy objects, unpredictable events, dangerous tools, and more. While landscape contractors often take on the dangerous tasks that certified arborists are trained to perform, they do not have the same technical training and experience, nor do they carry the same level of insurance. That puts you even more at risk – there is a greater chance of something going wrong and higher odds of you being held liable for any injuries or damages.Types of Insurance Coverage There are two types of insurance coverage to look at – general liability and workers’ compensation. To be adequately protected, your tree care professionals of choice should have both.General Liability InsuranceAlthough it is called “general” liability insurance, it is extremely specific when it comes to the type of work covered by the insurance policy. If someone is performing tree work, their insurance policy must specifically cover tree work. If not, any damages or injuries arising from tree work done on your property will not be covered. Insurance policies for landscapers are different – they only provide coverage for work done on the ground and up to about 8 or 10 feet above that. If a person climbs up over 10 feet to work on your tree (or even if they just climb a ladder to reach a branch) and something happens, their insurance will not cover it. In that situation, you may be liable for any injuries, damage, medical bills, lost wages, and so on.Workers’ Compensation Insurance As with general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance must specifically cover tree work in order to be valid. Although many companies claim to be fully covered by workers’ compensation insurance, they may not always be covered for tree work. Without the right type of workers’ compensation coverage, the business owner is legally required to pay for work injuries to him/herself and any crew members. While you can sue the company to recover damages, you will still have to pay for the injured person’s medical bills, lost wages and other costs associated with the injury until the case is settled.To ensure that you are adequately protected, always ask for the insurance company to send you a certificate of insurance so you can be sure the policy is still in effect and covers tree work. The next time you get a proposal for tree work, ask to see documents for both general liability and workers’ compensation. Do not take a risk with low-cost providers and allow our professionals at Demont Insurance Agency to cover your tree care! We are here to help address all your tree care needs - simply contact us today to learn more or receive a quote.