Are Tree Removal Companies Insured?

Do all arborists have insurance in Chicago?

When you’re looking for a tree service to remove, trim, or prune, your first concern is probably not insurance coverage. However, it’s without a doubt the essential factor.

It is essential to look into its experience, references, and accreditation. But you should also double-check their insurance coverage.

Some people choose to work with a provider who can get the job done quickly and cheaply. This often means working with a regular handyperson with a pickup truck and a chainsaw or a landscaper offering tree pruning.

What if a tree or limb falls on someone or anything while construction is underway? What if someone falls or is injured?

The results are determined by the person or firm’s insurance coverage for the work.

Before hiring anyone to perform tree work on your property, know everything there is to know about tree service insurance. It might end up being a lot more expensive in the long run if you don’t.

Tree Removal is Dangerous

Tree removal, particularly for those without the training, equipment, or experience to do it safely and correctly, might be hazardous. Tree work is dangerous at heights and is influenced by significant objects, rapid changes, volatile tools, and other factors. Hiring a Certified Arborist is one method to enhance safety.

Landscapers and handypersons are not as trained as Certified Arborists to do dangerous tasks. They also do not have the same level of insurance. That increases the risk a lot. There is a higher chance that something will go wrong, and you might be held responsible if something does go wrong.

Standard Insurance for Tree Removal

A tree care professional needs two types of insurance: worker’s compensation and general liability insurance.

Worker's Compensation

Tree removal can easily lead to injuries. In Illinois, workers’ compensation insurance is required by law for all businesses, with few exceptions. Workers’ compensation insurance must cover tree removal rather than just gardening or similar activities, as it does general liability insurance.

Although many businesses claim to provide workers’ compensation insurance, this might not always be the case. Tree removal coverage is expensive since it involves a high degree of risk. Some tree service providers choose to save money by not calling themselves landscape professionals. They also might not have workers’ compensation coverage. This could mean that they will charge you less for their services. However, it would help if you did not let them take advantage of you. Make sure that you are getting the best deal possible and that the company is reputable.

If your business doesn’t have the correct workers’ compensation coverage, then you (the homeowner) are responsible for any work-related injuries that happen to the employees. This includes yourself and any crew members. If you are injured by someone working for the company, and you can’t or don’t want to pay for the injuries, then the company’s owner is responsible. If you are injured in an accident, and it was the company’s fault, you may be able to get money as compensation. You’ll have to pay for the victim’s medical expenses, missed income, and other costs associated with the incident until the case is closed.

General Liability Insurance

Even though it is called general liability insurance, it is very particular about the type of work covered by the policy. If someone performs tree removals, their insurance policy must protect it. If it doesn’t, the arborist’s insurance company will not cover any damages or injuries that may happen because of the tree work done on your property.

Insurance policies for landscapers are different not as comprehensive. If someone falls from a height of more than 10 feet when working on your tree, their insurance will usually not cover the costs. If this happens, you may be liable for any injuries, damage, medical bills, and so on.

Coverage Amounts

Your insurance policy’s coverage limits are essential. The limits should be high enough to cover any costs that might arise from an accident or injury. Some minimum limits you might want to consider are:

An insurance policy that will protect your property from $1 million in damages, and $500,000 per event in case an arborist fells a tree on your house
A policy with worker’s compensation of $500,000 if a worker gets injured on your property.
A policy with vehicle coverage around $500,000 for each accident in case an arborist fells a tree on your car

Tree removal is dangerous if not done by a certified specialist. Do not hesitate to insist on whether your arborist has insurance that covers accidents related explicitly to tree care.

Proof of COI (Certificate of Insurance)

When you are getting trees taken down, always ask the company for a Certificate of Insurance. The COI will show that they have insurance and that the policy is still effective. You can usually get this for free.

If a company is offended by your request for proof of insurance, you may not want to do business with them.

To recap, when you get a quote for tree work, always ask to see the proof of all insurance necessary. This will help protect you if something goes wrong while doing the work. Most low-cost providers do not offer both types of insurance. They could have low policy limits, putting you and your family at risk if an accident happens on your property.