When hiring a lawn care service, homeowners should consider more than just the cost and convenience. According to insurance professional Luis Roque, it is important to check a company’s credentials before allowing them to work on your property.
Roque emphasizes that consumers often overlook verifying if their lawn care provider carries proper insurance coverage. He describes a scenario where inadequate coverage led to multiple problems: damage to a car, broken windows, destroyed plants, and an injured worker. In this case, the homeowner was asked for their own homeowners insurance details to cover the worker’s medical bills.
“Before you hire ANY contractor, ask for the credentials mentioned above. Specifically, get a copy of their Business Liability/Property and Worker Compensation coverage. Very much like auto and home owners insurance, businesses should carry protection for when damages are incurred or caused to others under their care. There should have been an insurance claim filed for this debacle alright. However, it should have fallen on the lawn company’s General Liability coverage for the damages and repairs to your wife’s car, broken windows and lost prize rose bushes. Their employee’s medical bills should have fallen on their Workers Compensation coverage. and the damages to their runaway mower, covered under their Business Property coverage. All the while, this has been a Valuable Learning Experience and your Auto and Homeowners insurability remained protected, by not filing that claim on your policies.”
Roque advises always requiring proof of general liability, property, and workers compensation insurance from any service provider before work begins. This can help prevent unexpected financial losses if accidents occur during routine maintenance.
He also notes that in some cities such as Atlanta, Georgia, local laws require lawn care companies to carry insurance. Homeowners may want to check with municipal authorities regarding such regulations in their area.
Additionally, many people may not realize that standard homeowners insurance policies do not typically cover landscaping losses.
Luis Roque operates an independent agency serving home, auto, life, and business insurance needs in Rutherford County and nearby areas.
