How To Properly Check Insurances Of A Tree Removal Company?

Tree service insurance coverage is probably not the first thing you think about when hiring professionals. But it’s undeniably the most quintessential consideration.

What happens if a tree branch falls on an arborist or your home while the work is going on? Or if someone falls and gets cuts?

For all those scenarios, you have to check the type and level of insurance the best tree services in Rochester NY carries. Here, we’ll talk about how to correctly examine the insurance of a professional company before hiring them.


Different Kinds Of Tree Service Insurance Your Hired Company Must Possess

Usually, there are two types of insurance coverage for you to check – worker’s compensation and general liability. Let’s take a closer glance at two tree removal insurance coverage.

  1. Worker’s Compensation Insurance

All tree care companies are required by law to carry worker's compensation insurance. The insurance must specifically cover tree services and not just landscaping work. Here is why -

Tree work insurance coverage is highly expensive given the dangerous nature of the job. To cut costs, some companies classify themselves as landscapers instead. They then pass the cost savings to their clients in the form of a lower price. 

But don’t be fooled by it. What they’ve done is pass the risk on to you. Without the right worker’s compensation insurance, the homeowner must legally pay for all work-related injuries. 

  1. General Liability Insurance

The tree service insurance for general liability is not at all “general”. It must specifically cover tree work. 

Just like worker’s compensation, don’t go ahead with a company having an insurance policy for landscaping work. Such policies provide insurance coverage for only up to 8-10 feet above the ground. If the arborists climb over 10 feet to work on your tree and something happens, their insurance will not cover it. In that scenario, you will be liable for medical bills and lost wages.

Coverage Limits Of Tree Service Insurance

The coverage limits on the insurance policies are also crucial. It should be high enough to pay for all costs arising from an injury or accident. Here are some minimum limits for you to look at –

  • Worker’s Compensation - $500,000 per accident

  • General Liability - $2 million total and $1 million for each incident

Request For Certificate Of Insurance (COI) 

Always ask for a Certificate Of Insurance (COI) from the tree service insurance company. This will assure you if the policy is still in effect and covers tree work. 

Don’t just settle with a photocopy provided by the tree care company. Seek for the “real” COI.

Concluding

The next time you’re getting a proposal for tree work, ask to see proper tree service insurance documents. The reputed tree service company in Rochester like Branch Specialists has all the required insurances for tree care work. They even send their COI to the clients without any hesitation. 

Be smart and hire a trusted tree service company today!



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