Landscaping Contractors Insurance in Massachusetts

Key Coverages for Landscaping Contractors

General Liability Insurance

General liability is typically the foundation of a landscaper’s insurance program. It may help address third-party claims of:

• Property damage (for example, a stone kicked up by a mower damages a vehicle or window)
• Bodily injury (for example, a client slips on debris left in a walkway)

Many commercial property managers and condo associations in Massachusetts require landscapers to carry specific limits, show proof of insurance, and list them as additional insureds.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Massachusetts employers generally must carry workers’ compensation for employees, even if they are part-time or seasonal. This coverage may help with:

• Medical costs for work-related injuries
• A portion of lost wages
• Certain benefits for severe or fatal injuries

Landscaping crews frequently face risks such as equipment injuries, slip-and-fall hazards, heat exposure, or lifting strains. We can help you understand how Massachusetts rules apply, including considerations for seasonal labor and workers who split duties throughout the year.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Landscapers rely heavily on trucks, dump trucks, trailers, and utility vehicles to move equipment between jobsites. Personal auto insurance typically won’t cover business use or trailers carrying mowers and tools.

Commercial auto insurance may help with:

• Liability for accidents caused by your drivers
• Physical damage to business vehicles, subject to the policy terms
• Certain coverage for attached trailers or equipment
• Hired and non-owned vehicles, if added

Snow plowing operations also often require separate or modified auto liability arrangements—especially when plowing commercial lots. More on this in the snow plow section below.

Contractors’ Equipment & Tools Coverage

Because landscaping companies operate with expensive mobile equipment, inland marine or contractors’ equipment coverage is important. It may help protect:

• Zero-turn and walk-behind mowers
• Trimmers, blowers, edgers, and chainsaws
• Skid steers, compact tractors, loaders, and mini-excavators
• Snow plow attachments and sanders
• Materials stored on-site or transported in trailers

Coverage varies depending on where the equipment is stored—yard, garage, jobsite, or in transit. We’ll help you evaluate options and limits.

Commercial Umbrella Insurance

Claims involving auto accidents, snow plowing incidents, or property damage on commercial sites can exceed base policy limits. A commercial umbrella may provide additional liability protection and help landscapers meet contract requirements.

Snow Plowing Insurance for Massachusetts Landscapers

Because many Massachusetts landscapers perform winter work, insurance for snow plowing is a crucial part of their overall program. Snow plowing work—especially for commercial properties—carries higher liability exposure due to:

• Slip-and-fall claims
• Icy conditions and incomplete snow removal allegations
• Vehicle accidents while plowing
• Contractual requirements from property managers or associations

Commercial Auto Liability for Plowing

Plow operations need to be correctly rated on your commercial auto policy. Some carriers classify plowing differently depending on whether you handle:

• Residential driveways
• Commercial parking lots
• Municipal roads or public spaces

Not all carriers insure commercial plowing, so landscapers should verify eligibility, rating, and any restrictions with their agent before signing plow contracts.

General Liability for Completed Snow Removal Work

Some policies exclude snow plowing unless it’s specifically added. General liability coverage for plowing may help with claims alleging:

• Improper snow removal
• Inadequate salting or sanding
• Failure to clear key walkways or access areas

Commercial plowing contracts may also require additional insured status, waivers of subrogation, and higher liability limits. We can help you understand which requirements involve your insurance policies so you can coordinate with your legal and risk advisors.

Equipment Coverage for Winter Gear

Winter work often depends on specialized equipment, including:

• Plow blades and mounting systems
• Spreaders and sanders
• Snow blowers and walk-behind units
• Skid steers and loaders used for stacking or moving snow

We can review whether these items are covered while attached to a truck, in a trailer, or stored off-season, and help adjust your equipment schedule as your operations change.

Contract Review Support

Snow plowing agreements often include strict hold-harmless and insurance requirements. While we do not provide legal advice, we can help you:

• Spot insurance-related language in plowing contracts
• Understand how those provisions relate to your policies
• Coordinate certificates of insurance for property managers and associations

Massachusetts Considerations for Landscapers & Plow Contractors

While we don’t provide legal advice, landscapers in Massachusetts should be aware of:

• Workers’ compensation requirements for seasonal and part-time employees
• Commercial auto rules affecting vehicles used for plowing and hauling equipment
• License or certification requirements for specific tasks, such as pesticide or fertilizer application
• Contract requirements for commercial properties, condo associations, and municipal sites

We can help you understand how these factors may impact your insurance program and connect you with state resources when needed.

Why Massachusetts Landscapers Choose Risman Insurance Agencies

As an independent insurance agency located in Medford, MA, we work with multiple carriers experienced in landscaping and snow plowing risks. We help contractors:

• Compare coverage options and premiums
• Understand snow plowing eligibility rules
• Review contracts and insurance requirements
• Update coverage as operations change seasonally
• Obtain certificates of insurance quickly for new jobs

We aim to keep your insurance process straightforward so you can stay focused on running your business all year long.