The first thing you should consider when hiring a tree service is insurance. Insurance is critical because it protects both the customers and the tree service professionals.
Look into its background, recommendations, and certification. However, you should also double-check their insurance coverage.
Some people choose to work with a company that can quickly and inexpensively complete the task. Working with a regular handyperson with a pickup truck and a chainsaw or a landscaper that provides tree trimming is frequently one of these cases.
It will be dependent on the type of insurance the individual or firm has if anything goes wrong while construction is underway.
Before hiring someone to work on your property, knowing what tree service insurance entails is essential. This is because, without insurance, you may wind up paying more in the long run.
It may be hazardous if you are not a professional in tree removal. Tree work is dangerous since you are working at height, and numerous elements can put you in harm’s way. Hiring a Qualified Arborist is one strategy to make it safer.
Even though landscapers and handypersons may not have the same level of training as Certified Arborists, they may still do hazardous operations. However, they don’t have the same level of coverage, which raises the risk that something will go wrong. If something does go wrong, you may be held responsible.
Worker’s compensation insurance, which covers medical expenses and lost income if you’re hurt on the job, and general liability insurance, which covers any damage you may cause to someone else or their property while working, are required by a tree care professional.
Even though it is called general liability insurance, it is very particular about the type of work. For example, if someone removes trees from your property, their insurance policy must protect them if something goes wrong. If it doesn’t, the arborist’s insurance company will not cover any damages or injuries that may happen.
Landscaping insurance differs from other types of insurance in significant ways. They typically do not cover injuries incurred when someone falls more than ten feet from a height. This implies that if you are hurt while working on your tree and require medical care, you will be responsible for any associated costs.
Worker’s Compensation
Tree removal may frequently result in injuries. North Carolina requires workers’ compensation insurance for all companies. This coverage must include tree cutting, not just gardening or other similar jobs.
Some firms claim to provide workers’ compensation insurance, but this may not always be the case. Tree removal coverage is costly since it involves a lot of danger. Some tree service businesses opt to save money by calling themselves landscape consultants rather than landscapers. They might also lack workers’ compensation coverage.
Several moving firms may provide you with a discount if you move during a specific period. Make sure you aren’t getting taken advantage of and that the business is legitimate.
If you run a business and don’t have the correct workers’ compensation coverage, the employees can get injured while working, and you (the homeowner) will have to pay for their injuries. 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 it.
If you are hurt in an accident, and it was the company’s fault, you may be eligible for compensation. Until the case is resolved, you will be responsible for paying for the victim’s medical expenses, lost earnings, and other incident-related costs until the issue is resolved.
Coverages on your insurance policy are critical. The limits should be high enough to cover any damages or medical expenses that may occur due to an accident or injury. It would help if you thought about the following minimum levels:
It would help if you had an insurance policy that would protect your property from $1 million in damages and $500,000 per event. This way, if an arborist falls a tree on your house, you are covered. You should also have a policy with worker’s compensation of $500,000 so that if a worker gets injured on your property, you are covered.
If you’re not sure whether or not a tree needs to be cut down, it’s preferable to call a trained professional. Ensure that the arborist you hire is covered by liability insurance in case of any unforeseen circumstances relating to tree maintenance.
Always request a Certificate of Insurance when hiring a tree removal service. The COI will verify that they have insurance and that the coverage is adequate. Tree companies may obtain this documentation for nothing more.
If your request for proof of insurance puts off a business, you might not wish to do business with them. This is because the firm may believe that you don’t trust them.
Always request to see proof of insurance when you receive a tree removal quote. This will help protect you if anything goes wrong while doing the work. Most low-cost providers only provide liability and property damage insurance.
