General Liability Insurance Cost for Landscaping Businesses (2026)

Landscaping businesses in northern states often add snow removal services during winter months. Snow removal is classified as a higher-risk activity due to slip-and-fall liability on cleared surfaces and property damage from plowing. Most insurers offer a seasonal rider for $300 to $800/yr rather than requiring a separate policy.

Some landscapers reduce coverage during the off-season, but letting your policy lapse creates a coverage gap that raises future premiums. A better approach is to maintain year-round coverage and adjust your revenue estimate downward if business is seasonal.

The most common GL claims for landscapers involve property damage: hitting underground utilities during excavation, damaging irrigation systems, driving equipment over client landscaping, or backing a truck into a structure. These claims average $5,000 to $25,000 and drive most premium increases.

Before digging, always call 811 for utility locates. Document pre-existing property conditions with photos before starting work. These practices reduce claims and demonstrate risk awareness to insurers.

Landscaping crews need both GL and workers' compensation insurance, but many new business owners confuse the two. GL covers injuries to third parties (clients, bystanders) and damage to client property. Workers' comp covers injuries to your employees while on the job.

Workers' comp for landscaping typically costs $800 to $3,000/yr depending on payroll and state. It is required in most states as soon as you hire your first employee. Some states (like Texas) do not require it, but going without creates massive personal liability exposure.