Tree Service Insurance
Worker's
Compensation
Insurance
WHEN YOUR CREW GETS
HURT, COVERAGE
MATTERS
Tree work is physically demanding, specialized work.
Your employees may spend their days climbing, operating chainsaws, working
around heavy equipment, handling logs and branches, driving between job sites
and working at significant heights.
When an employee gets hurt on the job, Workers’ Compensation Insurance can
help protect both your employee and your business.
Tree Trimmers Insurance Agency specializes in insurance for tree service
companies and arborists and understands the unique risks associated with your
crews.
WHAT IS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE?
Workers’ Compensation Insurance generally provides benefits to employees who experience a covered work-related injury or illness.
Depending on the claim and applicable state law, benefits may include:
MEDICAL
EXPENSES
Coverage for eligible medical treatment related to a covered workplace injury or illness.
LOST WAGES
Employees who are unable to work because of a covered injury may be eligible for a portion of their lost wages.
REHABILITATION
EXPENSES
Certain rehabilitation or recovery-related services may be covered when an injured employee needs assistance returning to work.
DISABILITY
BENEFITS
Benefits may be available when a covered workplace injury results in temporary or permanent disability.
DEATH BENEFITS
Workers' compensation may provide certain benefits to eligible dependents following a fatal workplace accident.
TREE SERVICE WORKERS FACE DIFFERENT RISKS
Tree work isn't office work.
Your employees may regularly encounter risks associated with:
That's why it's important for your insurance provider to understand what your employees actually do.
YOUR WORKERS’ COMP
CLASSIFICATION MATTERS
Not every employee in a tree service company performs the same job.
You may employ climbers, groundspeople, equipment operators, drivers, salespeople and office staff.
Workers’ compensation premiums can be affected by employee classifications, payroll and the type of work being performed.
Incorrect classifications can potentially create problems with premiums, audits or coverage.
As your company changes, it’s important to keep your insurance information current.
HOW MUCH DOES TREE
SERVICE WORKERS’ COMP
COST?
There isn't one standard price for tree service Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
Premiums may be affected by factors including:
- Total payroll
- Employee job classifications
- Number of employees
- Type of tree work performed
- Claims history
- Experience modification factor
- State of operation
- Safety practices
- Applicable insurance rates
If your payroll, crews or operations have changed substantially since your last review, your Workers’ Compensation Insurance deserves another look.
YOUR EXPERIENCE MOD CAN MATTER
For qualifying businesses, your Experience Modification Rating—or Experience Mod—can affect what you pay for Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
Your claims history and other factors are used in calculating the rating.
That means workplace safety, claims management and getting injured employees appropriately back to work can have implications beyond the individual claim.
Understanding your Experience Mod can be an important part of understanding your overall Workers’ Compensation costs.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU
ADD EMPLOYEES?
Growing your crew is great.
Just remember that your Workers’ Compensation policy needs to keep up.
Changes such as hiring additional employees, adding another crew, expanding services or significantly increasing payroll can affect your insurance.
Don't wait until your annual audit to discover that your current policy information no longer reflects your operation.
EMPLOYEES OR
SUBCONTRACTORS?
Calling someone an independent contractor doesn't automatically make them one for every legal or insurance purpose.
The rules surrounding employee and independent contractor classification can vary by state and circumstance.
If your tree service uses subcontractors, discuss those relationships with your insurance professional and appropriate legal or tax advisors.
You should also understand what documentation and certificates of insurance may be required.
SAFETY CAN AFFECT MORE THAN YOUR EMPLOYEES
A strong safety culture can help protect your crew—and may also have a long-term impact on your insurance program.
Tree service companies should consider documented procedures involving:
Insurance is there when something goes wrong. Good risk management is about reducing the chances that it does.
IS YOUR WORKERS’ COMP POLICY
KEEPING UP
WITH YOUR BUSINESS?
Ask yourself:
If you don't know the answers, it's probably time for a Workers’ Compensation review.
WORKERS’ COMP FROM PEOPLE
WHO UNDERSTAND TREE COMPANIES
Tree Trimmers Insurance Agency specializes in working with tree service companies and arborists.
We understand that your employees aren't simply a number on a payroll report. Climbers, groundspeople, drivers and equipment operators can have very different responsibilities and exposures.
We'll take the time to understand your operation and help you evaluate Workers’ Compensation options designed for your tree service business.
Let's Review Your Tree Service Insurance
Already have a policy?
Send us your current coverage, payroll information and Experience Mod, if available.
We'll review your existing Workers’ Compensation program, learn more about your crews and help you explore available options.