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Insurance Coverage Guide for Arboricultural Businesses

 

Here's a comprehensive guide to insurance coverage for an arboricultural business, tailored for companies involved in tree care, consultation, and management:

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Arboriculture involves the cultivation, management, and study of trees and shrubs — often in urban environments. Whether you're pruning a residential tree, consulting on tree health, or managing public woodlands, your business faces significant risks. This guide outlines the essential and optional types of insurance coverage to protect your operations, employees, clients, and assets.

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Why Arboricultural Businesses Need Insurance

 
Key Risks in Arboriculture:

  • Injury to workers or the public

  • Falling branches or trees damaging property

  • Equipment theft or damage

  • Professional advice leading to liability

  • Vehicle accidents while transporting gear

Without insurance, these risks could cost your business thousands — or even force you to shut down.

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Core Types of Insurance Coverage

1. Public Liability Insurance

Crucial for any arboricultural business. Protects against claims from third parties for injury or property damage caused by your operations.

  • Example: A large limb damages a neighbouring property during felling.

  • Common limits: £1M to £10M (UK)

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2. Employers’ Liability Insurance

Legally required if you employ staff.

  • Covers costs if an employee is injured or becomes ill due to work.

  • Includes: medical bills, lost wages, and legal fees.

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3. Professional Indemnity Insurance

For arboricultural consultants and surveyors. Covers legal costs if your advice causes financial loss or damage.

  • Example: You incorrectly assess a tree as healthy, and it later falls, damaging a structure.

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4. Equipment & Tools Insurance

Covers theft, loss, or accidental damage to arborist tools like:

  • Chainsaws

  • Climbing harnesses

  • Wood chippers

  • Stump grinders

Make sure the policy includes on-site, in-transit, and overnight storage.

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5. Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Covers business vehicles used to transport staff, equipment, or waste.

  • May include cover for tipper trucks, trailers, or cranes.

  • Look for goods in transit options to protect equipment in the van.

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6. Plant & Machinery Insurance

For expensive, heavy equipment such as MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) and tractors.

  • Covers accidental damage, theft, breakdown, or hire replacement costs.

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7. Personal Accident & Income Protection

Essential for self-employed arborists or sole traders.

  • Provides income if you’re unable to work due to injury (e.g., from a fall or chainsaw accident).

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8. Contract Works Insurance

Covers damage to work in progress due to storms, vandalism, or accidents.

  • Often required for local authority or commercial contracts.

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Optional Coverage You Might Need

Business Interruption Insurance

Covers lost income if your business operations are halted (e.g., after storm damage to your yard or stolen machinery).

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Legal Expenses Insurance

Helps cover legal costs arising from disputes, such as:

  • Employment issues

  • Contract disagreements

  • HMRC/tax investigations

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Cyber Liability Insurance

If you store customer data, quotes, or invoices digitally, this covers you in case of data breaches or ransomware attacks.

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Policy Checklist for Arboricultural Businesses

Insurance Type Required/Recommended Notes

Public Liability - Required - High limits advised for urban or council work

Employers' Liability - If employing staff - Legal requirement in UK

Professional Indemnity - Recommended -Vital for consultants and surveyors

Equipment & Tools - Strongly Advised - Especially for high-value arborist gear

Commercial Vehicle - Legal Requirement - Must cover work-related use

Plant & Machinery - Optional - For heavy-duty equipment like MEWPs

Personal Accident - Optional - Income protection for self-employed

Contract Works - Optional - Especially for large or long-term projects

Business Interruption - Optional - Helps during operational downtime

Legal Expenses - Optional - Avoid out-of-pocket legal costs

Cyber Insurance - Optional - More relevant if you store client data digitally

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Tips for Buying Arboricultural Insurance

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Work with Industry-Specific Brokers

Look for insurance brokers who specialise in tree work, forestry, or environmental services - such as Arborist Business Cover. We understand the specific risks and can tailor a policy to match your requirements .

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Confirm Coverage for High-Risk Activities

Make sure your policy includes:

  • Climbing at height

  • Chainsaw use

  • MEWP operation

  • Site clearance

  • Highway-side work

 

Check Subcontractor Coverage

If you hire subcontractors, ensure:

  • They carry their own insurance

  • Your policy extends to their actions if needed

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Keep Your Qualifications Up-to-Date

Certifications (e.g., NPTC/LANTRA in the UK) help lower premiums and ensure compliance.

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Final Words

Arboricultural work is physically demanding and risk-intensive — but the right insurance gives you peace of mind. Regularly review your policies, especially as your business grows or takes on higher-value projects. Get in touch with us to see what we can do to help your business.

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