Insurance Coverage Guide for Tree Surgeons

Tree surgery (also known as arboriculture) is a high-risk profession involving climbing, heavy machinery, and work at height. Proper insurance coverage is essential to protect your business, staff, and clients. This guide outlines the types of insurance tree surgeons typically need and offers tips on getting the right coverage.

Here's a detailed guide to insurance coverage for tree surgeons, including key types of insurance, industry-specific risks, and considerations when choosing a policy:

Why Insurance Is Essential for Tree Surgeons

Tree surgeons face numerous risks:

Falling from heights
Chainsaw and equipment accidents
Damage to third-party property
Injury to the public or clients
Environmental hazards (e.g., falling trees or branches)

Without proper coverage, one incident could result in significant financial and legal consequences.

Key Types of Insurance Coverage

1. Public Liability Insurance

Essential coverage. Protects against claims made by third parties for injury or property damage caused by your business.

Example: A branch falls on a client’s car during tree removal.
Typical cover limits: £1 million to £10 million (UK) / $1 million to $5 million (US).

2. Employers’ Liability Insurance

Legally required if you hire staff.

Covers medical expenses and lost wages if employees are injured on the job.
Example: A groundworker is injured by a falling limb.

3. Professional Indemnity Insurance

Covers legal costs and compensation if a client suffers a loss due to your professional advice or negligence.

Example: You advise a client a tree is safe when it isn’t, and it later causes damage.

4. Tool and Equipment Insurance

Protects chainsaws, chippers, climbing gear, and other tools from theft, loss, or damage.

Often includes on-site, in-transit, and overnight storage coverage options.

5. Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Covers vehicles used for business, such as vans or trucks carrying equipment.

May include coverage for transporting hazardous materials like fuel or waste.

6. Personal Accident Insurance

Pays out if you or an employee suffer a serious injury (e.g., permanent disability) or death.

Can provide income protection for self-employed tree surgeons.

7. Contract Works Insurance (Optional)

Covers ongoing projects for loss or damage before completion, e.g., a storm damaging a half-felled tree or site.

Choosing the Right Insurance Policy

Consider Your Risk Profile

Type of work: domestic, commercial, high-voltage line clearance?
Equipment and vehicle value
Employee count
Height work or crane use

Check for Arborist-Specific Policies

Choose insurers that specialize in tree surgery or landscaping.
Ask if they include working at height and chainsaw use as standard.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Use a broker such as Arborist Business Cover or comparison site to compare price and policy features.

Review Exclusions Carefully

Ensure the policy doesn’t exclude:

Climbing work
Aerial platforms
Subcontractors (check their insurance too)

Documentation & Compliance

Maintain risk assessments and safety procedures.
Ensure staff have proper training and certifications (e.g., NPTC/LANTRA).
Keep insurance documents on hand for clients or council contracts.

Summary: Recommended Insurance Checklist

Insurance Type - Required - Key Benefit

Public Liability - Essential - Covers injury/damage to third parties

Employers' Liability - If hiring - Covers employee injury

Professional Indemnity - Recommended - Covers advice-related claims

Tools & Equipment - RecommendedCovers loss/damage to tools

Vehicle Insurance - Legal requirement - Covers business vehicle use

Personal Accident - Optional - Protects your income from injury

Contract Works - Optional - Covers in-progress projects

Final Tips

Review your policy annually as your business grows or changes.
Bundle policies with one provider to save on premiums.
Keep safety practices documented—they can reduce premiums and help in claims.

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