Landscape Contractors Insurance and Other Essentials You Need
Many people follow their passion when they start a new business venture. They may love book keeping, or graphic design, or a myriad of other opportunities. Your passion lies in the love of plants and making lawns look gorgeous. You understand the importance of curb appeal and the dangers of overgrown trees hovering over electrical lines. Dirt under your nails is Mother Nature’s manicure. It makes sense that a lawn care or landscape business is the perfect fit.
Enhance your chance for success when you prepare ahead of time for your new enterprise. Build your base by figuring out what services you want to offer and the best business structure first, then contact a knowledgeable broker at The Business Insurance Center for a landscape contractor’s insurance quote. We work with you to ascertain what coverages you need and develop a tailored plan to fit your requirements – all at reasonable rates that won’t turn your green thumb black!
5 Questions You Need to Answer Before You Mow the First Lawn
Setting up a new business requires many steps. Here are five key questions you should answer before you fire up the weed eater:
- What kind of services will you offer?Consider what is currently being offered in your local market. Is it primarily residential homes? Do you have business campuses or apartment complexes nearby? Look at your competition. What do they offer, and how can you fill in any gaps? It’s a good idea to find a niche, but you don’t have to pigeonhole yourself either. Here are a few options to enhance your offerings:
- Lawn mowing and maintenance
- Seasonal cleanups
- Gardening, design, and architecture
- Tree and shrub pruning and removal
- Irrigation
- Fertilizing
- Edging
- Mulching
- Snow removal
- Do you need certificates or a degree?The answer to this is dependent on how you answered the first question. For some services, like landscape architecture, customers may expect you to have a professional qualification. Set yourself apart from the competition by obtaining certifications through the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- How do you want to structure your business? The simplest and least expensive structure to open up a business is a sole proprietor. While it is a great option when you are mowing a few lawns, other structures will give your personal assets added protection from liabilities that may arise. For example, a limited liability company (LLC) gives you the benefits of both a corporation and a partnership. It would help if you spoke with your attorney and tax professional about the best option for you.
- Do you need a business license?Your state may require a business license, as do some cities and counties but in general, you don’t need to have a specialized license to start your landscaping company. Reach out to your county clerk to discover what types you may need, and potential restrictions.
- What kind of insurance do you need? At a minimum, you will want a general liability policy. It will cover you in the event of third partyinjury or property damage. Other options include commercial auto to cover your company vehicle, worker’s compensation to protect employees when they are injured or ill, and business property for equipment and office space. Your broker can discuss your current and future needs to ascertain the best policies for your situation.
Grow with Confidence – Purchase Landscape Contractor’s Insurance from BIC
Bring beauty to the world with the landscape services you offer. The team at The Business Insurance Center stands ready to help you protect your growing enterprise. We’re happy to sit down and discuss the different options that are available and explain how they can save you, your employees, and your company. Give us a call and let’s get started today!
Request a quote online or call and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at The Business Insurance Center about obtaining a landscape contractor’s insurance plan that fits your unique needs. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator.
