When it comes to tree removal, it's important to make sure the company you hire is properly insured. Liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance are essential to protect you, the homeowner, from any accidents or damage that may occur during the tree removal process. A good tree removal company should have an ISA-certified arborist on staff and employ at least one TCIA-certified tree care safety professional (CTSP).To protect your business from legal and financial disasters, it's important to have adequate insurance coverage. General Liability covers anything you may be legally responsible to pay, subject to policy specifications.
Product Liability covers claims where products used and applied by your company, such as insecticides and pesticides, cause damage or harm to the customer or your property. Premises Liability protects your business from costly lawsuits in case of accidents that result in injuries or property damage. Operations Completed coverage protects you from claims that your work resulted in losses. Professional liability (Errors & omissions) covers you from claims related to errors made at work. In addition to these types of insurance, a comprehensive protection plan for your tree trimming business should include workers' compensation to protect you in case of employee injuries, a commercial car policy to protect vehicles when they are on the road, and a business owners policy that covers your buildings and their contents, liability, data, employees burglaries and more. When requesting tree care quotes, make sure the company has all the necessary insurance coverage.
This includes workers' compensation to cover employee injuries, as well as product liability and premises liability in case of accidents or damage. It's also important to make sure the company has Completed Operations coverage in case of any damage claims that arise after they leave. Professional liability (Errors & omissions) is also essential for any potential errors made at work. It's also important to note that some companies may claim they have insurance when they don't. To ensure you're working with a reputable company, look for certification from the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) or the TCIA (Association of the Tree Care Industry).Finally, keep in mind that arboriculture employees work at extreme heights (up to 120 feet here in the Northeast) while using dangerous tools such as chainsaws.
Any company that promises a quick move before it understands the work to be done is trying to sell you something. Make sure you do your research and find a reputable tree service company with all the necessary insurance coverage.