TradeGuardLandscaping & Grounds subcontractor insurance requirements
What a general contractor should require from a landscaping & grounds subcontractor before they set foot on site, and the coverage gap that most often turns a landscaping & grounds job into the GC's claim.
Why landscaping & grounds insurance matters
Equipment, vehicle, and irrigation/grading water-damage claims: lower severity but high frequency, especially auto.
What to require from a landscaping & grounds sub
General liability, workers' comp, and commercial auto (owned, hired, and non-owned); landscaping crews are on the road constantly with trailers.
Rarely licensed as a construction trade; irrigation or pesticide work may need certification.
Full commercial auto including hired/non-owned; additional insured (ongoing).
Personal auto policies behind business use of trucks and trailers, which won't respond to a business-use accident.
Most of these gaps come down to one thing: additional insured status and the right endorsement.
General information, not legal or insurance advice; confirm requirements with your broker and the terms of your subcontract.
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Landscaping & Grounds insurance FAQ
What insurance should a landscaping & grounds subcontractor carry?+
At minimum, General liability, workers' comp, and commercial auto (owned, hired, and non-owned); landscaping crews are on the road constantly with trailers.
Do landscaping & grounds subcontractors need a license?+
Rarely licensed as a construction trade; irrigation or pesticide work may need certification. Always confirm the requirement in the state and locality where the work happens.
What's the most common COI gap on landscaping & grounds work?+
Personal auto policies behind business use of trucks and trailers, which won't respond to a business-use accident.
Other trades
Requirements also vary by state; see insurance requirements by state.