New To The Business -- Insurance?

[Steve]

I am new to the Lawnservice Business. I'll have my lawn maintenance business up and running within the next few weeks. Starting out I'll just be mowing, edging and blowing off surfaces. As for insurance -- what kind and how much do I need to protect myself? I've set up my company as an LLC -- does that affect how much insurance I should get / need?

[KenH]

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I would definately get some sort of contractors insurance. Talk to your agent. You need protection against damage done by equipment, and theft if you wish.

HTH

[strickdad]

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a good rule of thumb is that you will need a least a half millon in general libality to get started.. as you grow you need to maintain at least 15 to 20 times gross sells.. example is if you do a 100k in sells you will need 1.5 to 2.0 million

Billy and Christina Strickland Stricklands Lawn Care

[Hawkeye5]

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Steve: Legal format, (Individual, Partnership, LLC or Corp.) really has no influence on the type and amount of coverage you may need. I worked for insurance companies insuring contractors for almost 25 years and now my day job is with the Tennessee Dept. of Ins. The best recommendation is to find a local independent agent that has a good reputation and let them go to work for you finding an affordable company that likes our type of business (not all companies like contractors). The agent can recommend the proper coverages needed for your individual circumstance. As you grow, the needs may change if you enter into contracts with owners of commercial property or the government, but for the basics, rely on your local agent to guide you, just remember to keep them in the loop regarding changes. They will recommend General Liability, Auto and Inland Marine as a minimum. If you have a shop or building, that will require coverage also. Most agents will do a good job for you. After all, selling insurance is how they make their living and reputation is as important to them as it is to us. JD