As a landscaping or lawn care business owner in New Hampshire, you know that no two jobs—or risks—are exactly the same. Whether you’re trimming hedges in Manchester, mowing lawns in Salem, or installing stone patios in Concord, protecting your business with the right insurance coverage is critical. General liability insurance is often the first policy business owners purchase, but is it enough to fully protect your landscaping operations?

At Cunningham Associates Insurance, we specialize in tailoring insurance solutions for local businesses just like yours. In this post, we’ll explore whether general liability is sufficient for your needs, what it covers, and when you might need additional protection under a more customized landscaping insurance or lawn care insurance policy.

What Does General Liability Insurance Cover For Landscaping Businesses?

General liability insurance typically provides coverage for third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising or personal injury claims. For example, if your crew accidentally damages a customer’s irrigation system while installing mulch, general liability may help pay for repairs or legal expenses.

For New Hampshire landscapers, this is a crucial first layer of protection, especially when working on residential or commercial properties. Clients may even require proof of general liability insurance before hiring you. But while general liability is essential, it has limitations—especially in a hands-on, equipment-heavy industry like landscaping.

Does General Liability Cover Damage To My Tools And Equipment?

Generally, no. General liability doesn’t cover your own business property—like mowers, trailers, or leaf blowers—if they’re stolen or damaged. For that, you may need inland marine coverage or a business property insurance policy. These can help protect equipment you transport between job sites, which is a daily part of life for most lawn care and landscaping companies in New Hampshire.

If a vital piece of machinery is vandalized or stolen from your truck while parked overnight, having proper equipment coverage could mean the difference between staying on schedule or losing valuable jobs.

What If One Of My Employees Gets Hurt On The Job?

In New Hampshire, workers’ compensation insurance is typically required if you have employees. General liability doesn’t extend to employee injuries. Whether it’s a back strain from lifting pavers or a serious cut from a hedge trimmer, workers’ comp can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.

Even in a small crew, accidents happen. Landscaping involves power tools, sharp equipment, and uneven terrain, all of which increase the risk of workplace injuries. Having workers’ comp not only helps meet legal requirements but also protects your team and your business financially.

Will General Liability Protect My Business Vehicle?

No, your personal auto insurance likely won’t cover business use, and general liability won’t either. If you use trucks or trailers for hauling equipment or traveling to job sites across New Hampshire, you may need commercial auto insurance.

This coverage can help pay for damages if you or an employee is involved in an accident while driving for work. For example, if one of your trucks hits another vehicle while heading to a lawn care appointment, commercial auto insurance could help cover repair costs and liability claims.

What About Weather-Related Interruptions Or Property Loss?

Storms, flooding, and other severe weather events are part of doing business in New Hampshire. If a storm damages your storage shed, ruins your tools, or prevents you from operating for several days, general liability likely won’t help.

Instead, consider adding business interruption insurance or commercial property insurance as part of a broader landscaping insurance plan. These coverages can assist with repair costs, lost income, and other expenses while your business recovers from unexpected events.

Do I Need Professional Liability Insurance For My Landscaping Business in New Hampshire?

While not as common, professional liability insurance—also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O)—may be useful if you offer design consultations or landscaping plans. If a client claims your advice led to a poor outcome or financial loss, this coverage could help cover legal defense and damages.

In the landscaping world, design plans don’t always go as expected. Whether a plant recommendation leads to root system damage or a drainage design causes water pooling, professional liability can offer peace of mind.

Is A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) A Good Fit For Lawn Care Companies?

A Business Owner’s Policy bundles general liability with commercial property insurance and sometimes business interruption coverage. It’s often a cost-effective way for small landscaping businesses in New Hampshire to secure foundational protection under one policy.

At Cunningham Associates Insurance, we help business owners evaluate whether a BOP is right for them or if a more customized landscaping insurance package makes more sense. Your coverage needs may vary depending on the size of your operation, number of employees, and services offered.

How Can I Build The Right Landscaping Insurance Plan?

Every lawn care and landscaping business in New Hampshire is different. The services you offer, your tools and vehicles, and the risks you face should all guide your insurance decisions. Some common add-ons include:

• Inland marine insurance for tools and mobile equipment
• Commercial umbrella insurance for added liability protection
• Pollution liability for chemical or pesticide applications
• Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI Insurance) if you manage a team

Rather than guessing what’s enough, it’s helpful to work with a local insurance advisor who understands the unique needs of New Hampshire landscaping professionals.

Ready To Protect Your Landscaping Business With Confidence?

At Cunningham Associates Insurance, we take the time to learn about your business so we can help you build the right coverage—whether that’s general liability, full landscaping insurance, or a tailored lawn care insurance policy. We’ve helped contractors, lawn pros, and outdoor service companies across New Hampshire protect what matters most.

Reach out to our team today to review your current coverage or request a custom quote. Let’s make sure your landscaping business has the protection it needs—no matter what the job throws your way.