Your Checklist Starts Here
You are a one-person landscaping business. You may need to show a certificate to someone who asks. You want to stay ready for any request. This checklist helps you track what you must keep, what you must change, and what you must check again. Use it every time something new happens to your work or your business.
What to Keep on File Always
- Your insurance certificate. This shows that your insurance is active. You may need to send it to a client, a city, or a building owner. Always keep it up to date.
- Your policy documents. These tell you what your insurance covers and who it covers. Save them on your phone or computer. Read them if you want to know what your insurance will do in an emergency.
- Proof of your business license. Some people ask for it when they want your certificate. Keep it with your insurance papers.
- Photos of your work. If something happens, these can help explain what you did. Keep them for at least a few years.
When Your Work Changes
If you start doing new work, tell your insurance company. For example, if you begin using a chainsaw or doing more tree work, your class code may change. The quote and the state will tell you what code you have. If you switch from mowing to tree work, you may need a new class code. Your insurance price may change too. Check your quote to see the right code for your new work.
When a New Certificate Holder Joins
If someone else needs to see your certificate, you may need to send them a copy. Make sure your certificate is up to date before you send it. If your certificate is old, it may not match your current work. Keep it current so you can send it to anyone who asks. Always check that your certificate shows the right kind of work you do now.
What to Check Each Renewal
- Your class code. Your work type may change over time. Your quote will tell you if the code is right for you now. If you start doing different work, your code may not fit. Check it when you renew.
- Your state rules. Insurance rules can change. Your quote will tell you what is needed in your state. Some states have different rules about who needs insurance and what must be covered.
- Your work address. If you work in a new area, your insurance may need to know. Your state may treat you differently in new towns. If you move your work to a new place, your insurance may need to change. Check with your quote to see if your address affects your code or coverage.
When You Hire Your First Helper
If you hire someone else to work with you, everything changes. You must add them to your insurance. You must cover them if they get hurt at work. This may cost more. You must make sure your insurance is right for more than one person. Talk to your insurance company right away. If you do not, and your helper gets hurt, your insurance may not pay for their care. Always tell your insurance company when you hire someone new. You can get your quote here to see what changes and how much it costs.
Owner Inclusion Election
The default is that your insurance does NOT cover you, the owner. If you want to be covered when you get hurt at work, you must choose to be included. This is called an owner inclusion election. It costs more. You must make this choice when you get your quote. A ghost policy does not cover you — it just proves coverage exists for your business. If you want to be covered, you must choose the owner inclusion election. Your quote will show the price for that choice.
Check Your Coverage Dates
Your insurance has a start date and an end date. You must know these dates. If your work happens outside these dates, you may not be covered. Check the dates on your certificate and your policy. Make sure your work fits inside the coverage dates. If your insurance is about to end, you must renew it. You can get a new quote here to start a new policy. Do not work without active coverage — your insurance is only good when it is active.
More Things to Watch
- Changes in your business license. If you get a new license or your old one expires, your insurance may need to change. Always keep your license current. Some places require it for insurance to stay active.
- Changes in your business name. If you change your business name, your insurance may need to change too. Your certificate must show the right name. Always update your name with your insurance company when it changes.
- Changes in where you work. If you start working in a new city, your state may treat you differently. Your insurance may need to change too. Always tell your insurance company if your work moves to a new area.
