The thrown stone
A mower throws a stone through a neighbour's sliding door while maintaining a client's lawn. A typical public liability claim.
Insurance for Landscapers
Understand the cover landscapers commonly use, what clients and sites ask for, and when it gets more complicated.
Request a quote
Submitting this form does not arrange insurance. We'll use your details to help progress your enquiry.
The short answer
What insurance does a landscaper need in Australia?
Landscapers in Australia usually carry public liability insurance, commonly $10 million or $20 million, plus tools, vehicle and trailer cover, and plant cover for machinery like bobcats and mini excavators. Damage to underground services, retaining walls, tree work and chemical spraying are the activities that most often change what an insurer will accept.
- Most common cover
- Public liability, tools, vehicles and trailers, plant
- Limits clients ask for
- $10m common; councils and builders may ask for $20m
- Common claim
- Damage to pipes, cables, fences, cars or windows
- Gets complicated when
- Retaining walls, tree felling, spraying, excavation, council contracts
Common cover
What cover do landscapers commonly use?
Most landscapers build their insurance from a few separate policies. These are the ones that come up most, and why they matter for this kind of work.
Public liability
Covers a stone thrown from a mower through a window, a damaged irrigation main or a falling branch on a neighbour's car.
Plant and equipment
Bobcats, mini excavators and ride-on mowers.
Commercial vehicles
Utes, trucks and trailers carrying gear and materials.
Tools and equipment
Mowers, trimmers, blowers and hand tools, a frequent target for theft.
When it gets harder
When does insurance get more complicated for landscapers?
Garden maintenance is usually simple to insure. Construction-style landscaping and some specialist activities are not.
Retaining walls
A failed retaining wall can damage property and cause injury. Walls above a certain height may need engineering and specific declarations.
Tree work
Tree felling and lopping at height are high-risk and often excluded from general landscaping policies unless declared.
Chemical spraying
Herbicide and pesticide spraying can cause drift damage. Some policies exclude or limit it, and licensing may apply.
Excavation near services
Digging for irrigation, drainage or footings risks underground services, which may carry a higher excess.
Illustrative examples
What does this look like in practice?
These are illustrative examples, not real clients, showing how the work changes the insurance.
The council tender
A landscaping business tenders for park maintenance with a local council. The council wants $20 million liability, chemical spraying covered and the council noted on the policy. Their policy needs checking against each requirement.
Cost
What affects the cost of insurance for landscapers?
These factors shape premiums for landscapers.
| Factor | Impact | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance versus construction | Major | Hard landscaping, excavation and walls are rated higher than mowing and gardening. |
| Tree work and spraying | Moderate | Declaring these can change price and acceptance. |
| Plant and vehicle values | Moderate | Bobcats, trucks and trailers add to the total. |
| Turnover and staff | Moderate | More crews mean more exposure. |
| Claims history | Moderate | Previous property damage claims affect pricing. |
Common questions
Questions landscapers ask about insurance
Do landscapers need public liability insurance?
Most do. Councils, builders, strata and commercial clients usually ask for it, commonly $10 million or $20 million.
Is tree felling covered under a landscaping policy?
Often not unless it is declared. Tree work at height is commonly excluded or needs specialist cover.
Does public liability cover chemical spray drift?
It depends on the policy. Some exclude or limit spraying, especially herbicides, so check if you spray.
Related trades
This page is general information only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not a recommendation to buy any insurance product. Always read the policy wording and, where applicable, the Product Disclosure Statement.
Request a quote
Want a quote for your landscaper business?
Tell us your trade or industry. It only takes a moment to get started.
Request a quote
Submitting this form does not arrange insurance. We'll use your details to help progress your enquiry.