Protect Your Property and Wallet: The Critical Insurance Verifications Every Suffolk County Homeowner Must Complete Before Hiring Any Tree Service Company
When it comes to hiring a tree service company in Suffolk County, New York, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Tree removal work can be hazardous, and insurance protects everyone involved, from the homeowner to the tree removal service and their crew. Unfortunately, many homeowners discover too late that failing to verify proper insurance coverage can result in devastating financial consequences that could have been easily avoided.
The Suffolk County Liability Landscape: What You Need to Know
Suffolk County homeowners face unique risks when hiring tree service companies. In New York, tree service companies must obtain a license from the state and secure insurance coverage from a reputable provider, offering both Workman’s Compensation and general liability insurance. It is highly advisable to exclusively hire tree service companies that are properly licensed and insured, especially in New York, as failure to do so can result in significant costs.
The consequences of hiring an uninsured tree company can be severe. If you decide to hire a tree service company without insurance coverage and workman’s compensation, you may personally bear the responsibility in unfortunate situations where any injury occurs to the company or its workers during tree removal or related tasks. As the homeowner, it is possible for you to be sued by the tree service company or its workers for medical costs and other damages since the incident occurred on your property under the laws of New York State. In most cases, homeowners are held liable and must provide compensation for damages and medical expenses, regardless of any legal consequences the tree service company may face for operating without proper licensing or insurance.
Essential Insurance Types Every Tree Company Must Carry
There are various types of insurance for tree service contractors, but liability insurance and workers’ compensation are arguably the most important ones. Your tree service company should have both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, but there are a couple of other options that would also be great for them to have.
General Liability Insurance
Liability insurance will come in handy if there are any accidental damages during the tree removal process. Liability insurance offers legal protection if a lawsuit resulting from personal injury or property damage arises. This is the insurance that covers property damage (note: it does not cover injuries.) If a tree service fells a tree and if falls the wrong way ending up in your kitchen, this is the insurance that covers the damage.
Professional tree service companies typically insure themselves for between $500,000 to $2 million, depending on the size of the company and the extent of work they do—that type of tree-cutting insurance costs between $3,000 and $6,000 a year. But the average U.S. tree-cutting insurance policy covers about $1 million in general liability, which costs roughly $40 a month or $500 a year.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Another key type of insurance every tree removal expert should have is workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation ensures that the contractor or company is responsible if an employee gets injured on the job. Because work-related injuries come with some of the most costly claims, this is a must for any contractor you hire, no matter the size of the company.
This is an important type of insurance to check for because if you hire a company that does not have this coverage in place and someone gets hurt, you may be held responsible for the injury. Some people just assume that their homeowners insurance would cover this, but in most cases, homeowner policies do not cover contractors.
How to Properly Verify Tree Service Insurance
Verification is a multi-step process that requires diligence. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI): Request a COI from the tree care company, which should include their policy number, coverage limits, and expiration date. This document verifies their insurance coverage and provides crucial details about their policies.
A billing statement from the insurance company is not the same as an insurance certificate, and it’s not adequate proof of insurance. While these show insurance coverages, they don’t prove that the contractor actually paid the bill or if it’s up-to-date. If your tree removal pro cannot provide a current insurance certificate, call the insurance company to see if their policy is still in effect.
Verify the Company’s Insurance Coverage: Contact the insurance provider listed on the COI to ensure the coverage is up-to-date and valid. This step confirms that the tree care company has active and adequate insurance.
Suffolk County’s Regulatory Requirements
Suffolk County requires home improvement contractors, including tree services, to maintain proper licensing and insurance. All certificates of public liability and property damage insurance and workers’ compensation shall be furnished to the Office by the applicant prior to the initial issuance of the license or at any time there is a change in insurance carrier.
When working with a reputable Tree Company Suffolk County like Miguel’s Tree Services, you can expect transparency in insurance documentation. Our team is fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind knowing that proper coverage is in place.
Red Flags to Watch For
If a tree service company is reluctant to provide a Certificate of Insurance, it may signal a lack of proper insurance coverage. Homeowners should be cautious and avoid working with companies that cannot provide adequate documentation.
Low-cost providers generally don’t have both types of insurance and/or have very low policy limits, putting you and your family at risk should an accident happen on your property. Remember, a company having the necessary insurance will likely increase the cost of working with them. Tree industry insurance is some of the most expensive for a company to have, due to the dangerous nature of the work. However, the extra price provides peace of mind in the event of an accident and can save you from having to pay for repairs and medical bills.
The Miguel’s Tree Services Advantage
Miguel’s Tree Services exemplifies the professional standards Suffolk County homeowners should expect. Professional tree service starts with proper licensing and insurance coverage. In Suffolk County, reputable companies carry comprehensive liability insurance and workers’ compensation to protect both our crews and your property.
Miguel’s Tree Service is a locally-owned and operated tree company dedicated to delivering exceptional tree care services in Suffolk County, NY. Trusted by countless residents across Suffolk County, Miguel’s Tree Service has established an unparalleled reputation for excellence in tree care. Our team of skilled arborists and tree care specialists brings years of expertise and a commitment to precision to every project we undertake.
Your Action Plan for Safe Tree Service Hiring
Before signing any contract with a tree service company in Suffolk County, follow these essential steps:
- Request a current Certificate of Insurance (COI) directly from the company
- Verify the insurance is active by calling the insurance provider directly
- Confirm both general liability and workers’ compensation coverage
- Check that policy limits are adequate for your property value
- Ensure the company is properly licensed in Suffolk County
- Get multiple quotes from properly insured companies
You will want to confirm that the tree removal company is properly insured before proceeding with hiring them for the job. Look for a tree service company with both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect you and your home from potential damages. Do not hire a tree removal company that cannot provide proof of insurance.
The investment in verifying proper insurance coverage is minimal compared to the potentially catastrophic costs of hiring an uninsured tree service company. By taking these verification steps seriously, Suffolk County homeowners can protect their property, their finances, and their peace of mind while ensuring their trees receive professional care from qualified, insured professionals.