What proof of insurance should a tree service show you?

Tree work is risky for the crew and for your property, so insurance is not paperwork to skip. Battle Born Tree Service says it is licensed and fully insured and prints Nevada Business License # 20131580674. This site does not publish policy limits.

Why does a tree service need insurance?

Because trees fall where they are not meant to, and workers get hurt. Without coverage, a damaged roof or an injured worker can become your problem.

OSHA calls contact with electricity one of the leading causes of death for tree care workers, which shows how serious this work is. Read our guide for when a tree has already come down.

What should the certificate show?

It should show the company's name, the insurer, the policy dates and the types of coverage. The ISA advises asking for proof and phoning the insurer.

Look for general liability that covers property damage, and workers' compensation for the crew.

• Business name matches the estimate.
• Insurer name and policy number.
• Policy start and end dates.
• General liability and property damage.
• Workers' compensation.

How do you confirm it is real?

Call the insurer or the agent listed on the certificate and ask whether the policy is active. A certificate is a snapshot, and the call checks that it is current.

Do this before the day of the job, not after.

1. Ask the company to send the certificate.
2. Read the names and dates.
3. Call the insurer or agent on it.
4. Ask whether the policy is active and covers tree work.
5. Keep a copy with your estimate.

How is a license different from insurance?

A license is the government's permission to do business, and insurance is financial protection if something goes wrong. They answer different questions.

The Nevada State Contractors Board lists removal and trimming of trees and shrubs as work that does not need a contractor's license, so no contractor license number should be expected. A Nevada business license, like Battle Born's # 20131580674, shows registration only. Our ISA credential guide covers the training side.

What if the company will not show proof?

Then do not book the job. A company that is insured has no reason to hide the paperwork.

Ask in plain words: may I see your certificate of insurance? Their answer tells you how the rest of the job is likely to go.

When should you ask for proof?

Before you accept an estimate, not after the crew arrives. It is easier to compare companies and walk away when you are still gathering quotes.

Ask each company the same way and record the answers. A certificate that is dated, names the company and matches the business on the estimate is a good start; the call to the insurer confirms it.

What does insurance not cover?

It does not cover a bad plan, and it does not make a risky job safe. Insurance helps with the cost when something goes wrong; a trained crew and a sound plan are what prevent it.

It also depends on the policy's terms. Your own homeowners policy may respond to damage differently than the company's policy, which is a question for your insurer or an attorney.