Are Tree Removal Companies Supposed to Be Insured?
Yes, homeowners should look for a tree removal company that carries appropriate insurance before hiring them. Tree removal involves heavy equipment, falling branches, large sections of wood, and the possibility of damage to homes, vehicles, fences, landscaping, or other property.
Insurance is important because it can help protect both the tree company and the property owner if an accident or injury occurs during the work.
In North Carolina, businesses covered by the Workers’ Compensation Act generally must obtain workers’ compensation insurance or qualify as self-insured. The North Carolina Industrial Commission states that businesses with three or more regular employees are generally covered, although exceptions exist.
Why Is Insurance Important for Tree Removal?
Tree removal is not a risk-free job.
A tree may be close to a home, garage, fence, driveway, vehicle, power line, or other structure. Branches can fall unexpectedly, equipment can cause damage, and workers can be injured if the job is not properly planned.
Hiring an insured company can give homeowners additional protection when something goes wrong.
Before allowing a crew to begin work, ask what insurance coverage the company carries and whether the coverage applies to the type of tree work being performed.
What Types of Insurance Should a Tree Company Have?
The exact insurance a company needs can vary depending on its business structure, employees, work performed, and other circumstances. Homeowners should ask about at least these important areas.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Workers’ compensation coverage can help address covered workplace injuries involving employees.
North Carolina generally requires covered businesses to carry workers’ compensation insurance or qualify as self-insured.
Ask the company:
- Do you carry workers’ compensation insurance?
- Does it cover the employees working on my property?
- Can you provide proof of coverage?
This is particularly important for larger tree removal jobs involving multiple workers.
General Liability Insurance
General liability coverage can provide protection for certain claims involving property damage or bodily injury arising from the company’s operations.
For example, a tree removal project could potentially damage a roof, fence, vehicle, landscaping, or another structure.
Ask the company what general liability coverage it carries and request documentation before the work begins.
Commercial Auto Coverage
Tree companies often use trucks, trailers, chippers, and other vehicles to transport equipment and debris.
Ask whether the company’s vehicles are properly insured for business use.
This is another area where the appropriate coverage can depend on the company’s operations and equipment.
Should I Ask for Proof of Insurance?
Yes.
Don’t rely only on a verbal statement that a company is insured. Ask for a current certificate of insurance or other appropriate proof.
You can ask the company:
“Can you provide proof of your current insurance coverage before the work begins?”
A professional company should be able to explain its coverage and provide appropriate documentation.
If the company refuses to provide proof or gives you unclear answers, consider that a warning sign.
What Happens If an Uninsured Tree Company Damages My Property?
This is one reason homeowners should think carefully before hiring an uninsured contractor.
If a tree damages your roof, fence, vehicle, landscaping, or another part of your property during removal, determining who is responsible can become more complicated when the contractor does not have appropriate insurance.
Insurance does not eliminate every possible dispute, but verifying coverage before the job can help reduce unnecessary risk.
You should also check your own homeowners insurance policy to understand what it covers and what exclusions may apply.
Is Workers’ Compensation the Same as Liability Insurance?
No.
These types of coverage serve different purposes.
Workers’ compensation generally addresses covered employee workplace injuries, while general liability insurance can address certain third-party bodily injury or property damage claims.
That is why simply asking, “Are you insured?” may not give you enough information.
Ask what types of coverage the company maintains and request proof.
What If the Tree Company Uses Subcontractors?
Ask whether the company uses subcontractors for any part of the project.
If subcontractors are involved, ask whether they carry their own appropriate insurance coverage.
This is particularly important because you want to understand who will actually be performing the work on your property and what insurance applies to them.
North Carolina’s Workers’ Compensation guidance notes that principal contractors may need to obtain certificates of coverage from subcontractors to avoid potential liability for injuries involving subcontractors’ employees.
Does Being Licensed Mean a Tree Company Is Insured?
No.
Licensing and insurance are different things.
A company may identify itself as licensed, but homeowners should still ask specifically about insurance coverage.
For example, B&G Tree Services & Pressure Washing identifies itself as a licensed, family-owned company serving Thomasville and surrounding North Carolina communities. Its tree removal service also emphasizes evaluating the tree, surrounding obstacles, and safest removal method before work begins.
When comparing companies, ask about both qualifications and insurance rather than assuming one automatically means the other.
What Should I Ask a Tree Removal Company Before Hiring Them?
A simple checklist can help you compare companies.
Ask:
- Are you licensed?
- Are you insured?
- Do you carry workers’ compensation coverage?
- Do you carry general liability insurance?
- Can you provide proof of current coverage?
- Do you use subcontractors?
- Are subcontractors insured?
- What exactly is included in the estimate?
- Is cleanup included?
- Is stump grinding included?
- How will you protect my home and landscaping?
- What happens if additional work is needed?
Getting clear answers before the job begins can prevent misunderstandings later.
Why Insurance Matters Even More for Large Trees
Large trees can create additional risks because of their size, weight, height, and the amount of equipment needed to remove them.
The risk can increase when a tree is:
- Close to a house
- Near a garage
- Next to a fence
- Over a driveway
- Near power lines
- Leaning
- Diseased or decayed
- Damaged by a storm
- Located in a difficult-to-access backyard
Professional tree removal requires careful planning around these obstacles. B&G states that its tree removal process considers the tree’s condition, surrounding obstacles, and the safest removal method before work begins.
What Other Questions Should I Ask?
Insurance should be only one part of your hiring decision.
You should also ask about:
Experience
Find out whether the company has experience with trees similar to yours.
Written Estimate
Ask for a clear estimate that explains the work and services included.
Cleanup
Confirm whether branches, logs, and other debris will be removed after the tree is taken down.
B&G states that complete cleanup is included with its tree removal service.
Stump Removal
Ask whether stump grinding is included or available as a separate service.
Property Protection
Ask how the crew plans to protect your home, driveway, landscaping, vehicles, and other property.
Utility Lines
If the tree is near power lines, tell the company before work begins and ask how the situation will be handled.
Red Flags When Hiring a Tree Removal Company
Be cautious if a company:
- Refuses to provide proof of insurance
- Gives vague answers about coverage
- Cannot explain who will perform the work
- Pressures you to make an immediate decision
- Provides no written estimate
- Cannot explain what cleanup includes
- Wants payment before clearly explaining the scope of work
- Claims insurance is unnecessary for tree removal
A low price is not necessarily a good deal if important safety and insurance protections are missing.
Tree Removal in Thomasville, NC
Homeowners in Thomasville and surrounding communities should take insurance seriously when choosing a tree removal company.
B&G Tree Services & Pressure Washing is a licensed, family-owned company serving residential and commercial customers throughout Thomasville, High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Lexington, Asheboro, Salisbury, and surrounding North Carolina communities.
The company provides tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, and storm cleanup services.
Before hiring any tree company, ask questions about insurance, qualifications, the removal process, cleanup, and pricing so you understand exactly what you are getting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a tree removal company have insurance?
Yes. Homeowners should look for a company with appropriate insurance coverage and verify the coverage before allowing work to begin.
What insurance should I ask a tree removal company about?
Ask about workers’ compensation, general liability, and commercial auto coverage as applicable to the company’s operations. Also ask whether subcontractors are used and whether they have appropriate coverage.
Can I ask for proof of insurance?
Yes. Asking for a current certificate of insurance or other appropriate documentation is a reasonable step before hiring a tree removal company.
Does North Carolina require workers’ compensation insurance?
North Carolina generally requires businesses covered by the Workers’ Compensation Act to carry workers’ compensation insurance or qualify as self-insured. Businesses with three or more regular employees are generally covered, subject to statutory exceptions.
Does being licensed mean the company is insured?
No. Licensing and insurance are separate matters. Ask about both.
What if a tree company refuses to show proof of insurance?
Consider choosing another company that is willing to clearly explain its coverage and provide appropriate proof.
Choose a Tree Removal Company Carefully
Tree removal can involve significant risks to people and property. Before hiring a company, verify its qualifications, ask about insurance, request appropriate proof of coverage, and make sure you understand exactly what the estimate includes.
If you need professional tree removal in Thomasville or the surrounding area, B&G Tree Services & Pressure Washing provides tree removal and related tree care services for residential and commercial properties. Contact B&G to discuss your project and request a free estimate.
