Why Hiring Uninsured Tree Workers Could Cost You Everything: The Hidden Financial Risks Every Homeowner Must Know
When you’re looking to save money on tree care services, that bargain-priced contractor without insurance might seem like a smart choice. However, what appears to be a few hundred dollars in savings could quickly turn into tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected liability – or worse. Tree service companies without proper insurance can leave homeowners financially responsible for accidents, damages, and injuries on their property, as they lack insurance coverage to protect against accidents.
The Shocking Reality of Tree Work Dangers
Tree work is among the most dangerous industries, with a fatality rate of 17 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, making proper insurance coverage essential for any company performing tree services. In 2017, there were a reported 53 fatal and 1,040 non-fatal injuries among 100,000 tree care professionals in the United States. The combination of heavy machinery, dangerous heights, and unpredictable tree behavior creates a perfect storm of potential hazards.
Tree care consistently ranks among the most dangerous professions, with injury rates exceeding many industrial occupations. Professional arborists encounter numerous hazardous scenarios during routine operations, from unexpected branch failures to equipment malfunctions. When accidents happen – and they do happen frequently – the question becomes: who pays?
You Could Be Sued for Everything You Own
Here’s the terrifying truth many homeowners don’t realize: the contractor can sue the homeowner and hold them liable for legal costs if the worker gets injured. This liability can result in thousands of dollars in legal expenses and potential damages. 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.
Hiring a contractor who does not have workers compensation can result in you paying for their medical bills indefinitely. Since many construction injuries can have long-lasting impacts, the few dollars you saved on an uninsured contractor may lead to years of paying someone else’s medical bills.
Your Homeowner’s Insurance May Not Protect You
Many homeowners assume their insurance will cover any accidents, but this is often not the case. Your homeowner’s insurance might not cover damage caused by an unlicensed worker, leaving you with a hefty bill. In New York State, it is important to note that numerous insurance companies will decline to cover any destruction to your property or home if you choose to engage the services of an uninsured and unlicensed tree service company.
However, that coverage doesn’t typically extend to contractors. For this reason, you should only work with reputable companies. Hiring an uninsured contractor could have devastating financial consequences.
The Two Types of Insurance Every Tree Company Must Have
Legitimate tree service companies should carry both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance that specifically covers tree work. There are two types of insurance coverage every tree care company should have: general liability and workers’ compensation.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Without workers’ compensation (or without the right type of coverage), the company owner is legally responsible for work injuries to themself and any crew members. However, as the property owner who hired the company, you may be on the hook if an employee is injured and the company owner cannot or will not pay.
General Liability Insurance: General liability insurance addresses property damage scenarios that might occur during even the most carefully executed projects. Some coverage examples include: Property damage: Tree removal insurance protects your business if a falling branch damages a homeowner’s property. Medical expenses: General liability covers customer injuries caused by falling debris and stray tools.
How to Protect Yourself: Essential Steps
Homeowners should always request and verify a Certificate of Insurance (COI) sent directly from the insurance company before hiring a tree service. It’s best to ask specifically for a certificate of insurance with the company’s name on it; that way, you can verify that the policy is currently valid and coming directly from the insurance company. Fake insurance statements are on the rise, so this step is crucial.
Call the listed insurance company to confirm the policy is real and in good standing. Some ‘Tree Guys” have been known to produce fraudulent insurance certificates or use expired insurance certificates.
Why Choose Jones Tree & Plant Care
When searching for an arborist near me, Suffolk County homeowners can trust Jones Tree & Plant Care to provide fully insured, professional service. We are fully insured, and our owner and operator, Thomas Jones, is on-site and oversees every project we work on. As a certified arborist, Thomas Jones receives continuous education and instruction on the latest techniques and trends in landscape design, as does the entire staff at Jones Tree and Plant Care.
As a fully licensed and insured tree and plant care company, we have successfully treated and managed the infestations of insects on various types of trees and plants for property owners throughout the Suffolk County region. Owned and operated by a New York State Board Certified Arborist and supported by a team of professionally trained and highly experienced technicians, we provide a variety of specialized landscape management services.
Jones Tree and Plant Care will inspect your landscape, diagnose any problems, and make recommendations based on knowledge and expertise gained through over 10 years of experience in the industry. We have over 10 years of and offer complete plant and tree services for residential and commercial properties.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Gamble with Your Financial Future
The financial implications of uninsured tree work can devastate homeowners who might otherwise believe they’re making an economical choice by selecting the lowest-priced provider. Don’t gamble with your property—choose insured tree professionals and get some real peace of mind.
The few hundred dollars you might save by hiring an uninsured tree worker could cost you your home, your savings, and your financial security. When it comes to tree care, proper insurance isn’t just recommended – it’s absolutely essential for protecting everything you’ve worked to build.
Before you hire any tree service, remember: Tree removal can be dangerous work, and double-checking for proper tree insurance coverage will help protect everyone. Your family’s financial future depends on making the right choice.