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You Need Lawn Care Business Insurance

πŸ“… June 23, 2026 ⏱️ 58:45 🎀 Alvin, Greg, Steve Bonesteel

Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Introduction & Guest Welcome
    The hosts introduce the topic of insurance and welcome Steve Bonesteel, an insurance expert.
  • 0:05
    Steve's Expertise & Background
    Steve Bonesteel details his background in commercial insurance for contractors, particularly in lawn care, and his wide service area.
  • 0:09
    Importance of Early Coverage
    Steve explains why obtaining the right insurance policy from day one is crucial for new lawn care businesses.
  • 0:12
    General Liability & Property Damage
    The discussion focuses on general liability as the foundational insurance, covering bodily injury and property damage, and when to file claims.
  • 0:16
    Impact of Frequent Small Claims
    Steve clarifies how frequent small claims can negatively affect insurance rates and policy renewals.
  • 0:26
    Types of Insurance Coverage
    A comprehensive overview of various insurance types, including commercial auto, equipment floater, and specialized liabilities, is provided.
  • 0:29
    Cyber Insurance & Social Engineering
    The hosts and guest explore the unexpected need for cyber insurance for lawn care businesses, including protection against social engineering fraud.
  • 0:35
    Mobile Equipment & Exclusions
    The discussion covers incidents involving mobile equipment and the importance of understanding policy exclusions, especially for power equipment.
  • 0:40
    Biggest Insurance Misconceptions
    Steve addresses common misunderstandings among lawn care professionals regarding snow removal coverage, business personal property, and subcontractors.
  • 0:52
    Real-Life Claim Scenario
    Steve shares a detailed claim story involving a truck, trailer, and equipment damaged in an accident, illustrating how various policies work together.

Speakers

A
Alvin
Host
G
Greg
Host
S
Steve Bonesteel
Commercial Lines Agent at Michigan Insurance and Financial Services

Key Takeaways

✦

Secure general liability insurance from day one of your business operations to protect against bodily injury and property damage claims.

✦

Avoid filing small claims (under $1,000-$1,500) as frequent claims, even minor ones, can significantly increase your insurance premiums and risk policy cancellation.

✦

Do not assume your general liability policy covers snow removal; check for specific snow and ice removal classifications or endorsements.

✦

Understand that standard business personal property coverage often only applies at your listed premises; acquire inland marine or equipment floater coverage for tools and equipment off-site.

✦

Formally classify subcontractors and ensure they provide proof of their own general liability and workers' compensation insurance to avoid being held liable for their incidents.

✦

Maintain an updated inventory of all equipment, including serial numbers and values, to ensure accurate and comprehensive coverage, potentially lowering premiums for scheduled items.

✦

Consult with your insurance agent about any unique operational aspects or new equipment acquisitions to ensure you have appropriate coverage and avoid unexpected gaps.

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