Prior to hiring a tree care company is is wise to review their insurance certificate. Tree trimming is the 4th most dangerous job in the United States. Even with skilled workers, sometimes accidents can happen.
A distressed tree limb can sometimes fall on a worker trimming from the ground, for example. For this reason, Canopy Tree Service carries both liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.
Workers Compensation shown in Insurance Certificate
Worker’s compensation protects the employees and shields Canopy Tree Services customers against a lawsuit. Many customers are surprised to learn that worker’s compensation is not required in Texas. Did you know many tree care companies do not carry this expensive policy? Ask to see the COI. Check to make sure the insurance certificate is not expired. Oftentimes, their price for the work is very low and tempting for a homeowner. There have been instances where a tree trimmer with truck and trailer abandons an injured employee at a homeowner’s residence and simply disappears. Calls to the cell phone contact go unanswered.
The COI includes General Liability
A general liability policy is not the same thing as worker’s compensation policy. Liability insurance covers expenses if the company’s work causes damage to your home or possessions. Tree care companies are supposed to register with the City of San Antonio and prove their have general liability. According to the City of San Antonio web site every tree trimming company must do the following:
Provide a government issued photo ID
Proof of continuing education, including classes on Oak wilt, tree biology, tree pruning, tree identification, and safety.
Pay license and registration fees
Provide an Insurance Certificate with a minimum amount of $300,000.
It is critically important for customers to receive documentation on a tree care company policy of both liability and worker’s compensation policy. This is most often provided as an Insurance Certificate.