Landscaping Insurance in California
Landscaping and lawn care insurance usually means four policies: general liability, workers comp, commercial auto for the truck and trailer, and equipment coverage for mowers and tools. They’re separate policies, so we quote them together with several carriers and show you the options side by side, in English or Spanish.
When landscaping work needs a license
The CSLB’s landscaping fact sheet says gardeners who maintain landscaping and are paid on a regular basis generally “do not need to hold a C-27 Landscaping license.” It also says: “Any construction project, including landscaping, valued at $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials requires a state contractor license.” (CSLB landscaping fact sheet) Per a December 2024 CSLB bulletin, that $1,000 limit started January 1, 2025. Among the conditions the bulletin lists: “the work cannot require a permit” and “the unlicensed person cannot employ anyone for the project.” (CSLB bulletin on the $1,000 limit)
The CSLB defines a C-27 landscape contractor as one who “constructs, maintains, repairs, installs, or subcontracts the development of landscape systems and facilities for public and private gardens and other areas.” (CSLB, C-27 classification) If you do tree work, tell us before we quote.
Workers comp for landscapers
The DIR says California employers are required by law to have workers comp “even if they have only one employee.” C-27 is not on the CSLB’s list of classifications that must carry workers comp with no employees. If you work alone and your license isn’t qualified by a Responsible Managing Employee (RME), the CSLB lets you file an exemption. Per the CSLB, once you hire anyone covered by the workers comp laws, the exemption “will no longer be valid,” and proof of coverage must reach CSLB headquarters within 90 days of the hire. (CSLB workers comp requirements) A December 2024 CSLB bulletin says licensees in trades like C-27 “can continue to claim exemptions if they have no employees, until January 1, 2028.” If you qualify, we prepare the exemption with you and send it to the CSLB.
Common landscaping claims
Many landscaping claims start with a rock or branch thrown by a mower or edger that breaks a window or hits a car. Others come from irrigation lines, buried utilities and sidewalks damaged during digging. General liability (GL) pays for damage to other people’s property that your policy covers. It doesn’t cover your own mowers and tools; equipment coverage (inland marine) does. Your truck and trailer go on a commercial auto policy.
What homeowners and GCs ask for
The CSLB tells homeowners to ask the contractor for “copies of certificates of insurance for liability and for workers’ compensation insurance before the work begins.” (CSLB landscaping fact sheet) GCs ask too, and the contract spells out what the certificate must show: liability limits, whether the GC is an additional insured, waiver of subrogation, and whether your policy is primary and noncontributory. A certificate only shows what your policy already has. If the contract asks for additional insured status and your policy doesn’t include it, you need an endorsement. Send us the insurance section of the contract before you sign and we’ll check that your policy matches.
If your license is held by an LLC, the CSLB requires liability insurance of at least $1 million for five or fewer people on the personnel of record, plus $100,000 for each additional person, up to $5 million (B&P §7071.19), and a $100,000 LLC bond on top of the $25,000 contractor bond (B&P §7071.6.5). (CSLB, LLC licenses)
How we quote landscaping insurance
We quote general liability, workers comp, commercial auto, equipment coverage and your license bond with several carriers and show you the options side by side, in English or Spanish. To start we need your CSLB license number or the classification you’re applying for, your entity type (sole owner, corporation or LLC), whether you have employees and your approximate payroll, your yearly revenue, and the kind of work you do (maintenance or installation, residential or commercial). Call (619) 489-3751 or send the form.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need workers comp if I work alone?
Per the CSLB, if you have no employees and your license isn’t qualified by an RME, you can file an exemption. Once you hire anyone, the exemption no longer counts and you need a policy.
Does my policy cover my mower and tools?
General liability doesn’t cover your own equipment. Equipment and tools coverage (inland marine) does, and we quote it with the rest.
Do gardeners need a contractor license?
Per the CSLB, gardeners who maintain landscaping on a regular paid basis generally don’t need a C-27 license. A landscaping project of $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials does need a state contractor license.
What do you need to quote my landscaping business?
Your license number, entity type, whether you have employees and your payroll, your revenue, and whether you do maintenance, installation or both.
Related
contractors insurance in California · workers comp in California · CSLB workers comp exemption · contractor bonds · En español: seguro para jardineros
We place insurance. We’re not your attorney. Check your license requirements with the CSLB directly. Requirements as of October 2026. Ready Lane Insurance Services Inc · CA DOI License #6003650 · 985 Broadway, Ste J, Chula Vista, CA 91911 · (619) 489-3751 · Mon–Fri 9–6, Sat 9–3. Coverage is described in general terms; the policy wording controls.