
As a tree surgeon, you're not just responsible for pruning and removing trees, but also for ensuring the safety of yourself, your employees, and the public. Public liability insurance is a must-have to protect against accidents and lawsuits.
Tree surgeon public liability insurance coverage typically includes damages to property and injury to third parties. This type of insurance can help you cover the costs of legal fees, medical expenses, and repair or replacement of damaged property.
Having a suitable policy in place can give you peace of mind and financial security. According to the article, the average cost of a public liability insurance policy for tree surgeons is around £150-£300 per year.
Types of Claims and Coverage
Tree surgeon public liability insurance is designed to protect against a range of potential claims and risks. A branch that falls and damages a client's or nearby property is a common scenario that can be protected against with this type of insurance.
Some common types of claims include damages to property, personal injury, and equipment-related accidents. A piece of equipment dropped on a nearby car can cause significant damage, while a member of the public tripping over machinery on the pavement can result in injury.
The types of insurance coverage needed as a tree surgeon include public liability insurance, employer's liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance, and plant cover. Public liability insurance is compulsory for employers with staff using rigging equipment.
Here are some common scenarios that tree surgeon public liability insurance can protect against:
- A branch that you are removing falls and damages a client’s or nearby property.
- A piece of equipment is dropped and lands on a nearby car, causing significant damage.
- A member of the public trips over some machinery that has been left on the pavement and is injured.
How It Works
Public liability insurance for tree surgeons works by protecting them and their businesses in the event of a claim made by a third party. This insurance will pay out any compensation required and cover the cost of your legal defence.
A dedicated claims team provided by the insurance provider will handle the claim, paying out regardless of whether you or your tree surgery business is found to be responsible.
Tree surgeons often face costly liability claims, which can be a significant financial burden. Some companies have even closed due to the time and expense of resolving claims.
Having preventative measures such as safety equipment and public liability insurance can help avoid these costly expenses.
Types of Claims
As a tree surgeon, you're exposed to various risks that can lead to costly claims. A branch falling and damaging a client's property is a common scenario that public liability insurance can protect you against.
You may think you're safe, but accidents can happen to anyone. A piece of equipment dropped from a height can cause significant damage to a nearby car.
In fact, public liability insurance can cover damages to both client and third-party properties. This type of insurance is essential for tree surgeons, as it can help you recover from unexpected expenses.
A member of the public tripping over machinery left on the pavement is another scenario that can lead to a costly claim. This highlights the importance of being mindful of your surroundings and equipment.
Here are some common types of claims that tree surgeons face:
- A branch that you are removing falls and damages a client’s or nearby property.
- A piece of equipment is dropped and lands on a nearby car, causing significant damage.
- A member of the public trips over some machinery that has been left on the pavement and is injured.
What Coverage Do I Need
If you're a tree surgeon, you need to have the right insurance coverage to protect yourself and your business from potential risks. Public Liability Insurance is a must-have, as it covers you for personal injury or property damage that you may be liable for.
Tree surgeons work in a high-risk environment, with heavy machinery and sharp edges, making accidents a real possibility. Employer's Liability Insurance is also crucial if you have employees, as it protects them and your business in case of an injury at work.
Professional Indemnity Insurance is recommended if you provide a consulting service, rather than hands-on tree surgery. This type of insurance covers you for any mistakes or negligence that may occur during your work.
You may also want to consider Plant Cover for any heavy machinery you use, such as chippers, mulchers, shredders, or splitters.
Here are the types of insurance coverage you may need as a tree surgeon:
- Public Liability Insurance
- Employer's Liability Insurance (if you have employees)
- Professional Indemnity Insurance (if you provide a consulting service)
- Plant Cover (for heavy machinery)
It's essential to have the right insurance coverage in place to avoid costly expenses and protect your business's financial stability.
Legal Expenses Cover
Legal Expenses Cover is a policy add-on that covers legal and litigation costs that may be brought against you or your business.
This includes actions under the Health and Safety at Work Act, which can be a significant financial burden if you're found liable.
Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act is also covered, highlighting the importance of having this protection in place.
In some cases, this coverage can help you recover costs associated with defending against lawsuits, which can be a major relief for business owners.
Cover
Public liability insurance is the most common type of insurance for tree surgeons and works by protecting them in the event of a claim made by a third party. If there is a claim, this insurance will pay out any compensation required and cover the cost of your legal defence.
This type of insurance is not compulsory by law but is vital to ensure your business' financial stability. Public liability insurance for tree surgeons is designed to protect against accidents that happen during tree surgery work that you could be liable for.
Some common scenarios that public liability insurance can protect against include a branch that you are removing falls and damages a client's or nearby property, a piece of equipment is dropped and lands on a nearby car, causing significant damage, and a member of the public trips over some machinery that has been left on the pavement and is injured.
Public liability insurance provides cover for both individuals and multi-staffed companies, including sole traders, freelancers or self-employed tree surgeons, small tree surgery businesses, startups, and limited companies.
If you employ staff or labour-only sub-contractors, you are also legally required to have employers' liability insurance, which covers the employer if they are found to be responsible for their employee's injury, accident or illness.
This cover is optional but should be highly considered, especially if you have employees using rigging equipment such as ropes to climb tree trunks. It's also worth noting that some employers' liability insurance policies may be included in a comprehensive public liability insurance package.
Here are some examples of what public liability insurance can cover:
- A branch that you are removing falls and damages a client’s or nearby property.
- A piece of equipment is dropped and lands on a nearby car, causing significant damage.
- A member of the public trips over some machinery that has been left on the pavement and is injured.
These are just a few examples of the types of claims that public liability insurance can protect against. It's essential to have this type of insurance in place to protect your business and financial stability.
Cost and Pricing
Tree surgeon public liability insurance costs can vary greatly, but on average, you can expect to pay between £400 to £2,000 per year.
The cost of your insurance premiums will be influenced by the frequency of your work, with more frequent work resulting in higher premiums. This is because tree surgeons are often needed on an ad-hoc basis, and insurers adjust premiums accordingly.
The number of employees you hire will also impact your premium prices, with medium-sized businesses with four employees paying higher rates than single self-employed businesses.
Here are some key factors that affect the cost of tree surgeon insurance:
- Frequency of work
- Number of employees
- Equipment used (including the level of technological advancement)
Cost and Pricing
Tree surgeon insurance costs can vary greatly, with prices ranging from £400 to £2,000 per year.
The cost of tree surgeon insurance is influenced by several factors. One key factor is the frequency of your work - the more work you do, the higher your premiums will be.
If you're a single self-employed business, you can expect to pay lower premiums compared to a medium-sized business with four employees.

The type of equipment you use also plays a role in determining your insurance costs. More technologically advanced equipment can increase your premiums.
Here are some general premium price ranges for different business sizes:
Insurance premiums are calculated based on several factors, including the nature and frequency of your work, the number of employees you hire, and the equipment you use.
How Much Cost
The cost of a product or service can vary greatly depending on several factors.
In the case of a software development project, costs can range from $1,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the project and the number of developers involved.
A simple website can cost as little as $500 to build, while a more complex e-commerce platform can cost upwards of $50,000.
The cost of materials can also play a significant role in determining the final price of a product. For example, a wooden chair can cost anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on the type of wood used.

In some cases, the cost of a product or service can be influenced by economies of scale. A company that produces a large quantity of a product can often negotiate better prices with suppliers, resulting in lower costs.
The cost of labor is another factor that can impact the final price of a product or service. In some industries, such as construction, labor costs can be extremely high, while in others, such as manufacturing, labor costs can be relatively low.
A product's cost can also be affected by the cost of shipping and handling. For example, a product that requires specialized shipping or handling can add significant costs to the final price.
Benefits and Importance
Having tree surgeon public liability insurance is essential for protecting yourself and your business from costly claims. It's a must-have for sole traders, freelancers, and small businesses, as well as limited companies.
Public liability insurance provides peace of mind that you're covered in case of an injury or damage claim made against you. This insurance will cover your legal fees and any compensation, so there will be no financial difficulties for you or your company.
As a tree surgeon, you're at risk of damaging nearby property when felling or maintaining trees. This is why public liability insurance is vital to ensure your business' financial stability.
Some policies also cover your tools and equipment, giving you the option of adding personal accident cover which protects you if you're injured while working or elsewhere.
Here are some key benefits of taking out specialist tree surgeon public liability insurance:
- Gives you peace of mind that you're covered in the event of an injury or damage claim made against you.
- Covers your legal fees and any compensation, so there will be no financial difficulties for you or your company.
- Some policies also cover your tools and equipment and give you the option of adding personal accident cover.
If you employ staff or labour-only sub-contractors, you're also legally required to have employers' liability insurance. This covers the employer if they're found to be responsible for their employee's injury, accident, or illness.
Insurance Options and Add-ons
Having tree surgeon public liability insurance gives you peace of mind that you're covered in case of an injury or damage claim.
There are several optional extras available for tree surgeons, which can be particularly beneficial if you're self-employed.
Some of these add-ons include coverage for your tools and equipment, as well as personal accident cover that protects you if you're injured while working or elsewhere.
Here are some of the key benefits of taking out specialist tree surgeon public liability insurance:
- It gives you peace of mind that you are covered in the event of an injury or damage claim made against you.
- This insurance will cover your legal fees and any compensation, so there will be no financial difficulties for you or your company.
- Some policies also cover your tools and equipment and give you the option of adding personal accident cover which protects you if you’re injured while working or elsewhere.
Why Choose Howden
Choosing the right insurance provider can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finding a policy that meets the unique needs of your tree surgery business. Howden understands this challenge and strives to make the process of sourcing insurance policies simple and easy.
Their team has great relationships with a panel of standard and specialist insurers, allowing them to source various tree surgeon insurance policies on your behalf. They take the time to get to know you and your business, learning what you want from your tree surgery insurance policy.
Howden's personalised and tailored services are designed to meet the specific needs of each client and business. They focus on finding a policy that fits your unique requirements, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.
Available Add-ons
Tree surgeons can benefit from various optional extras, such as professional indemnity insurance to protect against claims of negligence.

Some tree surgeons may also find public liability insurance to be a valuable add-on, especially if they work in high-traffic areas.
There are several optional extras available for tree surgeons which can be particularly beneficial if you’re self-employed.
Professional indemnity insurance can help cover the costs of defending yourself against claims of negligence, giving you peace of mind and financial protection.
Public liability insurance can help cover the costs of damages or injuries to third parties, such as members of the public or neighboring properties.
Some tree surgeons may also find that adding a claims handler to their policy can be a big help, especially if they're not familiar with the claims process.
Business and Professional Considerations
Tree surgery is a high-risk profession, and having the right insurance in place is crucial for tree surgeons to protect themselves and their businesses.
Tree surgeons truly risk their lives day-to-day doing what they do, which is why public liability insurance is an absolute must-have. This type of insurance helps navigate the consequences of being liable for their work and keeps them financially stable and secure.
Tree surgeons can benefit from having a range of insurance policies to support their business, but liability insurance is a top priority.
Get for Business

As a tree surgeon, you're likely aware of the risks involved in the job, but did you know that you're also required to have employers' liability insurance if you employ staff or labour-only sub-contractors? This type of insurance covers the employer if they're found to be responsible for their employee's injury, accident, or illness.
If you're a sole trader, freelancer, or small business, you'll want to consider public liability insurance to protect yourself and your business from accidents that could result in financial difficulties. This type of insurance is not compulsory by law, but it's essential for ensuring your business's financial stability.
Here are some examples of situations where public liability insurance can help:
- A branch falls from a tree and smashes into a nearby house window
- A chipper sends out a chunk of wood that injures a member of the public walking past
- A chainsaw is dropped from a tree and lands on top of a nearby car, causing damage
If you're unsure about which type of insurance you need, consider the following options:
- Public liability insurance
- Employers' liability insurance
- Plant cover for chippers, mulchers, shredders, or splitters
- Forestry insurance (also known as arborist insurance or tree surgery insurance)
Ultimately, having the right insurance in place can help you navigate the consequences of being liable for your work, while also keeping your business financially stable and secure.
Arborist Tools
As an arborist, you'll need a range of specialized tools to tackle the job effectively. A reliable chainsaw is essential, capable of handling thick branches and trunks with ease.
Pruning shears, also known as loppers, are handy for smaller branches and twigs. They come in various sizes and are often used for detailed work around the tree's canopy.
A pole saw is a long, extendable saw that's perfect for reaching high branches without the need for a ladder. This tool can save you time and reduce the risk of accidents.
Measuring tape and a level are also crucial for ensuring accurate measurements and even tree staking. They help you get the job done with precision and attention to detail.
A tree clipper is a specialized tool used to remove small branches and twigs from the tree's trunk. It's a great addition to your arborist toolkit.
Risk
As a tree surgeon, you face a range of risks that could impact your business and your clients. Public Liability is the core cover included in every policy, with a standard limit of cover of £5m, although this can be increased to £10m.
The risks associated with tree surgery are not unimaginable, given the heights involved and the use of high-powered machinery. Tree surgeons and arboriculturalists also face the risk of legal action being taken against them by the public for personal injury or property damage that they may be liable for.
A falling branch from a tree which you are working on can injure a member of the public or damage their property, making Public Liability essential. This type of insurance provides cover for accidental bodily injury to members of the public and their property for which you are legally liable.
If you run a tree surgery or arborist business and have employees using rigging equipment, you need Employers Liability insurance in case they have an accident. This insurance is compulsory and protects both employees and the business in the event that an injury happens at work.
You may also want to consider Plant Cover for any heavy machinery that you use during your work, such as chippers, mulchers, shredders and splitters.
Getting Started and Comparison
Being a tree surgeon is a demanding job, but finding the right insurance shouldn't be. You can access a wide range of suitable insurance quotes from leading UK insurance providers in just a few clicks.
The entire process of finding tree surgeon insurance can be streamlined with the help of a free online comparison tool. This tool allows you to compare quotes from UK's leading public liability insurers.
Finding better insurance for tree surgeons has never been this simple, thanks to the partnership between SimplyQuote and Quotezone.
Protection
Having public liability insurance as a tree surgeon gives you peace of mind that you're covered in the event of an injury or damage claim made against you.
This insurance will cover your legal fees and any compensation, so there will be no financial difficulties for you or your company. You'll be protected from accidents that happen during tree surgery work that you could be liable for.
Some policies also cover your tools and equipment, giving you the option of adding personal accident cover which protects you if you're injured while working or elsewhere. This is especially important for tree surgeons who use heavy and inherently dangerous equipment.
If you have employees using rigging equipment such as ropes to climb tree trunks, you may wish to consider employers liability insurance in case they have an accident. This will help protect your business from potential financial losses.
Here are some examples of accidents that could happen and be covered by public liability insurance:
- A branch that you have removed with your chainsaw falls and smashes into a window of a nearby house
- Your chipper sends out a chunk of wood which injures a member of the public walking past
- A chainsaw is dropped from a tree and lands on top of a nearby car causing considerable damage
Sources
- https://arbjobs.com/blog/public-liability-insurance-for-tree-surgeons-who-is-it-for-and-how-does-it-work
- https://arborisk.co.uk/products/tree-surgeon-insurance/
- https://www.ashburnham-insurance.co.uk/business-insurance/public-liability-insurance/tree-surgeons/
- https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/small-business/by-business-type/tradesperson/tree-surgeon-insurance/
- https://www.simplyquote.co.uk/public-liability-insurance/tree-surgeon-insurance/
Featured Images: pexels.com