Landscapers insurance: machinery, trailers and flying stones

Gardeners work outside, near roads, pets and parked cars. Add a mower, a chainsaw and a loaded trailer, and the risks add up.

Your equipment duties

Under PUWER, work equipment must be suitable for its use and maintained in a safe condition. Users need adequate information, instruction and training.¹ Keep service records for mowers, chainsaws and chippers.

The cover to look at

• Public liability for injury or damage to others.
• Employers' liability for seasonal staff. Casual workers can still count.³
• Tools and machinery cover, which matters most on ride-on mowers.
• Motor insurance for your van and any trailer.²

Ask about these jobs

• Tree work. Many policies limit height or exclude it.
• Using a chainsaw at all.
• Herbicide spraying.
• Building walls, patios and retaining structures.
• Working close to roads or railways.

Your vehicle

Third party is the legal minimum for driving on UK roads.² A policy for social use will not normally be enough for work, so tell your insurer how you use the vehicle, and what you carry or tow.