Tree Service subcontractor insurance requirements
Record pruning, removal, stump grinding, work near utilities and any crane use. Tree height and proximity to buildings affect the review questions.
Start with your agreement, the work scope and the applicable state workers’ comp rules. Collect current policy evidence and the endorsements your agreement requires. A certificate summarizes information; it does not resolve every exclusion or condition.
Scope details that change the review
Falling limbs
Removal can damage buildings, vehicles and utility lines.
Height and lifting
Climbing crews and crane-assisted work need clear operating scope.
Crew identity
A separate climber, crane operator or hauling business may need its own evidence.
Questions for the contractor and agent
- Does the policy scope include removal at the proposed height and near the identified structures?
- Who provides the crane and operator, and who reviews their insurance?
- Are utility-line operations or other relevant restrictions present?
Documents to collect
- GL, auto and workers comp evidence for the tree business
- Separate crane contractor evidence if used
- Required additional insured and waiver documentation
Compare policy dates and limits against the signed requirements. Check the actual endorsement wording when the requirement depends on insured status, a waiver or the scope of operations. Keep unknown items pending and record the reviewer responsible for resolving them.
A hypothetical review
A pruning contractor proposes crane-assisted removal above an occupied building. The reviewer obtains the lifting and crew arrangements before accepting the existing pruning-only file.
Renewals and scope changes
Check emergency storm work and added crane operations as scope changes.
Choosing limits
These review questions do not establish a universal legal minimum for this trade. Owner contracts, project size, operations and applicable licensing rules can change what is required. Use the requirements generator for an illustrative starting schedule, then have the authorized risk owner and broker approve the actual requirements.
Prepare the request
- Copy the certificate request email
- Download the COI review checklist
- Check workers’ comp requirements by state
Related trades
Scope and safety references
These official resources help identify operational hazards. They do not prescribe the insurance limits or policy terms for your contract.