How to Verify a Tree Service Company's Insurance (Before They Start Work)
Learn how to check if a tree service is properly insured before hiring them. Step-by-step guide to requesting certificates, verifying coverage, and spotting expired or fake policies.
By TreeServiceInsure Editorial Team
Hiring an uninsured tree service is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make. If a worker falls from your tree and has no workers' comp, you can be held liable for medical bills that easily reach $100,000 or more. If a limb crushes your fence and the company has no general liability, you pay for the repairs out of pocket.
The problem is that many tree service companies claim to be insured but carry expired policies, insufficient limits, or no coverage at all. Industry surveys estimate that 30-40% of tree service operators are either uninsured or underinsured.
This guide shows you exactly how to verify that a tree service company is properly insured before any work begins.
Step 1: Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
A Certificate of Insurance is a one-page document issued by the tree service company's insurance carrier or agent. It proves that active coverage exists and lists the policy types, limits, and expiration dates.
Every legitimate tree service company should be able to produce a COI within 24-48 hours. If they cannot or will not provide one, do not hire them.
What to look for on the COI:
| Field | What It Means | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Named insured | The company name on the policy | Must match the company you are hiring (not a different business name) |
| Policy number | Unique identifier for the policy | Should be present and formatted consistently |
| Effective dates | When coverage starts and ends | End date must be in the future |
| General liability limits | Maximum the insurer will pay per occurrence | Look for at least $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate |
| Workers' comp | Covers employee injuries on the job | Should show active coverage if they have employees |
| Certificate holder | Who requested the COI | Should list your name and property address |
Step 2: Call the Insurance Agent Directly
The COI lists the insurance agency's name, phone number, and contact information. Call them directly to verify the policy is active.
Ask these specific questions:
Questions for the agent
Is policy number [number from COI] currently active? What are the effective dates? Has the policy been cancelled, suspended, or modified since the COI was issued? Does the policy cover tree removal and tree trimming operations? What are the per-occurrence and aggregate limits?
This step catches the most common fraud — companies that had insurance when the COI was printed but cancelled the policy after to save money. A direct call to the agent takes five minutes and can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
Step 3: Verify Workers' Compensation Coverage
Workers' compensation is separate from general liability and equally important. If a tree worker is injured on your property and the company has no workers' comp, you may be liable under homeowner premise liability.
Most states maintain a public database where you can verify workers' comp coverage online:
| State | Verification Method |
|---|---|
| Texas | Texas DWC website — search by company name or FEIN |
| California | DIR website — search by company name |
| Florida | FL Division of WC — proof of coverage database |
| New York | NY WCB — coverage verification search |
| Ohio | BWC website — employer lookup |
| Most other states | Contact the state workers' comp board or insurance commission |
What if they say they have no employees?
Solo operators without employees may not be required to carry workers' comp in some states. However, if they bring a helper, subcontractor, or day laborer to your job, that person may not be covered — and liability could fall on you. Best practice: require workers' comp coverage regardless, or get written confirmation that the operator will work alone and carries their own health insurance.
Step 4: Check for Additional Insured Status
For high-value projects (tree removal near structures, crane work, or jobs exceeding $5,000), request to be added as an additional insured on the tree service company's general liability policy.
Being listed as an additional insured means you receive direct notification if the policy is cancelled, you have coverage under their policy if a claim arises from their work on your property, and the insurance company must defend you in a lawsuit related to the tree work.
Adding an additional insured is free or costs $25-$50. Any reputable tree service company will accommodate this request without hesitation.
Step 5: Spot Red Flags and Fake Insurance
Watch for these warning signs:
| Red Flag | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| COI is a photocopy or scan with blurry text | May be altered or from an expired policy |
| Company name on COI does not match the estimate | Could be borrowing someone else's certificate |
| No insurance agent phone number on the COI | You cannot verify the policy independently |
| Policy expires within 30 days | Coverage may lapse before or during your project |
| Only shows general liability, no workers' comp | Employees may be uninsured for injuries |
| Company pushes back hard on providing a COI | Legitimate companies provide COIs routinely |
| Very low limits (under $500,000) | Insufficient to cover a serious claim |
How Much Insurance Should a Tree Service Carry?
For most residential tree work, look for these minimum limits:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Recommended Limit |
|---|---|
| General liability | $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate |
| Workers' compensation | Statutory limits (varies by state) |
| Commercial auto | $1,000,000 combined single limit |
| Umbrella / excess | $1,000,000 (for jobs over $10,000 or near structures) |
Commercial property managers and HOAs should require higher limits — typically $2,000,000/$4,000,000 for general liability and a $2,000,000+ umbrella.
What to Do If the Tree Service Is Not Insured
If you discover the company is uninsured or underinsured, do not hire them. No amount of savings on the bid is worth the financial exposure of an uninsured tree service working on your property.
If they already started work and you discover they are uninsured, stop work immediately. Document the current state of the job with photos. You may need to hire a different, insured company to complete the work.
If a claim arises from uninsured work, contact your homeowner's insurance immediately. Your policy may provide some coverage, but it will likely increase your premiums and may not cover the full loss.
Bottom line
Verifying tree service insurance takes 15-30 minutes and costs nothing. Hiring an uninsured company can cost you $10,000 to $500,000 or more. Always request a COI, call the agent, and confirm workers' comp before any tree work begins on your property.