Business insurance • New York landscapers
New York Landscaping Contractor Insurance: Local Licenses, DEC Pesticide Rules, and Coverage
New York has no statewide landscaping contractor license. Businesses that apply pesticides for hire must register with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and carry at least $1,000,000 of general liability per occurrence. New York City, Suffolk County, and Nassau County license home improvement work that can include landscaping, and virtually all New York employers must carry workers’ compensation.
This guide covers New York landscaping licenses, required coverage, and typical costs. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency licensed in New York, and a licensed agent can compare quotes for your landscaping business.
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New York landscaping rules
| Where | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Statewide pesticide business | DEC registration, $900 per three-year cycle, certified staff, and $1,000,000 general liability per occurrence with DEC as certificate holder |
| New York City | DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license for residential landscape work over $200; $200 license and $200 Trust Fund, or a $20,000 bond |
| Suffolk County | Home improvement license that expressly includes landscaping; $200 application and $200 a year |
| Nassau and Westchester | County home improvement licenses; confirm scope and fees with the county |
Source: Contractor License Requirements (New York landscaping guide).
New York workers’ compensation
Virtually all New York employers must provide workers’ compensation, and a sole proprietor with no employees is not required to carry it (New York Workers’ Compensation Board). New York employers also need disability and paid family leave coverage.
Coverage most New York landscapers carry
- General liability: third-party injuries and property damage, such as a mower throwing a rock through a window or a client tripping over equipment.
- Business owner’s policy: general liability bundled with property coverage for your shop, yard, and supplies.
- Workers’ compensation: medical bills and lost wages if an employee is hurt, including mower and trimmer injuries, heat illness, and lifting strains.
- Commercial auto: trucks and trailers that haul crews, mowers, and materials.
- Tools and equipment (inland marine): mowers, trimmers, blowers, and skid steers on job sites or in transit.
- Commercial umbrella: extra limits on top of general liability and auto, often required by HOAs and commercial clients.
What New York landscapers pay
| Policy | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | $63 | $761 |
| Business owner’s policy | $92 | $1,101 |
| Workers’ compensation | $150 | $1,802 |
| Commercial auto | $299 | $3,590 |
| Tools and equipment | $53 | $637 |
| Commercial umbrella | $92 | $1,101 |
| License and permit bonds | $9 | $112 |
Costs for landscaping businesses that bought policies through Insureon, mostly businesses with fewer than five employees. General liability assumes $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. Your price depends on payroll, the work you do, claims history, and location.
New York landscaping insurance FAQs
Does New York require a landscaping license?
There is no statewide license, but NYC, Suffolk, Nassau, and Westchester license home improvement work that can include landscaping.
How much insurance does a New York pesticide business need?
At least $1,000,000 of general liability per occurrence, with DEC as certificate holder.
Do New York landscapers need workers’ comp?
Virtually all employers must carry it. A sole proprietor with no employees is not required to.
Related guides
Important information
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Cost figures. Published averages and ranges are cited from the sources named, as of the dates shown. They are not quotes and may not reflect your price, which depends on the insurer, your state, your payroll, the work you do, and your claims history.
Availability. Coverage, prices, discounts, and eligibility vary by insurer, state, and applicant, and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls.
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