Louisiana Landscaping Insurance

Flying debris is the claim landscapers file most often. A blade catches a pine cone, a chunk of oyster shell from a driveway edge, or a forgotten dog toy, and suddenly there's a spiderweb crack across a Tahoe's rear window.

Here's the good news: damage from a mower-flung object, like a rock shattering a car window, is generally treated as the operator's responsibility and falls under standard general liability as third-party property damage. That's exactly what the policy is built for.

The catch is timing and documentation. Louisiana property damage lawsuits, called delictual actions, must be filed within two years from the day the damage occurs. A homeowner who notices a cracked sliding door weeks later may still come after you, and without records you'll struggle to dispute it.

A few habits reduce both claims and arguments:

• Walk the property first: Have crews do a 60-second scan for rocks, sticks, and debris before mowing.
• Use discharge chutes and deflectors: Never remove them to speed up a job.
• Photograph before and after: Time-stamped photos of windows and vehicles can settle disputes quickly.
• Report incidents immediately: Small claims get messier when they're reported late.

Also check your deductible. Some owners pay small window claims out of pocket to protect their loss history, which can be a smart move.

Landscaping equipment is a favorite target for thieves. It's valuable, portable, rarely marked with serial numbers people track, and easy to sell. A loaded open trailer parked outside a gas station holds tens of thousands of dollars in gear that can vanish in a few minutes.

Your general liability policy doesn't cover your own equipment, and commercial property coverage often protects items only at your listed business address. Inland marine coverage, sometimes called a contractor's equipment floater, fills that gap. It may protect mowers, blowers, trimmers, and trailers while they're in transit, parked at a job site, or stored overnight away from your shop.

When setting up inland marine coverage, pay attention to these details:

1. Scheduled vs. unscheduled items: Big-ticket equipment like zero-turns usually gets listed individually with serial numbers. Hand tools often fall under a blanket limit.
2. Valuation method: Replacement cost typically pays more than actual cash value, which subtracts depreciation.
3. Theft conditions: Some policies may require that equipment be locked or secured for theft coverage to apply.
4. Trailer coverage: The trailer itself may need separate scheduling or auto policy coverage.

Securing gear protects more than your property. An improperly strapped mower that falls off a trailer can lead to multi-million dollar lawsuits if it strikes another vehicle. Ratchet straps, tongue locks, and wheel locks are inexpensive compared to either outcome.

Do I need insurance for a lawn mower trailer? Yes. Your commercial auto policy may cover liability while towing, but physical damage or theft of the trailer itself often requires scheduling it on auto or inland marine coverage.

Does my policy cover broken windows from rocks? General liability typically covers third-party property damage like a window broken by mower debris. Your deductible and specific policy terms will determine how the claim is paid.

Am I covered if my weed spray drifts onto a neighbor's yard? Not always. Many standard liability policies exclude pollution events, so you may need a pollution endorsement or applicator-specific coverage.

Do part-time summer workers need workers comp? In most cases, yes. Louisiana generally requires coverage for employees regardless of whether they work full time, part time, or seasonally.

Will my homeowners policy cover my landscaping equipment? Usually not once it's used for business. Homeowners policies typically limit or exclude business property, which is why landscapers carry inland marine coverage.

How long can a client wait to sue me for property damage? Louisiana generally allows two years from the date the damage was sustained to file a property damage lawsuit.

Every Louisiana landscaping operation looks a little different. A two-person mowing outfit in Slidell has different needs than a full-service company running spray rigs and three trucks across St. Tammany Parish. The right program typically pairs general liability for flying debris and client property, a pollution endorsement if you apply chemicals, inland marine for your mowers and trailers, and workers compensation that keeps pace with seasonal hiring.

The owners who get hurt worst by claims are usually the ones who never reviewed their policies after adding a service or buying new equipment. A quick annual check-in with your agent can catch those gaps before they turn into denied claims.

Aubert Insurance Agency has served Covington and Slidell since 1910, and as an independent agency, we compare options from multiple carriers so you can see how coverages and exclusions differ. We'll also explain what your policy actually says, so nothing catches you off guard. Start a Quote today and make sure your crew, your gear, and your clients' property are covered before the next busy season starts.