Hey landscapers In our last video, we talked about the different types of insurance landscapers should have and more specifically, General Liability Insurance. Click here if you missed our General Liability Insurance post. Today, we’re digging a little deeper—let’s talk workers’ comp.
Let me ask you a quick question:
What happens if someone on your crew gets heatstroke? Or falls into a hole you just dug?
Are you covered?
A lot of landscapers think they don’t need workers’ compensation insurance because they only have one or two guys, or they pay them as 1099s. If that’s you—please keep reading. This is important.
So, What Is Workers’ Comp Insurance?
Workers’ comp is there to pay for medical bills and lost wages when an employee gets hurt or sick on the job. It also protects you from lawsuits tied to those injuries.
Landscaping is hard work.
I’ve done it. It’s hot, dirty, heavy, and accidents can happen—cuts, heat exhaustion, falls, equipment mishaps. These aren’t just maybe situations. They’re real life.
Even with one employee, the risk is there.
Real Talk: A Story from the Field
A landscaper once told me,
“Jeremy, I’ve only got two guys. I pay them cash under the table.”
Well, guess what?
One of those guys fell off a retaining wall and broke his leg. No insurance.
The state got involved. Fines were paid. And yes—a lawsuit came right behind it.
The Truth About 1099s
Now let’s talk 1099s. Some folks think if they pay someone as a 1099, they’re safe. Not always.
If you’re telling that person where to go and when to be there, the state might say, “Hey, that’s an employee, not a subcontractor.”
And if they say that?
You’re on the hook. You need workers’ comp—even if you call them a 1099.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
No coverage. No payments. Guess who writes the checks instead?
And now you’re writing checks: $20,000, $50,000 or more.
In Nevada and most other states, you’ll be fined if you’re supposed to have it and don’t. And if you’re on a big job site and the state inspector rolls up? That embarrassment could ruin your reputation. Click the link to download your state for who needs workers’ compensation insurance in Nevada, California, Idaho, Oregon, Missouri,and South Carolina.
So, Why Carry Workers’ Comp?
Here’s what it does for you:
- Pays for medical care and rehab
- Covers lost wages
- Protects you from lawsuits
- Builds trust with your crew and customers
- Helps you land bigger jobs, which usually require it
Bottom Line
If someone’s working for you—whether it’s one guy or ten—and you’re calling the shots, you need workers’ comp.
Don’t wait until someone gets hurt to find out what it really costs to go without it.
Need help figuring out what coverage you need? That’s what I’m here for.
Click the link, give me a call, or drop a comment. And hey—like, subscribe, and share this with a fellow landscaper who needs to hear it.
Thanks for reading, and as always—
Here’s to your success