Liability Insurance for Interiorscapers: What You Need to Know

When I was a new driver, I dreaded handing over my hard-earned babysitting money to my mother to pay for car insurance. I couldn’t understand why I had to pay for something I never used. But a year later, I accidentally backed into our neighbor’s brick wall, and it all made sense. As an interiorscape professional, you know how important it is to design and maintain beautiful indoor spaces for your clients. What many don’t realize, though, is that liability insurance is just as essential to running a successful interiorscape business. It’s the safety net you hope you never need, but one that protects you when things don’t go as planned.

How Interiorscapers Should Shop for Liability Insurance

When working with residential clients, insurance coverage may not always be top of mind. But once you start contracting with commercial accounts, proof of liability coverage—in the form of a certificate of insurance (COI)—becomes a non-negotiable requirement. Without it, you likely won’t even get your foot in the door, let alone secure a contract or begin work on a client’s property.

Here are a few important tips to keep in mind when shopping for a commercial liability policy for your interiorscape business:

Compare Liability Insurance Options

Finding the best liability insurance for your interiorscape business can be tedious, but it’s necessary to protect your company and meet client requirements. If you already have a trusted personal insurance provider that offers commercial policies, that’s a good place to start. You can also ask other business owners in the interiorscape or green industry space who they recommend.

Don’t Let Low Premiums Fool You

Low premiums might look appealing, but really take time to carefully review each quote, including liability and medical coverage limits. Cheaper policies often mean less protection, and it’s worth understanding exactly what you’re getting (or not getting) for the price.

Watch Out for COI Policyholder Fees

Most commercial clients want to be listed as a certificate holder on your COI. With my first policy, I didn’t realize there was a $50 charge for every additional holder, and by the end of the year, I had added ten. To say it was an expensive lesson is an understatement.

Classify Your Interiorscape Business Correctly

Many insurance agents don’t fully understand what interiorscaping involves. If you describe your work as “plant maintenance,” they might misclassify your business as landscaping, which usually comes with higher rates. Instead, ask to be classified as a florist, which carries a more affordable premium since it doesn’t involve the use of heavy outdoor equipment. Unless your business handles both interiorscaping and landscaping, your work is more similar to that of a florist.

Understand Your Clients’ Coverage Requirements

Most corporate clients set their own insurance requirements, so it’s important to understand and review them before signing contracts. The larger the client, the more complicated and expensive the policy may be, so budget accordingly.

Request a Sample COI

Before finalizing a policy, ask your agent for a sample COI. This guarantees it’s formatted correctly, meets your client’s coverage requirements, and includes the right company name. If your client provides a sample COI, forward it to your agent so they can prepare the final version.

Negotiate Coverage Limits With Commercial Clients

If a client provides a sample COI with coverage requests beyond your policy limits, don’t hesitate to talk it through. Explain your existing limits and ask whether they’re open to adjusting their requirements. Some clients may be flexible, while others might consider increasing your contract rate to help offset added insurance costs.

Protect Your Interiorscape Business With the Right Insurance

Securing the right liability insurance is crucial for your interiorscape business, especially when working with commercial clients. It’s one of several ways to protect your business financially and reduce stress when challenges arise. By taking the time to review your policy, understand client requirements, and communicate proactively with both agents and those you work with, you can avoid unexpected costs and keep your business moving forward with confidence.