Question 1

How much does landscaping insurance cost in California?

Accepted Answer

California landscaping insurance typically costs $4,000–$12,000/year. Workers' comp is the largest expense at $6.00–$12.00 per $100 of payroll — a crew of 5 workers earning $40,000 each could cost $12,000–$24,000/year in workers' comp alone. General liability averages $2,000–$5,000/year. Commercial auto adds $1,500–$4,000/year. Total costs depend heavily on crew size and payroll.

Question 2

What does the CSLB require for landscaping insurance?

Accepted Answer

The Contractors State License Board requires all C-27 (Landscaping) licensed contractors to maintain either general liability insurance with at least $1 million in coverage or a $15,000 contractor's bond. Workers' compensation is separately required for all employers. The CSLB can suspend or revoke your license for failure to maintain required coverage.

Question 3

Can California landscapers use independent contractors?

Accepted Answer

California's AB 5 makes it very difficult for landscaping companies to use independent contractors for regular work. The ABC test presumes workers are employees unless the hiring entity proves all three conditions: (A) free from control, (B) performing work outside the usual course of business, and (C) independently established in that trade. Most landscaping crew members fail this test and must be classified as W-2 employees with workers' comp coverage.

California Landscaping Insurance | RISKX