Landscaping Contractors Insurance Requirements in Minnesota
What Minnesota property managers should require from landscaping contractors vendors
GL Minimum: $1,000,000/$2,000,000
Workers Comp: Required
If you manage properties in Minnesota and hire landscaping contractors contractors, verifying their insurance coverage is not optional. Minnesota law requires workers compensation for employers with 1+ employees, and commercial property owners are expected to verify adequate general liability coverage before allowing any contractor on site.
Landscaping Contractors Insurance Requirements in Minnesota
| Coverage Type | Recommended Minimum |
|---|---|
General Liability | $1,000,000 / $2,000,000 |
Workers Compensation | Required (1+ employees) |
Commercial General Liability | $1,000,000 / $2,000,000 |
Workers' Compensation | Statutory limits |
Commercial Auto | $1,000,000 combined single limit |
Pollution Liability | $500,000 |
Inland Marine / Equipment | $100,000 |
National Guide
Landscaping Contractors Insurance Requirements
State Guide
Minnesota Insurance Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my landscaping contractor need pollution liability insurance?▼
Yes, if they apply any fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, or chemical treatments. Standard GL policies exclude pollution events, meaning a chemical overspray that damages a tenant's vehicle or causes a health complaint would not be covered. Require at least $500K in pollution liability and verify the contractor holds the appropriate state pesticide applicator license.
Should tree work be covered under the landscaping contract or separately?▼
Tree work (removal, pruning, stump grinding) is significantly higher risk than standard landscaping and carries different WC class codes with much higher rates. Many landscaping GL policies exclude or limit tree work above a certain height. For any significant tree work, either require the landscaper to confirm their policy covers it without exclusion, or hire a dedicated tree service contractor with appropriate coverage.
What auto coverage should a landscaping contractor carry?▼
Require $1M combined single limit on commercial auto covering all owned vehicles, plus hired and non-owned auto coverage. Landscaping contractors operate trucks and trailers on public roads and within your property daily. Their vehicles and equipment trailers create regular exposure to third-party property damage and bodily injury claims.
How do I handle a landscaping contractor's seasonal employees?▼
Many landscapers hire seasonal workers during peak growing season, which can create workers' compensation gaps if coverage is not properly maintained. Verify that the WC policy covers all employees including seasonal and temporary workers. Request updated COIs at the start of each season to confirm coverage limits and employee counts are current.
Do landscaping contractors in Minnesota need a license?▼
Licensing requirements for landscaping contractors vary by municipality in Minnesota. Check with your local licensing board and always request proof of current licensure on the COI.
What happens if my landscaping contractors's insurance expires in Minnesota?▼
In Minnesota, you as the property manager could be held liable for injuries or damages caused by an uninsured landscaping contractors on your property. Minnesota courts have consistently ruled that property owners have a duty to verify contractor insurance before allowing work to begin.
Track Landscaping Contractors COIs in Minnesota Automatically
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