Here's something most lawn care business owners figure out the hard way: you need more than just a mower and a truck to protect your business. Between customer injuries, stolen equipment, and accidental property damage, the risks add up fast. That's where a Business Owners Policy—or BOP—comes in. Think of it as insurance in a bundle. Instead of juggling separate policies for liability and property coverage, you get both wrapped into one package at a lower price.
For lawn care companies, a BOP isn't just convenient—it's often essential. Whether you're running a solo operation or managing a crew, understanding when a BOP makes sense and what it actually covers can save you thousands and keep your business protected.
What Is a Business Owners Policy?
A Business Owners Policy combines two critical coverages into one policy: general liability insurance and commercial property insurance. General liability protects you when someone gets hurt or their property gets damaged because of your work. Commercial property covers your own stuff—your equipment, tools, and if you own or lease a building, that too.
Most BOPs also include business interruption coverage. If a fire destroys your equipment storage or a storm damages your shop, business interruption kicks in to cover lost income while you're getting back on your feet. It's a safety net that keeps your bills paid even when you can't work.
The beauty of a BOP is simplicity. One policy, one renewal date, one deductible. And because you're buying these coverages as a package, you typically save 10-15% compared to purchasing them separately. For lawn care businesses operating on tight margins, that's real money.
When a BOP Makes Sense for Lawn Care Businesses
Not every lawn care business needs a BOP, but most do. Here's the thing: insurance companies designed BOPs for small, low-risk businesses. Generally, if you have fewer than 100 employees and bring in less than $5 million in annual revenue, you'll qualify. That covers the vast majority of lawn care operations—from solo contractors to mid-sized companies with several crews.
A BOP makes particular sense if you're working with commercial clients. Property managers, HOAs, and commercial property owners almost always require proof of general liability coverage before they'll let you touch their grass. Your BOP satisfies that requirement automatically. Many contracts also ask you to add the client as an additional insured on your policy, which is a standard feature of most BOPs.
It's also smart if you own expensive equipment. Let's say you've got $20,000 worth of commercial mowers, trimmers, and edgers. If that equipment gets stolen from your truck or damaged in a fire, commercial property coverage through your BOP will replace it. Without it, you're paying out of pocket to get back in business.
But here's where a BOP might not be your best option: if you're a very small, part-time operation with minimal equipment and no commercial clients, you might get by with just a standalone general liability policy. Or if you're running a large landscaping operation with dozens of employees and multiple locations, you may have outgrown BOP eligibility and need a more customized commercial package policy instead.
What's Typically Included in a Lawn Care BOP
Let's break down exactly what you're getting when you buy a BOP for your lawn care business.
General liability coverage protects you when things go wrong on the job. Say you're mowing a client's lawn and a rock shoots out from under your mower, shattering their car window. Or a customer trips over your extension cord and breaks their wrist. General liability covers the property damage and medical bills, plus legal defense costs if they sue. Most lawn care companies carry at least $1 million in coverage, which is the minimum most commercial clients require.
Commercial property coverage protects your physical assets. This includes your lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, trailers, and any other equipment you own. If you lease or own a shop or storage yard, it covers that building too. The coverage applies whether your equipment is stolen, damaged by fire, vandalized, or destroyed by severe weather. Some policies even cover equipment while it's loaded in your truck or trailer.
Business interruption coverage is the part people forget about until they need it. If a covered loss forces you to suspend operations—say, a tornado destroys your equipment shed—this coverage replaces your lost income while you're rebuilding. It can also cover ongoing expenses like rent and payroll during the shutdown. For a lawn care business where you can't make money without your equipment, this coverage is crucial.
Many insurers now include cyber liability coverage in their BOP packages too. Even if you're just using a laptop to manage invoices and customer lists, a data breach could expose client information and leave you liable. It's not a huge risk for most lawn care companies, but it's nice to have.
What's NOT Covered by a BOP
A BOP is comprehensive, but it's not everything. There are several types of coverage you'll need to buy separately.
Workers' compensation insurance isn't included in a BOP, but if you have employees, most states legally require it. Workers' comp covers medical bills and lost wages if an employee gets injured on the job—which in lawn care, happens more often than you'd think. Mower accidents, heat exhaustion, slip-and-falls—this coverage protects both your employees and your business from those costs.
Commercial auto insurance is also separate. If you or your employees drive a truck, van, or trailer for work, you need commercial auto coverage. Your personal auto policy won't cover business use, and if you have an accident while hauling equipment to a job site, you could be stuck with massive out-of-pocket costs.
Professional liability insurance (also called errors and omissions) isn't part of a standard BOP either. If a client claims you gave bad advice—say, recommending the wrong fertilizer that killed their lawn—professional liability would cover that. Most lawn care businesses don't need this unless they're offering consulting or design services.
Pollution liability is another exclusion to watch for. If you're applying pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, standard BOPs often exclude pollution-related claims. You may need to add an endorsement or buy separate pollution coverage to protect against contamination claims.
How Much Does a BOP Cost for Lawn Care?
The average cost of a BOP for a lawn care business is about $177 per month, or $2,124 per year, based on 2025 data. But that's just an average—your actual cost depends on several factors.
Location matters a lot. BOP premiums range from $153 per month in North Dakota to $214 per month in Hawaii for the same coverage. States with lower costs of living and fewer claims tend to have cheaper premiums. Maine, North Carolina, and Alaska also offer affordable rates around $153-$158 monthly.
Business size affects your premium too. A solo operator with one mower and a pickup truck will pay less than a company with five crews and $100,000 in equipment. The value of your property and equipment directly impacts your commercial property premium.
Your claims history plays a role as well. If you've filed multiple claims in the past, expect higher premiums. Conversely, a clean record can qualify you for discounts. Some insurers offer lower rates if you complete safety training or implement risk management practices.
Keep in mind that bundling additional coverages can affect your total cost. Many insurers offer package deals that combine a BOP with workers' comp and professional liability for about $266 per month, or $3,193 yearly. That's a solid value if you need all three coverages.
How to Get Started
Getting a BOP is straightforward. Start by taking inventory of your equipment and estimating its replacement value. You'll need this to determine how much commercial property coverage to buy. Then, review any commercial contracts you have to see what liability limits your clients require. Most will ask for at least $1 million, but some larger clients may require $2 million.
Next, get quotes from at least three insurers. Compare not just the price, but what's included and what's excluded. Some BOPs automatically include tools and equipment coverage while it's off-premises; others require an add-on endorsement. Ask about discounts for bundling multiple policies or for having a clean claims history.
Once you have your policy, make sure you understand what's covered and what isn't. Know your deductible—that's what you'll pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. And don't forget to update your coverage as your business grows. If you buy new equipment or expand into new services, let your insurer know. You don't want to find out after a loss that you were underinsured.
A Business Owners Policy isn't just a checkbox for getting commercial contracts—it's peace of mind. It protects the equipment you've invested in, covers you when accidents happen, and keeps your business running even when disaster strikes. For most lawn care businesses, a BOP is one of the smartest investments you can make.
