Running a gardening business involves more than mowing lawns and maintaining outdoor spaces. From transporting tools between jobs to working on client properties, unexpected incidents can happen when you least expect them.
While no two gardening businesses are the same, understanding common risks can help you better protect your business, equipment and income.
1. Assuming Accidents Won’t Happen
Even the most experienced gardeners can have an off day.
A rock thrown from a mower could damage a client’s window, a whipper snipper could accidentally damage a fence, or equipment could cause damage to irrigation systems and landscaping features.
Repair costs and claims can quickly become expensive, which is why many gardeners consider Public Liability Cover as part of their insurance arrangements.
2. Leaving Tools Vulnerable to Theft
For many gardeners, tools are the business.
Mowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, blowers and other specialised equipment can represent thousands of dollars worth of investment. Theft from vehicles, trailers and premises remains a common concern for trades and service businesses.
Without the right protection in place, replacing stolen equipment can have a significant impact on both your cash flow and ability to work.
3. Underestimating Vehicle Risks
Your ute, trailer or work vehicle is often one of the most important assets in your business.
Whether you’re travelling between jobs or transporting tools and equipment, vehicle accidents, theft, storms and other incidents can result in unexpected downtime and costs.
Commercial Motor Cover may help gardeners manage the financial impact of these events and get back on the road sooner.
4. Not Having a Plan for Injury or Illness
Gardening is physically demanding work.
Lifting equipment, repetitive movements, operating machinery and working outdoors can all take their toll. A temporary injury or illness could mean weeks away from work and a loss of income.
For sole traders and small business owners, that’s a risk worth considering.
5. Thinking Tax Audits Only Happen to Big Businesses
Many small business owners don’t realise that responding to a tax audit can involve professional fees, administration and significant time.
While nobody expects an audit notice to arrive, preparing for unexpected business expenses is an important part of managing risk.
Tax Audit Cover may help with certain costs associated with eligible audit matters.
Protecting Your Gardening Business
Every gardening business faces different risks depending on the type of work performed, the equipment used and the size of the operation.
Understanding these risks is the first step towards making informed decisions about protecting your tools, vehicles, business and income.
IMAR offers a range of insurance solutions for gardeners, including:
If you’d like to discuss cover options for your gardening business, speak with the team at IMAR.
