If you’re an arborist or tree removal contractor in Canada, you need liability insurance before stepping onto any job site.
Tree work is high-risk. From falling branches and chainsaw injuries to property damage claims. One accident could cost you thousands if you’re not adequately insured. But don’t be stumped (pun intended).
This guide explains exactly what insurance arborists and tree care professionals in Canada need, how much coverage is typical, what it costs, and how to get a free quote fast.
What Is Arborist Liability Insurance in Canada?
Arborist and tree removal insurance policies offer several coverages to protect business owners, employees, customers, or passersby from injuries and damages.
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Among the most common coverages this type of policy includes when doing tree removal or other care and maintenance of trees are:
- General liability insurance is the most important coverage for arborists. It protects your business if you:
- Accidentally damage a client’s home, fence, driveway, or vehicle
- Drop a tree limb onto neighbouring property
- Cause injury to a client or passerby
- Face a lawsuit related to your tree removal operations
Most residential and commercial clients require at least $2 million in general liability coverage before hiring a tree removal contractor. Higher limits are available based on your individual business operations and needs.
- Tools and equipment insurance covers your transportable tools and heavy equipment if stolen, vandalized, or damaged by fire or water.
- Commercial property insurance protects your business’s office and storage compound and your business contents from damage or loss due to fire, water damage, theft, vandalism, and extreme weather.
What Does Arborist Insurance NOT Cover?
While Canadian arborist insurance policies provide robust coverage, there may be a few exclusions to be aware of, as there are in all insurance policies.
Consider these additional coverages to strengthen your policy:
- Professional liability insurance (also called errors and omissions insurance) to cover your legal expenses if sued or facing an allegation of professional negligence, giving incorrect advice, doing substandard work, or failing to deliver a service as promised.
- While your provincial workers’ compensation insurance covers medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses for employees who are injured on the job, employers’ liability insurance complements it by providing your business with coverage for injuries or illnesses to employees that aren’t covered by workers’ comp, or if an injured employee or their family sues you for damages.
- Pollution liability insurance covers the cost of cleaning up pollution caused by your operations and any damages or injuries resulting from environmental hazards related to your services.
- Commercial auto insurance covers the cost of damages if your business vehicle is involved in a collision.
Have a conversation with a broker if you have questions about the coverage and coverage limits your policy needs.
Why Liability Insurance Is Critical for Arborists
Tree work is considered high-risk by insurers because:
- You work at heights
- You operate chainsaws and heavy machinery
- Falling debris can cause serious property damage
- Storm clean-up work increases unpredictability
- You often work near power lines
Without liability insurance, you are personally responsible for legal fees, settlements, and property damage claims.
How Much Does Arborist Liability Insurance Cost in Canada?
The cost of arborist liability insurance depends on several factors about your tree care business, including:
- Your location
- Your annual and projected revenue
- The number of employees you have (if applicable)
- The value of your tools and equipment
- The types of insurance in your policy and their coverage limits
- The type of services you provide (removal, trimming, stump grinding)
- Business insurance claims history
In Canada, many small arborist businesses pay starting around $500 per year for $2 million in general liability coverage. Larger operations or higher-risk services may cost more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arborist Insurance in Canada
Do arborists legally need insurance in Canada?
While not always legally required, most clients and municipalities require proof of liability insurance before allowing tree work.
Does arborist insurance cover damage to a client’s home?
Yes, if you have general liability insurance, accidental property damage is typically covered.
Does arborist insurance cover employee injuries?
No. Employee injuries are covered under provincial workers’ compensation. Employers’ liability coverage can provide additional protection.
How Can Arborists Get a Free Liability Insurance Quote in Canada?
Before you service any property, tree removal contractors in Canada should branch out and explore their options to protect their finances.
Get a free arborist liability insurance quote in minutes by filling out our online application in just a few clicks.
With more than 50 insurers in our partner network and through our leading-edge technology, our knowledgeable and friendly brokers can quickly get you the low-cost policy you need, customize it to suit your operations and budget, and issue policy documents and a certificate of insurance in 24 hours or less.
– Reviewed by Tyler Garcia, Senior Broker and Team Lead, Contractors, at Zensurance.
– Updated March 9, 2026.
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