Checking a license and insurance takes a few minutes and protects you from some of the most expensive problems in home improvement. If an uninsured worker is injured on your property or a crew damages your neighbor’s fence, the question of who pays can become yours. This guide explains what to check and where.
Key takeaways
- The FTC advises considering only licensed and insured contractors and confirming licenses with your state or county.
- Licensing rules for landscaping vary widely by state and by type of work.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance and, for companies with employees, workers’ compensation.
Why it matters
Landscaping involves heavy equipment, digging, cutting and sometimes chemicals. Accidents happen. Insurance is how those accidents are paid for. A license, where one is required, shows the company has met the state’s requirements for that type of work. The FTC’s advice for any home improvement project is to consider only contractors who are licensed and insured.
Licensing varies by state and task
There is no single national landscaping license. Some states require a contractor’s license for landscape construction above a certain project value. Some license specific tasks, such as applying pesticides or installing irrigation. Tree work, electrical work for lighting and plumbing for irrigation may each have their own rules. Check with your state’s contractor licensing board or your county, as the FTC suggests, and ask the landscaper which licenses apply to your project.
How to check a license
- Ask for the license number and the name the license is issued under.
- Look it up on your state or county licensing website.
- Confirm the license is active and covers the type of work.
- Check whether any complaints or disciplinary actions are listed.
- Make sure the company name on the estimate matches the license.
Insurance to ask about
Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage, which covers damage to property and injuries to others. If the company has employees, ask about workers’ compensation, which covers workers injured on the job. Check the policy dates and the named insured. Many homeowners ask to be sent the certificate directly by the insurance agent.
What to check at a glance
| Item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| License | Active, correct type, matching company name |
| Liability insurance | Current dates, named company |
| Workers’ compensation | Coverage if they have employees |
| Complaints | State board, consumer protection office |
| Pesticide or irrigation work | Any separate license your state requires |
Other background checks
The FTC suggests checking with local consumer protection officials and the local Home Builders Association for complaints, and searching online for the company’s name with words like “scam,” “review” or “complaint.” One bad review is not a reason to rule someone out, but a pattern of similar complaints is.
Permits
Some landscape projects need permits, such as larger retaining walls, some fences, electrical work for lighting and changes that affect drainage. The FTC lists a contractor asking you to get the required permits as a warning sign. A reputable contractor usually knows the local permit rules and pulls the permits they need.
Tip: Save a copy of the license lookup and the insurance certificate with your contract. If a problem arises later, you will have the information in one place.
Which checks fit your project
For a simple mowing service, confirm liability insurance and ask about any license required for chemical treatments. For installation, hardscape, irrigation or lighting, check the contractor’s license and every specialty license involved. For tree removal, also check arborist credentials; see Hiring a Certified Arborist: When You Need One and What to Check.
Maintenance crews and seasonal workers
Lawn and maintenance companies often hire seasonal crews and may use subcontractors in busy months. Ask whether the people who come to your property are employees covered by the company’s insurance or subcontractors with their own coverage. If subcontractors will do part of the work, ask for their insurance details too. For recurring service, check that the insurance certificate is renewed when the policy period ends, since a certificate is only valid for the dates shown.
Common mistakes
- Accepting a photo of an old insurance card.
- Not checking that the license matches the company name.
- Assuming a maintenance license covers construction work.
- Getting permits yourself for work the contractor is doing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to check insurance for a small job?
It is still wise. Small jobs can involve mowers, trimmers and trucks that cause damage.
Where do I check a landscaper’s license?
With your state or county government, as the FTC advises. Many states have online lookups.
What if my state does not license landscapers?
Focus on insurance, references and any specialty licenses for chemicals, irrigation or electrical work.
Next, read How to Compare Landscaping Estimates and Read the Contract.