Protect Your Landscaping Business with Workers' Compensation Insurance in Illinois
Part of our guide to landscapers insurance in Illinois.
A slip-and-fall accident on a icy sidewalk in Naperville can trigger a Workers' Compensation claim. In Illinois, severe winters with ice storms generate high slip-and-fall and vehicle damage claims. You need Workers' Compensation to pay for medical bills and lost wages when employees are injured on the job. This coverage is required in most states once you have employees. In Illinois, workers' compensation is generally required as soon as you hire your first employee. You cannot afford to go without it, especially with Cook County and Chicago courts being among the most plaintiff-friendly in the Midwest. Many clients, such as HOAs, commercial property managers, municipalities, and school districts, require landscaping companies to carry Workers' Compensation insurance before awarding contracts. Without Workers' Compensation, you risk paying out of pocket for medical bills and lost wages, which can be devastating to your business.
Workers' Compensation cost for landscapers in Illinois
Illustrative monthly workers comp estimate for a small landscaper operation in Illinois. Actual pricing depends on revenue, payroll, coverage limits, claims history, and carrier. Get a personalized quote to see your real price.
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What Workers' Compensation Covers for Landscapers in Illinois
Workers' Compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages when employees are injured on the job, such as a slip-and-fall accident or a vehicle collision. For example, if an employee is injured while operating a lawn mower in Joliet, Workers' Compensation would cover their medical expenses and lost wages. This coverage also handles claims for occupational diseases, such as lung disease from inhaling pesticides. However, it does not cover damage to your equipment or vehicles, which requires separate policies like Tools & Equipment or Commercial Auto insurance. Additionally, Workers' Compensation does not cover intentional acts or employee misconduct, such as an employee intentionally damaging company property.
Do Landscapers in Illinois Need Workers' Compensation?
In Illinois, workers' compensation is generally required as soon as you hire your first employee. This means that if you have even one employee, you need Workers' Compensation insurance to comply with state regulations. Failure to comply can result in penalties and fines, as well as increased risk of costly lawsuits. Moreover, many clients, such as HOAs, commercial property managers, municipalities, and school districts, require landscaping companies to carry Workers' Compensation insurance before awarding contracts. Without Workers' Compensation, you risk paying out of pocket for medical bills and lost wages, which can be devastating to your business. In fact, a single claim can cost tens of thousands of dollars, which can be catastrophic for a small business.
A Real Workers' Compensation Claim a Landscaper Could Face
Green Earth Landscaping in Chicago was working on a contract to maintain the landscaping for a large office complex when one of their employees, Juan, slipped on a patch of ice and fell, injuring his back. The company's Workers' Compensation insurance kicked in, covering Juan's medical expenses, including surgery and physical therapy, as well as his lost wages while he was unable to work. The total claim amount was $25,000, which was paid entirely by the Workers' Compensation insurance carrier. Without Workers' Compensation, Green Earth Landscaping would have been responsible for paying this amount out of pocket, which could have been disastrous for their business. The company was able to continue operating without interruption, thanks to the protection provided by their Workers' Compensation insurance.
What Workers' Compensation Costs for Landscapers in Illinois
The cost of Workers' Compensation insurance for landscapers in Illinois varies depending on several factors, including revenue, payroll, coverage limits, deductible, and claims history. Estimated premiums range from $60-$235/month. To give you a better idea, a small landscaping company with two employees and $200,000 in annual revenue might pay around $100/month for Workers' Compensation insurance, while a larger company with ten employees and $1 million in annual revenue might pay around $500/month. You can lower your premium by implementing safety protocols, such as regular equipment maintenance and employee training, and by choosing a higher deductible. Additionally, some insurance carriers offer discounts for companies with good claims histories or those that participate in safety programs.
How to Get Workers' Compensation in Illinois
To get Workers' Compensation insurance in Illinois, you'll need to gather some information, including your company's revenue, payroll, and coverage limit requirements. You may also need to provide information about your employees, such as their job duties and wages. It's a good idea to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance carriers to find the best rate for your business. You can work with a licensed insurance agent to help you navigate the process and ensure you're getting the right coverage for your business. For example, if you're based in Aurora, you can work with a local agent to get a quote and purchase a policy that meets your needs. Have your revenue, payroll, and contract limit requirements ready, and compare Workers' Compensation quotes today to protect your business from the risks of on-the-job injuries.
Frequently asked questions
Will my Workers' Compensation premium jump after one claim?＋
Yes, it may increase. The amount of the increase depends on the severity of the claim and your company's overall claims history. For example, if you have a small claim, your premium might increase by 10-20%, while a larger claim could result in a 50-100% increase. However, some insurance carriers offer programs that can help mitigate the impact of a claim on your premium, such as a deductible or a safety program.
Can I get a COI same-day for a client?＋
Yes, many insurance carriers offer same-day COIs. You can work with a licensed insurance agent to get a quote and purchase a policy, and then request a COI, which can usually be issued on the same day. Some carriers even offer online portals where you can request a COI directly.
Does a sole proprietor need Workers' Compensation?＋
No, sole proprietors are not required to carry Workers' Compensation insurance in Illinois. However, if you have employees, you are required to carry Workers' Compensation, even if you're a sole proprietor. Additionally, some clients may require you to carry Workers' Compensation, even if you're a sole proprietor, as a condition of doing business with them.
What's not covered by Workers' Compensation?＋
Workers' Compensation does not cover damage to your equipment or vehicles, which requires separate policies like Tools & Equipment or Commercial Auto insurance. It also does not cover intentional acts or employee misconduct, such as an employee intentionally damaging company property. Additionally, Workers' Compensation does not cover claims for occupational diseases that are not work-related, such as a pre-existing condition.
Can I cancel my Workers' Compensation policy at any time?＋
Yes, you can cancel your Workers' Compensation policy, but you may be subject to penalties or fines, especially if you have employees. You should also ensure that you have alternative coverage in place to protect your business from the risks of on-the-job injuries. Additionally, some insurance carriers may offer cancellation fees or penalties, so it's crucial to review your policy carefully before making any changes.
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Other coverages landscapers in Illinois should know
This article is for general educational purposes and is not insurance or legal advice. Coverage requirements and pricing in Illinois change over time and vary by business. Verify current rules with the Illinois Department of Insurance and a licensed agent before purchasing a policy.