Ask which exclusions affect your work, and compare policies by coverage, not price alone. Hiring staff changes your insurance and registration needs. After an incident, make sure people are safe, document what happened and notify your insurer. Write down customer policies and keep an emergency contact list. Rules vary by state and city, so confirm requirements with the official agency.
What exclusions should I ask about?
Ask what is excluded for your activities, equipment, subcontractors, vehicles, property location and data. Get answers in writing. Ask for examples of claims that would and would not be covered, which makes exclusions easier to understand.
What changes when I hire staff?
Hiring can trigger workers' compensation, payroll registration, employment posters and new policies. Check your state requirements and talk to your agent. Review policies such as workers' compensation, employment practices and auto coverage for employees who drive.
What should I do after an incident?
Make sure everyone is safe, document what happened with photos and notes, notify your insurer as your policy requires and avoid admitting fault before you have advice. Follow your insurer's reporting steps promptly and keep copies of everything you send.
How do I compare coverage rather than price alone?
Line up each quote by coverage, limits, deductibles, exclusions and endorsements. A cheaper policy with key exclusions may not fit your work. Ask each agent to explain the differences in writing so you can compare fairly.
What customer policies should I document?
Write down deposits, cancellations, rescheduling, refunds, service area, payment terms, privacy and how you handle complaints. Show the customer-facing parts on your website. Review policies yearly and after any dispute that reveals a gap.
How do I prepare an emergency contact list?
List staff, key suppliers, landlord, insurer, utilities, IT and website support, and alarm contacts. Keep a printed copy and a shared digital copy. Review the list every few months and after any change in staff or vendors.
Worked example
A landscaper damages a client's sprinkler head. The crew lead photographs it, notes the time and what happened, and reports it to the owner. The owner tells the client, repairs it that week and records the incident. The landscaper's written policies now include how damage is handled, and an emergency contact list is kept on every truck.
Common questions
What exclusions should I ask about?
Ask what is excluded for your activities, equipment, subcontractors, vehicles, property location and data. Get answers in writing.
What changes when I hire staff?
Hiring can trigger workers' compensation, payroll registration, employment posters and new policies. Check your state requirements and talk to your agent.
What should I do after an incident?
Make sure everyone is safe, document what happened with photos and notes, notify your insurer as your policy requires and avoid admitting fault before you have advice.
Sources
Sources checked October 6, 2026. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm details with the agency or provider before you act. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
Get your website-ready checklist, then see starter options
Fill in the free website-ready checklist while you set up. When you are ready, starter websites begin at $399 with your domain included. Start with the free checklist.
See starter website options