Practical insights from Alex Kops, Commercial Insurance Consultant at Snellings Walters

Insurance is one of the largest budget items for green industry companies, yet many leaders feel unsure about how to shop coverage effectively or where hidden risks may be hiding. To help UAC members gain clarity, we asked commercial consultant Alex Kops to answer the questions we hear most from landscaping and lawn care businesses across Georgia.

1. Why do my premiums keep going up even when we have not had a big claim?

Alex explains that even a clean loss history cannot fully protect a business from the larger forces shaping the insurance market. Premiums rise because of industry-wide trends such as:

• Rising medical and repair costs. Injuries, auto accidents, and damaged equipment cost more each year.
• Nuclear verdicts and litigation spikes. Large liability lawsuits, especially involving commercial vehicles, pressure rates across all industries.
• Higher frequency of small claims. Minor fender benders and slip-and-fall incidents add up quickly.
• Carrier rebalancing. When a class of business becomes less profitable, carriers often raise rates across the board, even for companies with good records.

Your clean loss history helps you stand out, but it cannot entirely offset these external pressures.

2. Is there a right way to shop insurance without blowing up my relationships?

Yes. According to Alex, the best approach is to select one broker and authorize that broker to represent you to the carrier marketplace. This creates a clear and competitive environment for underwriters.

When multiple brokers approach the same carriers with the same account, the process becomes confusing. Underwriters must choose one submission to work with, which limits your options and can actually weaken your negotiating position. Choosing one broker to lead the process produces far better results.

3. How do I know if I am actually covered the way I think I am?

Many business owners believe their policies automatically cover all operations. Alex cautions that policies often include exclusions, sublimits, and special requirements. To confirm you are truly protected:

• Request a full coverage summary rather than relying only on the declarations page.
• Verify limits and endorsements tied to higher risk activities such as tree work, herbicide and pesticide applications, and subcontractor labor.
• Check for commonly missed coverages like hired and non-owned auto, cyber liability, additional insured endorsements, and equipment rented to others.
• Ask your agent to walk you through “what happens if” scenarios for your top concerns.

The goal is simple. No surprises at claim time.

4. Are there risks in my business I do not even know to ask about?

Often, yes. Green industry operations carry unique exposures that are easy to overlook. Examples include:

• Herbicide and pesticide exclusions that can eliminate coverage without proper endorsements
• Undisclosed tree trimming or elevated work
• Equipment borrowed or rented from other contractors
• Employees using personal vehicles for work errands
• Client property in your care such as irrigation or lighting systems
• Cyber risks tied to scheduling, invoicing, or payroll software
• Classification issues with seasonal workers and subcontractors

A yearly risk review is one of the simplest ways to catch blind spots before they show up as a denied claim.

5. How do other companies in the green industry keep insurance costs under control?

Alex notes that top-performing landscaping companies focus on operational discipline. Their goal is to reduce claim frequency and show carriers that they are a better risk. Common strategies include:

• Fleet programs with dash cams, MVR checks, and driver training
• Consistent tailgate safety meetings
• Strong hiring practices that include background checks and drug and alcohol policies
• Equipment security such as locked trailers, fenced lots, and GPS units on mowers and skid steers
• Tight subcontractor management with certificates of insurance and strong contracts

These steps signal reliability to carriers and help companies qualify for more favorable pricing.

6. What little mistakes end up costing businesses the most?

Some pitfalls seem small but create outsized costs.

• Choosing a broker based solely on price. A broker with a strong process will secure better coverage and better long-term results.
• Not tracking subcontractor insurance certificates. If a subcontractor causes a loss, you may end up responsible.
• Failing to report claims promptly. Early reporting helps manage costs and minimizes disputes.
• Neglecting motor vehicle record checks. One high-risk driver can raise premiums for the entire fleet and jeopardize your safety ranking.

Good habits compound. So do bad ones.

Final Thought

With the right guidance and a proactive approach, green industry companies can protect their people, safeguard their assets, and keep costs under control.

If you would like support evaluating your current program or identifying hidden gaps, the Snellings Walters team is here to help UAC members navigate risk with more confidence and clarity.

Alex Kops

Commercial Insurance Consultant

Snellings Walters

[email protected]