Buying insurance is common sense. But don’t just buy any policy; buy the right policy for you and suitable for your business.
Insurance can be seen like the equipment you purchase to use on a day-to-day basis. Would you buy a cheap piece of equipment that you know will not last as long or be as reliable as the more expensive piece? It’s the same with an insurance policy; you don’t buy one that costs less but won’t respond in the event of an incident.
The horticulture and arboriculture industry are specialised industries and as such, require a tailor-made policy. Many policies have exclusions on them that will not respond in the event of an incident occurring. It isimportant to read your policy to know exactly what you are covered for and more importantly, what’s not covered. What sort of exclusions are placed on your policy?
Common exclusions, sometimes in small print, in the horticulture industry include:
• A restriction on the height of the tree you can cut down
• Locations where you can work
• Exclusions on use of sub-contractors that may leave you vulnerable to a claim
• Are you or your employees adequately qualified so that your policy will respond?
• Powerline clearing or line clearing work
• Design or Professional Indemnity exclusions
Insurance is complex — there is a myriad of policies on the market, and by using a broker, you can relax — we will do all the homework for you.
For questions about your current policies, or how Fitzpatrick & Co.can tailor an insurance package, please contact their Horticulture specialist team at Fitzpatrick & Co. on 03 8544 1600 or email insure@fitzpatrick.com.au.