As a wildlife or pest control business owner, you know the importance of protecting your customers from dangerous animals and insects. But have you considered how to protect yourself from the risks associated with these services? Wildlife and pest control insurance is a necessary investment to safeguard your business from liability claims and financial loss.
Who Needs Wildlife and Pest Control Insurance?
Any business that provides wildlife or pest control services must have insurance coverage. This includes companies that specialize in wildlife removal, pest control, animal trapping, and insect control. These businesses face a range of risks, including property damage, bodily injury, and environmental damage. Without insurance coverage, these businesses could suffer significant financial losses.
Types of Insurance Needed by Wildlife and Pest Control Businesses
Several types of insurance are necessary to protect wildlife and pest control businesses from liability claims and financial loss. These include:
- General Liability Insurance: This insurance is essential for any business that interacts with customers on a regular basis. It provides coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims.
- Professional Liability Insurance: This insurance protects businesses from liability claims arising from errors or omissions in their professional services. It is particularly important for wildlife and pest control businesses that perform dangerous or risky services.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This insurance provides coverage for employees who are injured on the job. It is required by law in most states.
- Commercial Auto Insurance: This insurance provides coverage for vehicles used in the course of business operations, such as service trucks and vans.
How Much Does Wildlife and Pest Control Insurance Cost?
The cost of wildlife and pest control insurance varies depending on several factors, including the size of the business, the type of services provided, and the level of coverage needed. On average, businesses can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 per year for basic coverage. However, businesses that provide more dangerous or risky services may need to pay higher premiums.
Wildlife and Pest Control Risks and Exposures
Wildlife and pest control businesses face a range of risks and exposures that can lead to liability claims and financial loss. Some of the most significant risks include:
- Bodily Injury: Wildlife and pest control businesses may come into contact with dangerous animals or insects, which can cause serious injuries to employees or customers.
- Property Damage: Wildlife and pest control services can cause damage to property, such as when animals or insects cause damage to homes or buildings.
- Environmental Damage: Wildlife and pest control businesses must take care to avoid causing damage to the environment, such as through the use of pesticides or other chemicals.
- Professional Liability: Wildlife and pest control businesses may be held liable for errors or omissions in their services, which can lead to costly lawsuits.
Commercial Insurance and Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 7342 Disinfecting and Pest Control Services
- NAICS CODE: 561710 Exterminating and Pest Control Services
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 9014 Janitorial Services by Contractors – No Window Cleaning Above Ground Level & Drivers, 4828 Chemical Blending or Mixing NOC – All Operations & Drivers
Wildlife and Pest Control Insurance – The Bottom Line
Wildlife and pest control insurance is essential for any business that provides these services. Business owners should work with an experienced insurance agent to determine the level of coverage needed to protect their business from these risks. With the right insurance coverage in place, wildlife and pest control businesses can focus on providing essential services while minimizing their exposure to financial loss.