Tree Service Insurance: What to Ask Before You Hire
Tree work is risky. If the crew is not insured and someone is hurt or a neighbor’s property is damaged, the bill can land on you.
Need a crew? Call (762) 470-0249. Ask about insurance on the call.
The quick answer
- Ask for a certificate of insurance that shows liability for personal and property damage.
- Have it sent directly from the insurance agent (NC State Extension).
- Call the insurer to confirm the policy is current.
- Ask whether the company carries workers’ compensation.
Why it matters
NC State Extension says homeowners can be held financially responsible if an uninsured worker is hurt on their property or damages a neighbor’s property.
Georgia does not set a state insurance standard for tree care providers. A House committee reported in December 2024 that there are no state standards for training, equipment use or insurance. So you have to check yourself. As of October 2026, we found no Georgia tree-care licensing law passed since that report.
What to ask for
| Ask for | What it covers | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of insurance (liability) | Damage to your home, car, fence or a neighbor’s property | Sent by the agent, not handed over by the crew |
| Workers’ compensation | Injury to the crew on your property | Ask directly |
| Current dates | Whether the policy is active | Call the insurer |
| Your state | Out-of-state firms may not be covered here | Purdue: confirm coverage in your state |
Red flags
- The crew says “we’re covered” but cannot show anything.
- A certificate that has expired.
- Door-to-door offers with no ID or vehicle marking (NC State).
- A price far below others, with no proof of insurance.
Your own insurance
If a tree damaged your home or car, your own policy may help. Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner says to notify your insurer immediately and not to sign any contractor document until you have spoken to your insurer directly. See does insurance pay to remove a tree near my house.
About Seven Hills Emergency Tree
We are a referral service. We connect you with independent local crews and do not employ them. Ask any crew for proof of insurance before work starts.
Near you
This applies across Rome (30161, 30162, 30165) and Floyd County, including Lindale, Shannon, Armuchee and Cave Spring. See how to compare tree service quotes and what a written estimate should include.
Call (762) 470-0249 to be connected.
FAQ
What insurance should a tree service have?
NC State Extension says to ask for a certificate of insurance including proof of liability for personal and property damage, and to ask about workers’ compensation.
How do I verify a certificate of insurance?
Have it sent directly from the insurance agent, then call the insurer to confirm it is current.
Who pays if a worker is hurt on my property?
NC State says homeowners can be held financially responsible if an uninsured worker is hurt. Ask for proof first.
Does Georgia require tree services to carry insurance?
A House committee reported in December 2024 that Georgia has no state standards for insurance for tree care providers. Check whether the law has changed.
Sources
- NC State Extension: How to Hire a Tree Care Professional
- Purdue Landscape Report: Take precautions hiring tree services
- Georgia Recorder via Cobb County Courier (Dec 2024)
- Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance (Aug 28, 2023)
Seven Hills Tree Editorial. Seven Hills Emergency Tree is a lead-generation service that connects callers with independent local crews. This is general information, not legal, insurance or horticultural advice. Sources were read on 2026-10-13. Confirm details before you act.
