What Is a Tree Lopper?

A tree lopper, or arborist, is a professional who trims, prunes, and removes trees to maintain safety and environmental health. It’s a physically demanding and high-risk occupation, involving climbing, chainsaw use, and heavy equipment. Because of the inherent dangers, having the right tree lopper insurance is crucial to protect your business, your income, and your workers.

What Is Tree Lopper Insurance?

Tree lopper insurance provides financial protection against accidents, injuries, and property damage that may occur during tree maintenance or removal work. The main policies every tree lopper in Australia should consider include:

1. Personal Accident Insurance

Tree lopping is considered high-risk, meaning most insurers don’t offer income protection for this trade. Instead, personal accident insurance is the key option.

This cover provides financial support if you’re injured on the job and unable to work. It can include:

• Weekly benefits for temporary disablement
• Lump-sum payments for permanent injuries
• Medical and rehabilitation expenses

Without it, a serious accident could leave you without an income and mounting bills.

2. Public Liability Insurance

Public liability insurance protects you if your work causes injury to others or damage to property. Common examples include:

• A falling branch breaking a client’s roof
• Equipment injuring a bystander

This cover is essential for all tree loppers and arborists — especially if you work on residential or commercial sites — as it can protect you from claims worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

3. Workers Compensation Insurance

If you employ staff, workers compensation insurance is mandatory in Australia.

This policy covers your employees if they’re injured or become ill due to their work. It typically pays for:

• Lost wages during recovery
• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation and return-to-work support

Having workers compensation insurance not only keeps your business compliant but also ensures your team is protected if something goes wrong on site.

How Morgan Insurance Brokers Can Help

At Morgan Insurance Brokers, we understand the risks faced by arborists and tree loppers. We don’t just offer one policy — we go to a broad market of specialist insurers that cater to high-risk trades.

We’ll:

• Compare quotes from multiple providers
• Tailor cover to your operations and risk level
• Help you find affordable protection that meets your legal and safety obligations

Our expertise ensures you’re properly covered — not over-insured or under-protected.

What to Look Out For in Tree Lopper Insurance

Before purchasing any insurance, it’s important to review the policy details carefully. Pay attention to:

• Exclusions: Some policies exclude incidents like bushfires.
• Conditions: Many insurers impose requirements such as compliance with Dial Before You Dig conditions when working near underground utilities. Even if you’re just stump grinding, it is best practice to always perform a Dial Before You Dig before you start every job.
• Subcontractor Coverage: If you engage subcontractors, ensure they carry their own public liability insurance.
• Hired-In Equipment: Always confirm your public liability insurance includes cover for hired or leased machinery, which is common in tree lopping operations.

Understanding these points can save you from costly surprises at claim time.

How We Approach Multiple Insurers

We don’t rely on just one insurer. Morgan Insurance Brokers approaches several specialist insurance companies to:

• Secure the most competitive pricing
• Tailor coverage to your unique business needs
• Match you with insurers experienced in high-risk trades like tree lopping

This approach ensures you receive the best value and protection available.

Claims Assistance: We’ve Got Your Back

If you ever need to make a claim, our brokers are with you every step of the way. We:

• Lodge claims directly with your insurer
• Manage communication and paperwork
• Push for fast, fair outcomes so you can get back to work sooner

With Morgan Insurance Brokers, you’re never left to deal with insurers on your own.

How Much Does Tree Lopper Insurance Cost?

For most sole traders, the average cost of tree lopper insurance in Australia ranges between $1,300 and $2,000 per year, depending on your annual turnover and scope of work.

Premiums may vary if you employ staff, use subcontractors, or perform high-risk services like tree felling near powerlines.

Final Thoughts

Tree lopping is a rewarding but dangerous trade. Without the right insurance, one accident or claim could seriously impact your livelihood.

With Morgan Insurance Brokers, you’ll have:

• Comprehensive protection tailored to tree loppers
• Access to multiple insurers
• Expert claims support and advice

Get peace of mind knowing your business is protected from personal injury to public liability and workers compensation. Contact Morgan Insurance Brokers today.