Do i have to have a business license for insurance ?

[THEoneandonlyLawnRanger]

OK, this may be a stupid question but its a question i need help with. Do you have to have a business license to get liablility insurance and insurance on equipment? I am wanting to go more legit and cover my butt with insurance but am not sure of the process. Any help or advice would be great.

[TSG]

NO,,,you can get liability insurance with a phone call
Alan

[topsites]

A business license covers the legal aspects of your operation, while insurance covers the liability portion, the two entities are maintained one by the US government and the other by a business in the private sector and are mostly independent of each other for their part in the deal.

The Government does require, if you have over a certain number of employees, that you provide Workmen's Compensation, but beyond this it's a matter that if you wish to become legit, then both are required for that reason.

But no, you don't need a license to get insurance, nor do you usually need insurance to get a license (exception of Workmen's comp), you can get the insurance first and later the license or vice versa, I don't think it makes much of a difference.

[Thib]

OK, this may be a stupid question but its a question i need help with. Do you have to have a business license to get liablility insurance and insurance on equipment? I am wanting to go more legit and cover my butt with insurance but am not sure of the process. Any help or advice would be great.

No you don't need a business license to get insurance but if you are wanting to be more legit than you should get a business license. If you get caught without you could get a fine and depending on where you are it could be a big fine.

[TSG]

In NH you used to be able to have up to 3 employess before you had to have workmans Comp. Now it is 1.
However the owners and officers of the buisness can elect out .
Alan

[lawnpro724]

as a sole prop. you can use your social security # for taxes and insurance. Your insurance company will want your FEIN for a commercial policy but you can get by with social #. If you don't like giving out your social security # to every business owner you work for go to www.irs.gov and get you FEIN

[THEoneandonlyLawnRanger]

Thanks a ton guys! Now for stupid question Number 2 for today.....Is there a insurance company that deals with just lawn care or would i get insured from somewhere like State Farm ? Just wondering where i might find the best rates from ?

[J&R Landscaping]

Shop around and compare. You might try erie insurance, I have heard their name brought up many times.

[lawnpro724]

Thanks a ton guys! Now for stupid question Number 2 for today.....Is there a insurance company that deals with just lawn care or would i get insured from somewhere like State Farm ? Just wondering where i might find the best rates from ?

State Farm does not offer insurance for lawn & landscaping businesses and they wont do small commercial either. I have State Farm for just about everything and wanted to go with them for my business but they told me they don't offer it. I had to go with another insurer for my commercial policy.

[ATVracer]

I would recommend Erie. I am with them now because they cover pesticide applications. Formerly Farm Bureau. Both policies were less than $375 with 1 million liability for the business.

[bigmudder77]

is one million to much to pay for?