Hiring a tree service might seem as simple as calling the first company you find online, but when it comes to work as risky and equipment-heavy as tree cutting, stump grinding, or storm cleanup, insurance is not just important — it’s non-negotiable.

If you’re a homeowner in Keene, NH, looking to protect your property, wallet, and peace of mind, it’s critical to ask the right questions about insurance before signing on with any tree company. Why? Because if something goes wrong and the company isn’t properly insured, you could be left with thousands of dollars in damage — and no recourse.

So let’s break it down. Here are the five essential insurance questions to ask when hiring a tree service in Keene — and why each one matters.

1. Are You Fully Insured to Perform Tree Work in New Hampshire?

This is the starting point. Don’t just assume that any business with a chainsaw and a truck is legit. Tree service work is classified as high-risk, and proper insurance coverage is the foundation of a professional operation.

Why It Matters:

Many homeowners assume their own insurance policy will cover damage caused by a contractor. Spoiler: it usually doesn’t. If the tree company isn’t insured, and something happens — a branch falls on your neighbor’s car, a worker gets injured, or your roof takes a hit — you might be held liable.

What to Look For:

You want a company that can show proof of both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. The former protects your property, the latter protects the workers (and by extension, you).

Bonus Tip:

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) directly from their insurance provider, not just a photocopy. This confirms that the coverage is active and current.

2. What Does Your General Liability Insurance Cover?

Not all liability policies are created equal. Some cover minimal property damage; others provide comprehensive protection. Be specific when you ask this question.

Why It Matters:

Say a company’s crane tips over and crashes into your garage. If their liability policy caps out at $100,000 and the damage is $180,000, guess who’s footing the extra $80K? That’s right — you.

What to Look For:

A reputable provider of insured tree services in Keene should carry a general liability policy of at least $1 million. This amount ensures adequate coverage for most residential jobs, including complex removals, crane-assisted work, and damage to surrounding structures.

3. Do You Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance for All Employees?

This question separates serious professionals from fly-by-night operations. Some companies try to dodge costs by classifying workers as subcontractors or independent contractors, avoiding the need for workers’ comp.

Why It Matters:

If a worker falls from a tree or gets injured on your property and isn’t covered by workers’ comp, you could be dragged into a personal injury lawsuit. Even if you didn’t cause the injury, your homeowner’s insurance might not cover it — and lawsuits can be financially devastating.

What to Look For:

Ensure that every worker on the job is covered under the company’s workers’ compensation policy. Don’t be afraid to ask for verification. A legitimate, insured tree services provider in Keene will respect your due diligence.

4. Is Your Equipment Insured While on My Property?

Tree work isn’t just men with chainsaws. Cranes, bucket trucks, chippers, and stump grinders are often involved — and they’re heavy, complex machines. Ask about insurance that covers equipment-related accidents.

Why It Matters:

Equipment failure, hydraulic fluid leaks, or machinery tipping over can cause significant damage to your lawn, driveway, septic tank, or foundation. If a company’s equipment is not insured or poorly maintained, you risk property damage and liability exposure.

What to Look For:

Professional companies include inland marine insurance or equipment floater policies to cover tools and machinery while in use on client property. If a company can’t provide assurance that their equipment is covered, that’s a red flag.

5. Can You Provide References Who’ve Used Your Insured Services?

At this point, you’ve covered the basics of insurance — now it’s time to verify trust and track record.

Why It Matters:

Even if a company has all the right paperwork, how they handle accidents, cleanup, and client concerns says a lot about their professionalism. You want to know how they’ve handled situations when things didn’t go as planned.

What to Look For:

Ask for references who’ve experienced storm cleanup, large tree removals, or work close to buildings or power lines. Ask those past clients:

• Did the company respect their property?
• Was any damage handled quickly and professionally?
• Were they upfront about their insurance policies?

Companies offering insured tree services in Keene should be more than happy to connect you with satisfied customers — especially those who can vouch for their responsibility and care when it comes to insurance-related matters.

Bonus Insight: Insurance Is a Marker of Professionalism

Many people don’t realize how dangerous tree work can be. From power line interference and chainsaw mishaps to falling branches and structural damage, tree services carry high stakes. If a company cuts corners on insurance, chances are they cut corners elsewhere too — in training, safety practices, equipment maintenance, or cleanup.

Choosing a fully insured tree service isn’t just about covering your liabilities. It’s about peace of mind. It’s about hiring a team that takes their work — and your property — seriously.

Final Thoughts

When you’re searching for insured tree services in Keene, don’t be shy. Ask questions. Request documents. Verify coverage. A professional company will not only welcome your questions — they’ll be impressed that you’re asking.

Because when you’re dealing with something as important as the trees that surround your home, due diligence is the difference between a job done and a job done right.

At Wilcox Tree Service, we’ve built our reputation on safety, professionalism, and transparency. We carry comprehensive general liability and workers’ compensation insurance — and we’ll gladly provide proof upon request.

Our experienced team serves the Keene area with pride, from tree removals and storm damage cleanup to precision pruning and stump grinding. If you want the job done safely, efficiently, and responsibly — we’re your go-to crew.

Call us today at 603-363-8197 for a free consultation, or request a quote online.