Your guide to greenhouse insurance

You provide a variety of plants and services that your customers count on. Don’t let an unforeseen hazard ruin that relationship. Every greenhouse operation faces risk exposures that businesses in other industries often don’t—and which may not be covered under a standard business insurance policy. The characteristics of your operation alone can influence your exposures, such as:

• Using glass, polycarbonate, plastic, or fiberglass cladding

• Producing potted plants, vegetables, fruits, or specialty cuts

• Selling plugs or finished products

Help protect your passion and your business by staying vigilant and proactively managing your risks.

Whether it’s flowers or other plants, your crop could be put in jeopardy if a climate control system fails. Commercial property insurance helps cover crop losses for plants grown in climate-controlled structures. It can even help cover your future crop income if you can’t plant due to damage.

Every greenhouse faces the threat of hail, lightning, high winds, and tornadoes. Depending on where your business is located, there’s also the danger of hurricanes and heavy snow. Significant storm damage repairs can be expensive and delay how quickly you can get your business up and running again. Property insurance can help protect you when storm damage affects your operations and can help you minimize losses.

Devastating fires to greenhouse property are sometimes caused by poor or deteriorating electrical connections and wiring. A fire within your greenhouse could disrupt operations and result in prolonged downtime. Some insurance providers can use thermal imaging to help identify possible electrical problems. Business interruption insurance can help cover additional expenses to keep your operations running and help supplement lost income if your business is disrupted.

When your equipment breaks down, it can mean weeks of lost productivity and lost revenue. Equipment breakdown coverage can help reduce your costs and get your operations back on track.

Hoses, wet floors, and ladders are commonly found around greenhouse walkways and can lead to costly injuries and workers’ compensation claims. Your insurance provider can work with you to minimize the risks around your workplace to help keep employees and customers safe.

Reach out to your insurer for help in identifying possible problem areas or in creating a safety plan for your business. You can find explore our safety resources on our website. If you have any questions, contact our Loss Control & Safety Services team at 800-851-7740.

When insuring your greenhouses, you want your coverage tailored to their size, scope, and region. Larger operations often select higher deductibles and higher umbrella limits to reflect their increased exposure.

Weather is also a determining factor: growers in cold and snowy climates have different considerations than growers in warm climates. If a boiler breaks at a greenhouse in Minnesota, it’s usually a more immediate concern than if a boiler breaks at a greenhouse in Florida.

As a business owner, you don’t want to risk being underinsured if you face a claim. Keep in mind, not all states require the same insurance coverages, but consider the following coverages and discuss these with your provider:

You can customize your commercial property insurance based on specific risk exposures you face—whether it’s from fire, storm damage, theft, or breakdowns. If a storm knocks out a ceiling panel and causes water damage and inventory loss, your property insurance can help cover the damage to your structure. It can even help cover your future income if you can’t plant your next crop due to damage.

A general liability insurance policy helps cover losses to non-employees caused by your services, business operations, or employees. It can also cover losses due to negligence that harmed someone else or their property. For example, if a customer’s son rushes through your greenhouse, falls in a puddle, and injures himself, the customer could decide to file a lawsuit against your greenhouse. If required, general liability insurance can help cover your legal bills and any potential compensation.

Deliveries and transporting equipment are typical day-to-day activities for horticultural businesses. Commercial auto insurance can help cover accidents that happen when employees use vehicles for your business. It can also help cover your business if you or an employee use a personal vehicle on behalf of the business.

Depending on the number of employees you have, workers’ compensation insurance may be required in your state. This insurance can help protect you against liability from a work-related accident, including injuries, illnesses, disabilities, and death. It also helps your employees with medical expenses, wage replacement, and other covered benefits after illness or injury.

While many claims are covered by your general liability insurance policy, certain incidents or lawsuits may be so severe they deplete the limits of your primary coverage. Umbrella liability coverage provides an extra layer of coverage that can help protect your business in the event of a catastrophic liability loss or a large judgment against you or your company.

With new and alternative commercial growing operations on the rise, it’s important to choose an insurer that understands the nuances and unique challenges of the horticultural industry.

Hortica®, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, has been serving the horticultural industry for more than 135 years. We have a deep understanding of the horticultural environment, its risks, and how to help protect your business.

If you have any questions about insuring your business or would like to review your current policy, contact us today or request a quote.

Addressing daily hazards through regular training empowers your employees to work confidently and helps reduce accidents. A culture that values safety helps ensure your team and your horticultural business thrive.

Is your greenhouse tech-enabled? Robotics, automation, and smart technology are advancements already in use in commercial greenhouses. And just like your smartphone, the advancements keep coming. Find out how these tools can benefit you.

To provide the best possible protection, tailor your insurance coverage to reflect the risks you face. Here are six top horticultural business risks and the coverages that can help reduce losses.