According to a report on Statista, 228.73 million Americans were owning lawn and garden equipment by 2020. It’s no wonder then that lawn mowers are responsible for some of the most horrific accidents at home. Children especially face deadly risks.
Take for instance the sad story of a 6 year old boy, Jonah Douglas, who back in 2020, had his feet amputated due to a lawn mower accident.
His mother was cutting the grass when Jonah ran behind her. When she suddenly backed up without noticing him, she had already run on his feet.
This is just a glimpse of how risky lawn mowers can be. In fact, several statistics have shown that lawn mowers are the leading cause of amputations among children in the United States.
Yes, they are very valuable to have in your home. But they can also be very risky, not just to your family but also to your neighbors and even visitors.
It’s not just accidents alone that you need to worry about. In case of theft, the cost and trouble of shopping for one can frustrate you.
The right lawn mower insurance can take this pain away.
In this article, we’ll discuss why lawn mowers need to be covered, how to insure your lawn, how to know if your policy covers lawn mowers, types of lawn mower insurance in the United States, lawn mower insurance prices, and answer some of the top frequently asked questions about lawn mower insurance.
If you also own a farm tractor (s), then please be sure to go through this tractor insurance guide.
Why lawn mowers need to be covered
Lawnmowers are expensive pieces of equipment that require regular maintenance and care. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, and a lawn mower can become damaged or stolen.
Insuring your lawn mower will protect you from unexpected financial losses and grant you the peace of mind knowing that should something happen, you are covered.
How to insure your lawn mower
You can purchase a separate policy from your insurance provider or add coverage to your existing policy.
It’s important to note that while other companies may include it under their general property insurance, not all insurance companies offer specific coverage for lawnmowers. Therefore, it’s essential to review your policy and speak with your agent to ensure that your lawn mower is adequately covered.
How to know if your policy covers mowers
You may already have taken coverage for your farm or garden related business, but you are not sure if this coverage includes your lawn mower (s). It’s important that you verify this to avoid incurring extra expenses on an additional cover.
The best way to determine this is to simply review your insurance policy in detail.
Look for the specific language used in your policy such as “lawn equipment” or “garden equipment” to see if your lawn mower is included.
Some policies may also include language about “outdoor equipment” or “tools,” which can also cover lawn mowers. Be keen though to note any exclusions that may apply. If unsure, ask your agent to specifically find out if the cover includes lawn mowers.
Common types of insurance that can cover a lawn mower in the United States
There is no definite number of types, but these here are the most common in the market today:
Liability insurance
Covers damage or injuries caused by your lawn mower to another person or property. For example, if your lawn mower throws a rock and damages your neighbor’s car, liability insurance can help cover the cost of repairs.
Property insurance
Covers damage or loss to your lawn mower caused by theft, fire, or other covered perils. This type of coverage can help you replace or repair your lawn mower if it’s stolen or damaged due to a covered event.
Homeowners insurance
May cover your lawn mower as part of your property insurance. However, the extent of coverage can vary depending on your policy. Some policies may only cover your lawn mower if it’s stolen from your property, while others may provide more comprehensive coverage.
Commercial lawn mower insurance
Designed for those who use lawn mowers for business purposes. This type of coverage may include equipment, employees, and liability coverage. It’s essential to have the right type of coverage if you operate a lawn care business to protect yourself and your assets.
Inland marine
Protects your lawn mower while it’s in transit or being stored off-premises. This is especially important if you transport your lawn mower between job sites or store it in a storage unit or garage.
Umbrella insurance
Provides additional liability coverage beyond what’s included in your standard insurance policy. This can be beneficial if you’re concerned about potential lawsuits or if you operate a lawn care business with a higher risk of liability.
Others include comprehensive coverage, which protects the lawn mower from occurrences such as fire, theft, and vandalism; and collision coverage which protects the lawn mower from collision damage.
FAQs
Here are answer to some of the frequently asked questions about lawn mower insurance:
Does lawn mower insurance cover lawn mower accidents?
Yes, lawn mower insurance can cover accidents involving your equipment, such as damage to property or injury to a person. But the specific terms and conditions of the policy will determine what is covered.
What is a lawn mower insurance commercial?
Lawnmower insurance commercial is a type of insurance designed for those who use lawn mowers for business purposes.
What insurance do I need for my riding lawn mower?
If you own a riding lawn mower, the most suitable insurance to consider is homeowner’s insurance. Homeowner’s insurance can provide coverage for your riding lawn mower if it gets stolen, vandalized, or damaged in a covered peril such as fire, theft, or natural disasters.
What insurance do I need for the riding lawn mower I use in my lawn business?
If you use a riding lawn mower for your lawn business, you should consider commercial auto insurance, general liability insurance, and property insurance. Commercial auto insurance will cover damages or injuries resulting from accidents, while general liability insurance will cover damages or injuries due to your business operations. Property insurance will protect your lawn mower and equipment from theft, damage, or loss.
What types of insurance will protect me as a lawn mower?
Liability insurance will protect you in case of any accidental damage or injury caused while mowing lawns. It covers the legal fees, settlements, and judgments that may arise from a lawsuit.