Texas Tree Trimming Contractor Certificate of Insurance Requirements

A tree trimming contractor's Certificate of Insurance is the gate to commercial and utility work in Texas. Because dropped-limb and power-line claims are severe, commercial clients and utilities verify power-line coverage and line-clearance certification on the COI before allowing a tree contractor on site. Delivering the right endorsements the first time keeps you on the job.

Endorsements Clients Verify

• Additional Insured via CG 20 10 (ongoing operations)
• Waiver of Subrogation in favor of the property owner or utility
• Primary and Non-Contributory wording
• GL limit of $1M/$2M (utility: $2M/$2M)
• Workers' comp with waiver of subrogation
• Power-line and height coverage if you perform line-clearance work

Power-Line Coverage on the COI

If you perform utility line-clearance, the COI must reflect power-line coverage and line-clearance certification — not just generic tree-trimming GL. A policy with a power-line exclusion cannot back a line-clearance COI. Provide the endorsement letter confirming power-line coverage and the line-clearance certification before the client requests the certificate. Unqualified power-line work is uninsurable.

Tree Trimming Usually Needs CG 20 10

Tree trimming is service work, not a completed project with a defect tail — so CG 20 10 (ongoing operations) is the standard endorsement. A COI showing only a generic "Additional Insured" without naming the form is weak protection and may be rejected by utility clients who verify line-clearance certification separately.

Sub COIs for 1099 Tree Crews

If you run 1099 tree crews, the client may require their COIs naming you additional insured. Track sub expirations and collect renewals before the old certificate lapses. An uninsured tree crew mid-job turns a covered exposure into an uninsured one on your GL — and tree claims are among the most severe.

Delivery and Timing

Deliver the COI before mobilization, before any climbing or cutting begins. Most Texas commercial and utility contracts condition site access on a compliant COI; starting work without it can void your contract and shift liability for a dropped limb or power-line contact onto you personally.