Cyber insurance for landscapers

A data breach can be devastating for a small landscaping business, especially if your customers' payment information is compromised. The costs of a data breach could include notifying affected customers, supplying them with fraud monitoring services, and hiring a security company to investigate the breach.

That's why businesses that store credit card numbers and other sensitive information need a cyber liability policy. Cyber insurance can pay for data recovery costs and provide essential support and resources. This policy provides coverage related to:

• Data breaches
• Cyberattacks
• Ransomware
• Phishing
• Malware
• Denial of service (DOS) attacks
• Other cyber incidents that disrupt business

Landscaping businesses typically need first-party cyber liability insurance, which provides financial protection against cyber threats at your own business. For example, it would help your business recover after a cyberattack exposed your customers' credit card numbers.

You may be able to add this coverage, also called data breach insurance, to your general liability insurance or business owner's policy (BOP).

Another type of cyber policy, third-party coverage, is recommended if you're responsible for another business's cybersecurity. For example, if you're hired to help another landscaper start a business and you recommend insecure software, you could be held liable for a data breach.

First-party cyber insurance coverage can help pay for:

• Notifying customers affected by a data breach
• Providing credit monitoring services
• Running public relations campaigns
• Business interruption due to cyber crime
• Cyberextortion payments
• Other recovery activities

Data breaches are expensive, and running a small business doesn't mean you're safe from hackers. Small companies are often targeted by cybercriminals because they have fewer security measures in place. On top of that, simple accidents by employees – such as opening a phishing email – are the most common cyber risks.

While cyber liability insurance protects against cybercrime and data breaches, it's not the only insurance you need. Owners of landscaping businesses should also consider:

General liability insurance: This policy covers expenses related to slip-and-fall accidents, property damage, and advertising injuries. It's often the first policy a landscaper needs.

Business owner's policy: A BOP bundles general liability coverage with commercial property insurance to protect against the most common business risks.

Commercial auto insurance: This policy helps landscaping businesses recover financially from accidents involving their work vehicles.

Workers’ compensation insurance: Workers’ comp can cover medical fees and lost wages for work injuries. It's required in almost every state for businesses that have employees.

Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance: This policy helps pay for repair or replacement of a landscaping contractor’s equipment and tools.

License and permit bonds: Landscapers might need a surety bond to get a license in their state, or to do specific types of work.

Are you ready to safeguard your landscaping business with cyber liability insurance? Complete Insureon’s easy online application today. Once you find the right policy, you can begin coverage in less than 24 hours.