Forestry Insurance

Organizations operating in the forestry, logging, and timber industries face risks that extend far beyond the typical business environment. That’s why standard insurance often doesn’t cut it. At Burton & Company, we offer Forestry Contractors Insurance policies designed to meet the unique challenges of your profession.

Speak with a Forestry Insurance professional today.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Forestry Businesses

Logging can be a hazardous work environment, as employees are regularly exposed to various hazards. Our workers’ compensation policies provide medical and rehabilitation benefits to any of your employees who become sick or injured on the job. It is a no-fault system that can also provide lost wages to employees who need to miss work while recovering.

If one of your employees gets hurt while working, you’ll want to ensure you have proper coverage to help them make it through a difficult time as they heal, while also protecting your business from lawsuits.

General Liability Insurance for Forestry Companies

General liability protects your forestry company from any property damage or bodily injury claims brought against you by a third party. When working with nature, injury or accidents can come from anywhere.

This form of Forestry Insurance includes a variety of policies that can be arranged to meet the industry’s unique needs. The amount of coverage you receive is wholly determined by your forestry company’s selection, creating the most value for your investment.

Commercial Property Insurance for Logging & Forestry Operations

Commercial property insurance protects logging professionals’ physical assets from damage due to storms, vandalism, theft, burst pipes, explosions, and other hazards. This includes facilities, equipment, product inventory, personal property, and materials. Regardless of whether your assets are compromised within a warehouse or out in the woods, commercial property insurance for forestry companies will have you covered.

Ensuring the integrity of your equipment and facilities is crucial. Without insurance, your business may lose potential revenue due to unforeseen circumstances.

Commercial Auto Insurance for Forestry Work Vehicles

Forestry and logging work involves using a variety of vehicles, including road tractors, stake-body trucks, service trucks, and private passenger vehicles. Whether you’re renting, leasing, or owning the vehicles, investing in a commercial auto insurance policy protects those assets used for conducting business.

A commercial auto policy will cover physical damages, liability risks, medical payments, rented vehicles, uninsured motorists, and other types of protection in the event of a collision or accident. This may not only cover damage to the vehicle but also property damage or injuries caused by the vehicle.

Inland Marine Insurance / Forestry Equipment Insurance

An Inland Marine policy will cover your equipment for damages due to fire, theft, and vandalism, and also applies when equipment is in transit or stored outside of your primary business location.

Traditional property insurance generally only covers assets within a limited geographic area. Assets outside that location, such as logging trailers, chainsaws, portable sawmills, and other mobile forestry tools, are usually excluded. Inland Marine Insurance fills this gap, making it a vital component of Forestry Equipment Insurance for businesses that regularly move between job sites.

Commercial Umbrella Insurance for Forestry Businesses

Commercial umbrella insurance is a form of added coverage that gives you an extra layer of protection by covering the costs that go above the limits of your existing policies. It can supplement costs related to business insurance claims, such as medical expenses, attorney fees, or litigation that may exceed the limits of general liability, commercial auto, or workers’ compensation.

It’s important to note that umbrella coverage and excess liability insurance, while similar, are not the same. Excess liability insurance extends just one underlying policy’s limits. In contrast, forestry umbrella insurance is designed to stack on top of multiple policies, offering broader protection.

A comprehensive Forestry Insurance policy package protects against:

• On-the-job injuries and workers’ compensation claims
• Equipment loss or damage (including off-site and in-transit assets)
• Property damage and liability lawsuits
• Auto accidents involving work-related vehicles
• Catastrophic claims that exceed normal coverage limits

• Workers’ Compensation: Covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is injured or becomes ill on the job.
• General Liability: Protects your business from claims of third-party bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury.
• Commercial Property: Covers tools, facilities, inventory, and machinery in the event of fire, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
• Commercial Auto Insurance: Protects forestry vehicles, trailers, and trucks used to haul timber or transport crews between job sites.
• Forestry Equipment Insurance (Inland Marine): Covers essential equipment such as chainsaws, skidders, chippers, and loaders, especially when moved between locations or stored off-site.
• Commercial Umbrella Coverage: Provides an added layer of protection that extends coverage limits in case of a significant claim or lawsuit.

Businesses that typically need Forestry Business Insurance include:

• Logging companies
• Timber harvesting and milling operations
• Land clearing and site preparation contractors
• Reforestation and forest management companies
• Firebreak and brush-cleaning crews
• Forestry and environmental consultants
• Sawmills and wood product manufacturers

Several key factors influence the total cost of Forestry Business Insurance:

• The types of coverage selected (e.g., general liability, workers’ compensation, Forestry Equipment Insurance, etc.)
• The size and scale of your operation, including the number of employees and annual revenue
• The value of owned equipment, tools, and commercial property
• The specific services you provide (e.g., land clearing, logging, brush management, reforestation)
• Geographic location and terrain (rural, mountainous, fire-prone areas may carry added risks)
• Your company’s safety record, claims history, and risk mitigation practices
• The experience level and certifications of your work crews