How Much Does Arborist Insurance Cost in Australia?
Public liability insurance for arborists and tree loppers starts from around $750 a year for $5 million cover, from around $1,400 for $10 million and from around $1,600 for $20 million. The price depends on your turnover, crew size and the work you do, including the heights you work at, the equipment you run, how close you work to powerlines, and whether you use subcontractors.
These figures are based on tree lopping and arborist policies Coverscope placed in 2026, and include GST, stamp duty and fees.
Arborist Insurance Cost at a Glance
Based on tree lopping and arborist policies we placed in 2026:
| Cover | Example work | Annual premium |
|---|---|---|
| $5M public liability | Pruning, removals and climbing | From around $750 |
| $10M public liability | Climbing, rigging and chipping | From around $1,400 |
| $20M public liability | Elevated work platform tree work | From around $1,600 |
Your price depends on the work you do, your turnover, crew size and claims history, and the insurer, not just the limit. Tools, equipment and plant are priced on what you insure, and commercial vehicles are priced per vehicle.
What Affects the Cost of Arborist Insurance?
The heights you work at
Working at height is a key part of how insurers assess tree work. Some policies limit cover above a set height, so the policy has to match the work you actually do.
Powerline work
Working near powerlines, or doing line clearance and vegetation management, is an exposure that needs to be declared. We take it through with insurers so your cover reflects it.
Your equipment
Chippers, stump grinders, elevated work platforms and crane-assisted removals all affect the price, both for liability and for insuring the equipment itself.
Subcontractors
If you use subcontractors, your insurer needs to know. Your public liability is written for your business and generally won’t cover a subcontractor, so each subcontractor needs their own cover.
Your liability limit
Councils and head contractors commonly require $20 million for contractors, and a higher limit costs more.
Turnover, crew size and work type
Residential pruning, 24-hour storm call-outs, council contracts and technical removals carry different risks, and a bigger crew means more exposure.
Claims history
Previous claims increase the premium.
How to Keep Costs Down Without Creating Gaps
- Declare your real working heights and powerline work. A cheaper policy with a height limit below the work you do can leave you uninsured on the jobs that matter most.
- Collect certificates of currency from every subcontractor before they start.
- Insure equipment for its current replacement value, and know whether claims are settled at replacement or market value. A market value settlement on a stolen chipper or stump grinder pays its depreciated value, not the cost of a new one, so we confirm which applies before you buy.
- Don’t rely on a general trades or landscaping policy for tree work above garden height. Make sure tree work is declared and covered.
- Choose your excess carefully. A higher excess lowers the premium, as long as you can afford it at claim time.
What Does Arborist Insurance Cover?
A tree lopper and arborist package can include:
- Public and products liability: injury to people or damage to property caused by your work, such as a falling branch damaging a client’s house, car or neighbouring property.
- Tools, equipment and plant: chainsaws, climbing gear, stump grinders, wood chippers and trailers against theft and accidental damage.
- Commercial vehicles: the utes, trucks and tippers that carry your crew and tow your equipment.
- Property and business interruption: your depot or workshop, and lost income after an insured event.
- Personal accident and illness: income if you’re injured or sick and can’t work, important for sole operators and climbers.
Workers’ compensation is separate. It’s compulsory if you employ staff and is arranged through your state scheme or an approved insurer.
Consulting arborists who write reports, risk assessments or council submissions also need professional indemnity insurance, because the risk is in the advice, not the physical work.
See our tree loppers and arborist insurance page for full details.
Arborist Insurance Cost FAQs
What's the average cost of arborist insurance in Australia?
There isn’t one average, because price depends on your cover limit, turnover, crew size and the work you do. As a guide, public liability starts from around $750 a year for $5 million cover, $1,400 for $10 million and $1,600 for $20 million, and higher-risk work costs more. Equipment and vehicle cover are priced separately on what you insure.
Why is arborist insurance more expensive than other trades?
Tree work combines height, heavy falling loads, powerful machinery and work near homes, cars and powerlines. Insurers treat it as a high-risk trade, which is reflected in the premium.
Do consulting arborists need different insurance?
Yes. Consulting arborists need professional indemnity, because claims come from reports and advice rather than physical damage. Public liability is still needed for any site work.
Get an Arborist Insurance Quote
Coverscope works with insurers and specialist markets familiar with tree work, including height and powerline exposure. Call 1300 900 207 or request a quote.
Important Information
This article is general information only and isn’t personal advice. It doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions vary between insurers, so read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before deciding whether a policy is right for you, and speak with us about your circumstances.
