how-to
How Do You Verify an Arborist's Insurance Credentials?
Last Updated: November 4, 2026
Quick Summary
To verify arborist insurance credentials, ask the company for a current certificate of insurance listing general liability and workers' compensation coverage, then confirm the policy is active by calling the listed agent. Check that the business name matches your contract and the policy dates cover the entire job.
- Request a certificate listing the company name exactly as on the contract.
- Call the listed agent to confirm the policy is active and not expired.
- Confirm the coverage limits are high enough to cover property damage.
- Ask whether subcontractors carry their own insurance before work begins.
- Look up the ISA Certified Arborist certification number in the official directory.
Table of Contents
- How to Check If a Tree Service Is Insured
- Reviewing the Tree Service Certificate of Insurance
- Confirming Your Next Arborist's Credentials Before Booking
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Check If a Tree Service Is Insured
Before work starts, confirm the company carries liability insurance and workers' compensation. Verifying arborist insurance credentials can save you from paying for damage or injuries insurance never covers.
Ask the company for proof directly.
Step 1: Ask for a certificate of insurance. Request a current certificate listing the company name exactly as on the contract, with policy dates covering the entire job, including general liability and workers' compensation.
Step 2: Confirm the certificate is valid. Call the agent listed to verify the policy is active, check coverage limits meet your needs, and confirm the policy period has not expired.
Step 3: Check the company's credentials. Look up the arborist's ISA Certified Arborist credential in the official directory and confirm the certification number and status are current. Find licensing and insurance requirements for tree services in our resources.
Watch out: A tree service that refuses to provide a certificate, or sends one you cannot verify, is a serious red flag.
Reviewing the Tree Service Certificate of Insurance
A certificate of insurance is a one-page summary of coverage, not the policy itself, so treat it as a starting point rather than final proof.
Look for these key details:
- Named insured: the business name must match your contract
- Policy types: general liability and workers' compensation should both appear
- Coverage limits: check that liability limits are high enough to cover property damage
- Certificate holder: your name or property address should be listed
- Subcontractors: ask whether the company uses subcontractors and whether they carry their own insurance
Property owners often overlook two things: workers' compensation protects you if a crew member is hurt on your land, and subcontractors without their own coverage can leave you liable for their accidents.
The certificate of insurance should be checked for the following key details before you rely on it.
| Detail to check | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Named insured | Business name matches your contract | Confirms the policy covers the company you hire |
| Policy types | General liability and workers' compensation | Covers property damage and injuries on your land |
| Coverage limits | Liability limits high enough for property damage | Ensures enough coverage if damage occurs |
| Certificate holder | Your name or property address listed | Shows the certificate was issued to you |
| Subcontractors | Whether they carry their own insurance | Uninsured subcontractors can leave you liable |
Confirming Your Next Arborist's Credentials Before Booking
Before you sign anything, take a few minutes to confirm credentials, especially if you are hiring from out of state and cannot supervise the work yourself.
- Ask the company for their ISA Certified Arborist certification number
- Search the ISA directory to confirm the credential is current
- Check that the insurance certificate matches the company name on your quote
- Request answers to your questions in writing before work begins
Our International Society of Arboriculture certification resources page explains how credential verification works. If you have questions about insurance or credentials, visit our [FAQ | page] for answers to common questions. You can also contact Redbird Tree Service to request a current certificate of insurance before you book.
For more detail on hiring from a distance, read [Tree Service for Absentee Property Owners: Complete Guide | page].
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify an arborist's certification?
Search the ISA Certified Arborist directory on the International Society of Arboriculture website using the arborist's name or certification number. Confirm the status shows as current and that the listed name matches the person who will be on your property. Ask the company for the individual's certification number in advance so you can check it quickly before work begins. A certification that has lapsed or does not appear in the directory should be treated as unverified.
How can I check whether a tree service is insured?
Ask the company for a certificate of insurance that lists both general liability and workers' compensation coverage. Then contact the insurance carrier or agent named on the certificate to confirm the policy is active and covers the dates of your job. Check the policy period and coverage limits against the scope of work. Verifying directly with the carrier is more reliable than trusting a copy the company sends you.
Does a certificate of insurance prove a tree service is currently covered?
Not by itself. A certificate of insurance shows that a policy existed at the time it was issued, and it can be altered or outdated. Confirm the policy period includes the day work starts, verify the insurer through the agent, and ask whether any subcontractors who will be on site are covered under the same policy or under their own. Uninsured subcontractors can expose you to claims if someone is injured on your property.
Verify before you hire. Redbird Tree Service provides certified and insured tree care across Central Florida, and we are happy to send our current certificate of insurance and credential details on request.
