NALP membership offers numerous benefits to lawn and landscape companies, including free training, access to industry experts, and exclusive industry events.
One benefit you may not be aware of is NALP’s partnership with Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, a 19-time National Best Practices independent insurance brokerage focused on the green industry.
We sat down with Drew Garcia, vice president of Rancho Mesa and Landscape Group Leader, to answer some frequently asked questions when it comes to what they have to offer.
Why should landscape companies consider working with Rancho Mesa?
We made a very intentional decision to focus on the landscape industry. Since then, we’ve built our team, our carrier relationships, and our resources specifically around supporting landscape businesses. That focus allows us to speak your language, understand your risks, and bring solutions that are built for how you actually operate.
What are the benefits of landscape companies working with a broker like Rancho Mesa versus shopping for insurance policies themselves?
We’re strategically aligned with insurance carriers that want to insure landscape businesses. That matters. We’re connecting you with partners who understand your operations and are committed to the industry, often leading to better coverage, pricing, and long-term stability.
What are the benefits of working with an insurance brokerage focused on the landscape industry versus a generic insurance broker?
I believe quality repetition in anything is a fast path to confidence. Because we work with so many landscape professionals, we’re able to react quickly and, more importantly, anticipate issues before they arise. That’s no knock to a generalist, but it’s hard to replicate that level of insight without consistent, real-world exposure to the same types of risks, challenges, and operations daily.
What are common landscape industry coverage gaps that generic brokers miss?
We often see gaps around things like proper classification of employees, operational understanding (i.e.: enhancement versus construction), and in some cases the adjacent services that are common for landscape companies to bring to their customers like irrigation, tree, lawn care and plant health care. These are details that can make a big difference during the underwriting process and in the event of a claim.
What main services does Rancho Mesa offer members?
We look at policy placement, certificates of insurance and availability as the blocking and tackling of the insurance industry. Those are areas we always want to do well and look for ways to improve. We provide risk management support, safety resources, claims advocacy, renewal strategy, and ongoing education to help members make informed decisions year-round.
Which of your service offerings are most popular with members and why?
Our clients really value staying informed. That includes our podcast on green industry risk topics, weekly safety tailgates for landscape, tree, and driver training, and our hands-on claims advocacy. This improves operations, training, forecasting and cost control.
Can you tell us about the SafetyOne mobile app and how members can use it?
SafetyOne was built to help companies create a scalable, living safety program. It includes customizable trainings in English and Spanish, along with tools to track activity and document compliance. It’s designed to make safety easier to manage and easier to grow with your business. It works across all stages of business.
How does Rancho Mesa help members manage workers’ compensation claims more effectively?
Workers’ comp tends to be the most frequent claim we see, and it can raise a lot of questions. That’s why we offer claim advocacy to support you before and during a claim. We also provide KPI tracking, helping you monitor your experience mod, as well as frequency and severity trends through a simplified, easy-to-understand dashboard.
Are there any types of insurance Rancho Mesa cannot assist with?
We focus strictly on property and casualty insurance. That means we don’t handle employee benefits or personal insurance.
Can you explain Guaranteed Cost, Deductible, and Captive options in practical terms?
Guaranteed Cost: The insurance carrier pays claims from the first dollar, your cost is fixed and predictable. Deductible Programs: The carrier still manages and pays claims, but you reimburse them up to a set deductible amount. Captive Programs: Typically group captives, where like-minded businesses share risk and can benefit from strong performance over time. Each has a different balance of risk and reward depending on your company’s size and goals. We have customers participating in all of these options.
What type of companies are well suited for Rancho Mesa’s services?
We tend to be the best fit for companies with $75,000 or more in combined annual premiums across workers’ comp, auto, general liability, and umbrella. That’s where our carrier relationships and service model can deliver the most value.
What information can a landscape company provide to help Rancho Mesa better meet their needs?
We’re good at asking the right questions to guide the process. We also use a proprietary supplemental application to gather key details, which helps us present your business accurately and position you for the best possible outcome.
If a member is locked into a current policy but unhappy with their support, when should they reach out?
Now. Even if you’re mid-policy, we can offer guidance, share insights, and help you map out next steps so you’re in a stronger position at renewal, or sooner if there are opportunities.
What is the biggest misconception landscape companies have about insurance?
In our experience, landscape companies generally have a strong understanding of insurance. Where we add value is perspective; we see trends across many businesses, which allows us to identify patterns, highlight blind spots, and help companies make more strategic decisions over time. Not necessarily misconceptions, but our ability to help shine the light to show a bigger picture.
