To (Client/Employer)

Date ______

Dear Sir/Madam

INSURANCE FOR ARBORICULTURAL CONTRACTING

Over the past __ months the premium I have to pay for insurance have risen from £_______ to £_______. This represents an increase of __%. There are several reasons for this – some relate to accidents that happen in our industry and others are factors that are beyond our control.

In terms of accidents, insurers have paid out several times more in claims than they have collected in premiums over the past few years. We are seen as a high risk industry with large mobile machines, working at height, dealing with large loads and often on highways or other built up areas.

Other factors include changes in the stock market, September 11^th 2001, and the no-win-no-fee, ‘blame-claim’ culture that has evolved in recent years.

There are now only two insurers and brokers offering insurance schemes to my industry. I am required by law to hold insurance if I am to trade. The Arboricultural Association’s website explains more about the insurance problem facing the industry. See http://www.trees.org.uk/insurance.htm

There are two reasons for writing to you:

1. I am not prepared to trade illegally without insurance, but there are many who will and do. This puts consumers at great risk, and trees are also likely to receive a lower standard of care from such people. Please make sure you carefully check the insurance certificates of anyone you ask to quote for tree work: it is a good idea to ask for a copy and then telephone their broker to make sure premiums are paid and up to date.

2. Because my insurance premium has increased so greatly I have no alternative but to increase my prices in some measure to compensate.

Assuring you of our best attention at all times

Yours ______