Dumpster Rental Insurance: What Coverage to Require

Dumpsters are heavy. Trucks are heavier. Things can go wrong during delivery and pickup — cracked driveways, damaged landscaping, clipped gutters. Before you book, make sure the company has proper insurance to cover potential damage.

Types of Insurance to Ask About

General Liability Insurance

This covers damage to your property during the dumpster rental:

• Driveway cracks or damage from the dumpster weight
• Landscaping damage during delivery/pickup
• Damage to structures (fences, walls, gutters)
• Third-party injuries on your property

Minimum requirement: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate

Commercial Auto Insurance

This covers damage caused by their trucks:

• Vehicle damage from delivery trucks
• Property damage from truck operations
• Accidents involving their vehicles on your property

Minimum requirement: $1,000,000 combined single limit

Workers' Compensation

This protects you if a driver is injured on your property:

• Without it, you could be liable for injuries
• Required by law in most states
• Ask for proof of coverage

Questions to Ask About Insurance

Understanding the Certificate of Insurance (COI)

A COI is a one-page document that proves a company has active insurance. It shows:

• Policy numbers for each type of coverage
• Coverage limits per occurrence and aggregate
• Policy effective dates (make sure it's current)
• Insurance company names
• Named insured (the dumpster company)

You can request to be added as an "additional insured" on their policy for your project — some companies do this routinely for commercial jobs.

What About Damage Waivers?

Many companies require you to sign a waiver acknowledging potential damage risk. This doesn't mean you have no recourse — it means:

• They're disclosing the risk of damage
• You're acknowledging you understand the risk
• Claims may still be valid if damage results from negligence

Before signing: Ask what the waiver actually covers and whether their insurance still applies if they damage your property through negligent operation.

Protecting Your Property

Even with insurance, prevention is better than claims:

• Ask about driveway protection: Plywood boards under wheels distribute weight
• Document before delivery: Take photos of your driveway and surrounding area
• Mark underground utilities: Know where your sprinkler lines and cables run
• Clear the path: Remove obstacles that could cause maneuvering damage

If Damage Occurs

1. Document immediately: Take photos and videos of the damage
2. Contact the company: Report the damage the same day
3. Get it in writing: Email confirmation of your report
4. Request their claims process: Ask for the insurance company contact
5. Get repair estimates: Document the cost to fix the damage

Red Flags

Be cautious if a company:

• Refuses to provide proof of insurance
• Has unusually low coverage limits
• Gets defensive when asked about insurance
• Can't explain their claims process
• Requires extensive waivers without discussing their coverage

Bottom Line

A reputable dumpster company should have:

• At least $1M general liability coverage
• Commercial auto insurance
• Workers' compensation
• Willingness to provide proof of coverage
• A clear process for handling damage claims

If they can't or won't provide this information, consider that a warning sign.