Farms are dangerous places, with a huge number of accidents involving vehicles such as quad bikes, tractors or other farm equipment. In fact, recent research shows farm vehicles account for 50% of accidents on Australian farms.
Most perils are covered by a ‘farm pack’ policy, which can include multiple policies such as public liability, property and business continuity.
Steadfast Group says insuring the buildings on the property must be a priority. “There may be more than one house on the property, as well as other farm buildings. Then, you need to insure farm machinery, as well as motor vehicles.”
If the farm has more than one property, it either needs multiple building and contents policies or the contents and property policy must cover multiple buildings on the premises. In other instances where the building does not carry much value, the farmer may decide not to insure the property.
“Sometimes it's a matter of making an economic decision about the property,” “Risk mitigation is hugely important in agriculture and much of this comes down to properly maintaining all farm equipment and machinery”
Public liability insurance is a must and covers the farm for accidents, including those involving animals.
Aside from the insurances covered in the farm pack, there is a number of other insurances specific to agribusiness farmers need to consider:
Farm motor and machinery insurance - There are a number of choices farmers can make when it comes to this insurance. For instance, it’s possible to take out comprehensive insurance or just third party liability insurance. Another option is to take out cover for fire and theft.
Crop insurance - This insurance can cover farmers in the event a natural disaster such as fire destroys a crop. It is usually only available as a specialised type of insurance
Insurance should protect the policyholder from accidental damage to buildings and property including fences and immobile machinery, as well as hay, silage and grain.
Risk mitigation is hugely important in agriculture and much of this comes down to properly maintaining all farm equipment and machinery. It’s also essential everyone involved in the farm, including children and family members, receive proper safety briefings when it comes to using farm equipment.
It’s also an idea for farmers to take out personal accident insurance, which is like income protection insurance.
Farms are complex operations with a variety of potential risks. It pays to work with your Steadfast broker that you are properly protecting your property, and at the same time take a commercial approach to insurance.
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