Farmers need to insure their farming operations with an appropriate farm insurance policy, just as any other business owner does.
Where this can get confusing is knowing which policy type to buy.
Though the farm insurance and agricultural insurance policies sold by a farm insurance agency are commonly thought to be the same thing, they are actually very different.
To have the right protection which could include both policies, it is critical to know the difference between the two.
What Is Farm Insurance?
Farm insurance is an insurance policy that provides a wide array of coverage for farmers of all kinds.
Generally, these policies cover everything from houses and agricultural buildings to farm equipment and tools, even livestock.
Farm insurance policies also provide liability insurance for the business in case someone is hurt on the property or by a product sold by the farm.
Structures and animals are protected against loss due to natural disasters, fires, and other named perils.
There are also add-on policies that farmers can purchase from their farm insurance agency to cover other perils including workers compensation insurance, commercial property and general liability insurance, agrotourism, pollution liability, and numerous others.
What Is Agricultural Insurance?
On the other hand, agricultural insurance covers only one thing – crops.
When crops fail or are somehow destroyed, these insurance policies cover the losses.
Though there are multiple types of crop insurance that farmers can purchase such as crop-yield, crop-hail, crop revenue, and multiple-peril policies, they all provide benefits related only to crops being grown by the farmer.
In this way, agricultural insurance pays benefits when something happens that prevents the farmer from either harvesting their crop or recuperating expected revenue due to market conditions.
Farmers May Need Only One Type of Insurance – Or Both
Some farmers and ranchers only require standard farm insurance to protect their physical property and animals as well as to provide them with essential liability coverage.
Other farmers that grow crops, whether for consumption by their own animals or as a sale crop, should purchase both policies from their farm insurance agency to reduce losses that can occur with their crops.
This is especially important for farmers growing their own feed, as crop or hay failure could result in not just the inability to feed farm animals, but the need to purchase that feed from someone else.
Visit A Farm Insurance Agency For Expert Help!
Farm insurance is essential protection that every agricultural operation needs.
Since no two operations are the same and each requires different types and degrees of protection, farmers should contact an experienced farm insurance agency to discuss their operation in-depth.
With the right protection, farmers can minimize their risk and stay profitable!