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Nationwide’s new farm insurance policy is a hit with Ohio Farm Bureau members. The company has effectively doubled its farm insurance writings since introducing the new policy in Ohio last year.

"In the last six months of 2003, Nationwide Insurance agents in Ohio wrote more than twice as many new premiums over the same period during the prior year in farm and related lines of insurance," said Jerry Hillard, farm insurance product officer for Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance.

Hillard said the new farm policy’s popularity is a result of expanded coverages, more flexible payment plans, broader endorsements exclusively for Ohio Farm Bureau members, and OFBF rates that produce significant savings for Farm Bureau members compared to nonmembers.

"These attributes came from the direct input we received from Farm Bureau members when Nationwide began developing its new farm coverage a few years ago," Hillard said. "We asked members what they liked about their current coverage, and what we should change to meet the members’ changing insurance needs."

Those interviewed or surveyed included OFBF state board members, county leaders and active members.

"We heard them say we should enhance the policy to include coverage for things like foreign objects ingested by a combine, and damage caused by towing and hitching," Hillard said. "These and other coverages that previously were available only as separate endorsements are now part of the base policy."

Other enhancements include coverage for GPS equipment, rented or leased equipment, equipment breakdown coverage for fixtures and higher limits for property such as firearms, trailers and even nonfarm business property.

Since the new farm policy provides some exclusive coverages and lower base rates to Farm Bureau members, he said Nationwide agents are encouraging more rural customers to become Farm Bureau members.

"Agents also have online access to provide clients with quicker rate quotes, and soon will be able to submit applications on line, as well," Hillard said.

To compare farm coverages and receive a rate quote, contact your local Nationwide Insurance agent.