“We recommend farmers ask their agents for an insurance review at least once a year,” said Jerry Hillard, associate vice president Farmowner Sales, Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company, Des Moines, Iowa. “A lot can change on a farm that could impact your coverage needs, things you may not even think about until it’s too late.”
For instance, liability coverage under your farm policy is intended to provide protection for liabilities incurred from your personal and farming activities. When you branch into other business activities, you may not be covered. For example, a grain farmer who decides to run a corn maze, or a hay farmer who adds some custom farming may need additional coverage.
That’s why it’s so important to keep your insurance agent advised of both current and planned changes in your farm activities.
“It’s also a good idea to have your agent update the values on your policy,” Hillard advised. “With the roller coaster volatility we’ve seen in commodity pricing over the last few years, there is a good chance that your inventory may be either over or under insured.”
Building costs for repairs or new construction also need to be considered, along with any major new purchases. If you’ve bought a new diamond ring for your spouse or a new shotgun for yourself, you’ll want to review your coverages with your agent.
Be sure to let your agent know about any major life changes, like marriage, divorce, death in the immediate family, or new income sources. All of these can alter your succession/estate plans which may need to be adjusted to meet your changing wishes.
The devastating tornadoes that are occurring with increasing frequency throughout the United States in recent years have made the message even more critical. Farmers with adequate insurance coverage are positioned to recover faster and more completely than those who are underinsured.
“Your insurance agent should be a trusted member of your team,” Hillard points out. “The more your agent knows about your operation, the better he or she is able to help protect you, your family, and your farm.”
Contact your local Nationwide agent, call 1-877-OnYourSide, or visit Nationwide’s website for Ohio Farm Bureau members.
Insurance Review Checklist
Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company recommends farmers meet with their insurance agent at least annually. These topics may be relevant for your discussion.
Your Home
Additions or improvements
New protective devices (smoke detectors/theft alarms/deadbolt locks)
New heating units (wood burning stove/fireplace insert)
New construction (garages/swimming pools/new fencing)
Household Contents
Major new purchases
Jewelry
Firearms
Furs
Silverware
Antiques or collectibles
Other
Farm Buildings
Review adequacy of values in light of changes in re-building costs.
New construction since last review
Planned construction in coming year
Additions or improvements to existing buildings
New storage units (bins, silos)
Farm Property
Review adequacy of inventory limits with your agent.
Additions or deletions of inventory (peak season coverage)
Planned new purchases during coming year
Significant changes in grain, livestock or commodity pricing
Operations
Changes in volume of sales or other business activity
New partnerships, joint ventures or other business affiliations
New acreage acquired
New acreage acquisitions planned
Additional business activities begun or planned
Boarding of horses or other animals
Numbers of employees – increases or decreases
Vehicles
Changes in vehicle ownership
New vehicles added
New drivers added
Life Circumstances
Discuss any changes in these areas.
Marriage
Divorce
Birth/adoption of children
Death of family members
Retirement/loss of job if employed off farm
Additional sources of income/inheritance