In a bid to personalise insurance covers, insurers acknowledge that people living in rural areas have unique needs that are quite different from those living in metropolitan areas. Rural insurance covers the property and businesses of people living in rural Australia. This guide discusses the various rural insurance covers and a few factors to consider when taking the coverage.
Types Of Rural Insurance
Below are some rural insurance covers:
Property Insurance
This insurance covers your home and its contents from perils such as fires, storms and theft. Read the insurer's terms to establish the risks and contents covered when taking this cover. For example, you should check if the policy covers subsidence and items in storage. Besides, check if the compensation is based on the item's current value or its replacement cost.
Farm Property Insurance
Farm property insurance covers farm machinery and equipment such as livestock, farm products (such as hay and fertiliser), and farm structures. Sometimes, the insurer will allow you to combine property and farm property insurance to reduce the premiums. However, you will need a different cover if your farm is a separate entity from your home.
Farm Liability Insurance
Farm liability insurance covers third parties who might suffer injuries or property damage while at your farm. For instance, imagine a case where a bull charged at a visitor and caused several injuries. Farm liability insurance premiums are based on the risk profile of your farm. Therefore, adopting certain safety practices can go a long way in keeping the premiums at a minimum.
Crop Insurance
What would happen if a flood washed away your crops? Crop insurance compensates you if your crops are damaged by weather, disease, drought and pests. The secret to using crop insurance is ensuring that you have adequate coverage. Therefore, keep harvest records and inform the insurance company of any changes you make at the farm. For example, you could increase the acreage or introduce new crops.
Considerations When Taking Rural Insurance
Consider these tips when taking rural insurance:
- Work with insurance companies that specialise in rural insurance. They more so comprehend the challenges and risks that farmers and rural people face.
- Inquire about the claims process and the percentage of claims paid in the previous years. It will help you determine the probability of getting compensated after an accident.
- Consider insurers that offer personalised services. For example, they could send regular newsletters and deploy agents to review your insurance.
- Be honest when applying for the various covers. For instance, you should inform the insurer about rising flood or pest risks in your locality.
Rural insurance is a sure way to protect your home and farm from the various perils. Consider the recommended tips as you apply for a cover. Contact a rural insurance provider near you to learn more.