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Insurance Tips for Farm Owners

​​​​​​​​​​Last Updated: July 23, 2024​

Printable version of publication: Insurance Tips for Farm Owners​


​A farmowners insurance​ policy​ resembles a homeowners policy in many ways. Whether a claim​ is covered or not and for how much will depend on the policy language and the coverage​ you purchased.
 
Review your policy contract and the declarations page​ to verify coverages and limits. Crops, livestock, and farm equipment are usually insured under separate policies. Check with your agent to make sure your entire farm operation is adequately insured. 

Additional Tips and Resources

  • ​Homeowners, farm, and ranch policies generally do not provide coverage​ for damage caused by flooding.

  • Always notify your insurance agent or insurance company representative of any losses as soon as possible.

  • The claim​ process may begin in one of two ways:
    • Your insurance company may send you a claim form known as a “proof of loss form” to complete
    • An adjuster may visit your home before you are asked to fill out any forms.
  • Make temporary repairs to protect property from further damage. Keep receipts for the temporary repairs and, take photos showing what the damage looked like prior to repairs. Include this information with your insurance claim. Permanent repairs must wait until the insurance adjuster has had a chance to assess the damage.

  • Identify the structural damage to your home and other buildings on your premises, like your garage or tool shed. Make a list of everything you would like to show the adjuster when he or she arrives, for example, cracks in the walls, damage to the floor or ceiling, and missing roof tiles.

  • Consider creating a folder of all claim-related information and contacts – including a log of phone calls and emails.

  • Make copies of all your documents and send the copies with your claim. If you are required to send the original, keep a copy for your records.

  • As the rebuilding process proceeds, contact your insurance adjuster again if you find additional damage you did not notice before or if you have additional information.

  • If you have a specific complaint​​ about your insurance and do not receive satisfactory answers from your company, you may file a complaint with the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI). Visit oci.wi.gov/Compla​ints​​ to file a complaint online or download the complaint form to mail or fax.​
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  • OCI consumer publications that may be useful:

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The following carriers indicate they offer farm owners coverage as of the time of publication of the most recent Wisconsin Insurance Report:

  1. Rural Mutual Insurance Co

  2. American Family Mutual Insurance Co

  3. Secura Insurance Co

  4. Hastings Mutual Insurance Co

  5. Mt Morris Mutual Insurance Co

  6. State Farm Fire & Casualty Co

  7. Wisconsin Mutual Insurance Co

  8. American Family Insurance Co

  9. McMillan-Warner Mutual Insurance Co

  10. Auto-Owners Insurance Co

  11. Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Co

  12. Owners Insurance Co

  13. Mutual of Wausau Insurance Corp

  14. Wilson Mutual Insurance Co

  15. Maple Valley Mutual Insurance Co

  16. Germantown Mutual Insurance Co

  17. United Mutual Insurance Co

  18. Westfield Insurance Co

  19. Eagle Point Mutual Insurance Co

  20. Rockford Mutual Insurance Co

  21. Homestead Mutual Insurance Co

  22. State Automobile Mutual Insurance Co

  23. Forward Mutual Insurance Co

  24. StarNet Insurance Co

  25. Travelers Indemnity Co of America​

  26. North Star Mutual Insurance Co

  27. Indemnity Insurance Co of North America

  28. Atlantic States Insurance Co

  29. Markel Insurance Co

  30. American Fire & Casualty Co