If you live on an acreage or a farm it’s important that it’s properly protected. A hobby farm is generally a property where you have livestock or agriculture but may not generate much – or any – income. Hobby farm insurance is specially tailored to protect these properties. This article will explain what’s covered the difference between hobby farm insurance and regular farm and home insurance if you need this protection and how you insure a hobby farm.
What’s covered by hobby farm insurance?
Hobby farm insurance may cover the following:
- A home and its belongings
- Outbuildings
- Machinery and equipment
- Livestock
- Produce (vegetables grain et cetera)
- Loss of income
- Fire department charges
- Farm liability – if someone gets hurt on your hobby farm you may be financially protected
Exactly what’s covered will depend on your insurance company and individual policy. There is often optional add-on coverage (called endorsements) that can extend your protection.
What’s the difference between hobby farm insurance and regular farm insurance?
Hobby farm insurance is different from regular farm insurance for a few reasons:
Hobby farm insurance will be more limited than regular farm insurance to reflect the fact it’s not a full income-generating working farm. It’s important to discuss your business and farm with your broker to ensure you get the right coverage for your needs.
What’s the difference between hobby farm insurance and regular home insurance?
Hobby farm insurance is different from regular home insurance for a few reasons. Hobby farm insurance includes:
Regular home insurance would not likely include coverage for any of the above.
Do I need hobby farm insurance?
If you live on an acreage or a farm and engage in agriculture or have livestock (whether for profit or not) you may need hobby farm insurance. It may also be useful if you own farm machinery.
How do I insure my hobby farm?
The first step to insuring a hobby farm is to speak with your broker. They’ll ask you about:
- The home on the property including:
- The building construction of the home
- The roof’s age and type
- The home’s plumbing electrical and heating system
- The contents of the home
- The outbuildings on the property including:
- The building construction
- The roof’s age and type
- The plumbing electrical and heating systems
- What the building is used for or what it stores
- The machinery or equipment you own including:
- What it’s used for
- It’s replacement cost
- If there is any other specialty equipment that needs to be protected (such as tack veterinary equipment fencing and more)
- What type of agricultural or livestock activities you engage in
- The geographical location of the farm including:
- The nearest fire station
- Proximity to any risks such as a river
- Any security or damage mitigation such as fire suppression sump pumps and alarms
- The details of any business operations including h ow much income you generate from the hobby farm
You may also be asked for photos of your hobby farm. Your insurance broker will get your quotes for hobby farm insurance and advise you on the coverage you need. They can answer your questions and explain your policy too.
A farm even a hobby farm is like any other business. People can get hurt damage can occur and especially if you’re selling any sort of products you want to make sure any risks are accounted for. Getting liability coverage makes sense. And again an insurance broker experienced in these types of hobby farm scenarios is a great place to start! They can help you choose the best hobby farm insurance policy for you.
