1. Decide what kind of cover you need
First of all you will need to decide the type of farm insurance cover you need. It’s more than likely that you will want to ensure everything on your farm is covered, from your livestock to your vehicles and your home to ensure you are protected in the event of an unexpected event.
At AXA, we offer Farm Insurance or tractor only insurance. Once you have chosen your policy type, you can then customise it to ensure your needs are covered.
2. Look at the level of public liability offered
This is probably one of the most important elements of farm insurance cover you need to consider. Public liability is your legal responsibility for accidental injury to anyone and loss and damage to material property. At AXA, we offer public liability cover of €6.5 million.
3. Look at the level of employers liability covered
If you have paid workers or family members who help out on your farm from time-to-time, you’ll want to be sure you’re protected if there’s ever an unexpected accident on your farm. Employers Liability covers you for the costs and expenses of claimants you’re legally liable for and other costs incurred.
4. Consider cover for your farm vehicles
Protection for the vehicles you use to get around your farm isn’t a given with all insurance policies. If you have a tractor, trailer or any other agriculture vehicle that you depend on, consider the type of cover you need for it, like third party, fire and theft, or comprehensive cover.
5. Protect your livestock
Consider what level of protection you need for your livestock. There are lots of options you can avail to protect them and cover you if something goes wrong. Consider fatal injury protection, which offers protections in the event of fire, lightning or explosion. You can also add theft of livestock, and sheep worrying as optional extras.
6. Protect yourself against theft
Unfortunately, theft happens. Your equipment is not only your livelihood, but it’s expensive to replace. Make sure your policy gives you all-risks cover for your agriculture equipment so in the case of theft, fire or accidental damage, you won’t be left out-of-pocket. In addition, you can protect yourself against theft of diesel and theft of tools in the case of a robbery.
7. Protect your health
No one wants to think about it, but the farm wouldn’t function the same without you. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re covered for personal accident and hospitalisation cover in case of serious injury or death.
8. Protect the roof over your head
While you’ll want to protect your livelihood by insuring your livestock, equipment and vehicles, consider a policy that protects the home you live in, too. A policy that protects your farm-dwelling house will not only insure the building, but also the home contents and business contents that are integral to keep you going.
9. Make it easy on yourself
When you’re looking for a good insurance policy, you want to make sure you’re getting the most straight-forward cover at the best price. For example, AXA won’t ask you to break down between hay and straw, or between agricultural products and implements and utensils; you just have to provide a single figure to cover all the contents in your outbuildings. When you take out a policy with an insurer that just wants to help you get on with your work, you get more time to do the things you care about.
10. Go with a company you trust
When it comes to finding the right insurance policy for your needs, you’ll want to make sure you’re with the right company to protect your most important property and possessions. This is where the help of a trusted company can help. AXA Farm Insurance have a dedicated farm specialist team, based in Athlone, who are available to help you and answer any questions you have. You can reach them on 090 643 5070 or by requesting a callback.
