Farm Insurance :: Articles

What does Farm Insurance Cover?

What does farm insurance cover to protect against risks like fire and flood?

What does Farm Insurance Cover?

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Farming can be a risky enough business without unanticipated external pressures, but there are also many potential external hazards that can lead to financial loss, including fire, flood, theft, and damage to crops, livestock, and farm equipment. That is why it is important to have farm insurance to protect your livelihood. Read on for more about what farm insurance covers and how it can help protect you from financial ruin.

What is farm insurance?

Farm insurance is a type of property and casualty insurance that helps compensate you for damage or destruction caused by covered events. It can also help cover the cost of legal liability if someone is injured on your property or if you damage someone else’s property.

There are many different types of farm insurance policies, so it’s important to talk to a specialist farm insurance broker to find the one that’s right for you.

What does farm insurance cover?

Farm insurance can cover a variety of things, including:

- Buildings and structures

Farm Equipment Finance & Loans
Image for Farm Equipment Finance & LoansLooking for the best way to finance your Farm Equipment? Well, you need look no further! Simply submit our 2-minute business loan enquiry form … and we'll help get you qualified for the best rate Plant & Equipment loan available from our national panel of independent business finance brokers. We also have access to the best rates & options for Business Cashflow finance.

If your farm buildings and structures are damaged or destroyed by a covered event, your farm insurance policy can help pay to repair or rebuild them. This can include things like your house, barn, shed, and fencing.

- Farm equipment and machinery

If your farm equipment or machinery is damaged or destroyed by a covered event, farm insurance can help pay to repair or replace it. This can include things like tractors, plows, and combines.

- Livestock

If your livestock is killed or injured by a covered event, farm insurance can help pay for their medical treatment or replacement. This can include things like cows, pigs, chickens, and horses.

- Crops

If your crops are destroyed or damaged by a covered event, farm insurance can help pay to replant or harvest them. This can include things like fruit, vegatables, wheat, corn, and soybeans.

- Personal property

If your personal property is damaged or destroyed by a covered event, farm insurance can help pay to repair or replace it. This can include things like your clothes, furniture, and electronics.

- Public liability

If you’re found liable for damages to someone else’s property or person, farm insurance can help pay for the cost of their medical treatment or repairs. This can include things like damage to your neighbor’s fence or a visitor slipping and falling on your property. Public liability insurance can also be extended to include things like products liability which will provide important, additional protection for many farmers.

Do I need farm insurance?

If you own a farm and have a mortgage on it, you may be required to carry farm insurance by your lender. Even if you’re not required to carry farm insurance, it’s still a very good idea to have it. At the very minimum, you should have public liability insurance for your farm because, without it, a single claim from a neighbour, customer or supplier could mean financial ruin.

How much does farm insurance cost?

The cost of farm insurance depends on a variety of factors, including the value of your property, the type of coverage you need, and the deductible you choose. Farm insurance can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year. Many insurers offer monthly payment options, often interest-free. A specialist farm insurance broker will help you to compare rates and options from a range of insurers.

How can I get farm insurance in Australia?

You can get farm insurance in a number of ways:

  • Direct from an insurer offering farm insurance

Insurance companies offering farm insurance policies will typically offer an online service.

  • Through a specialist farm insurance broker

It’s a good idea to compare quotes from multiple sources to find the best rate, so using a broker will not only find you the best rate, but will save you considerable time in the process.

In Conclusion

Farm insurance is a type of property and casualty insurance that helps compensate you for damage or destruction caused by covered events. It can also help cover the cost of legal liability if someone is injured on your property or if you damage someone else’s property.

There are many different types of farm insurance policies, so it’s important to talk to a specialist farm insurance broker to find the one that’s right for you. Farm insurance can cover a variety of things, including buildings and structures, farm equipment and machinery, livestock, crops, personal property, and public liability.

If you own a farm, you may be required to carry farm insurance by your lender. Even if you’re not required to carry farm insurance, it’s still a good idea to have it in case of an emergency.

The cost of farm insurance depends on a variety of factors, including the value of your property, the type of coverage you need, and the deductible you choose. You can get farm insurance through a variety of insurance companies, farm insurance brokers - online and offline.

Talk to one of our specialisr farm insurance brokers to help compare quotes from multiple sources to find the best rates and options for your specific needs.

Published: Sunday, 9th Oct 2022
Author: Paige Estritori

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.


Insurance News

NRMA's Departure from Farm Insurance: What It Means for Australian Farmers
NRMA's Departure from Farm Insurance: What It Means for Australian Farmers
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant shift within the Australian insurance landscape, NRMA has announced its withdrawal from the farm insurance market, ceasing the sale of new policies as of July 1, 2025. This decision affects both Hobby Farm Insurance and Rural Farm Insurance offerings, leaving many farmers in search of alternative coverage options to safeguard their livelihoods. - read more
New Partnership Strengthens Risk Management in Australia's Protected Cropping Sector
New Partnership Strengthens Risk Management in Australia's Protected Cropping Sector
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Protected Cropping Australia (PCA) and Achmea Farm Insurance have announced a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering risk mitigation and resilience within Australia's protected cropping sector. This collaboration seeks to empower growers by providing tailored insurance solutions and promoting best practices in risk management. - read more
ABARES Report Highlights Insurance as a Key Tool for Managing Agricultural Risks
ABARES Report Highlights Insurance as a Key Tool for Managing Agricultural Risks
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has released a comprehensive report examining the role of insurance as a risk management tool for Australian farmers. The report emphasises that while insurance cannot protect against inevitable events like climate change, it can be instrumental in managing the variability and unpredictability inherent in farming. - read more
ABARES Forecasts Significant Decline in Australian Farm Profits
ABARES Forecasts Significant Decline in Australian Farm Profits
09 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has released a report forecasting a substantial decline in broadacre farm profits, projecting a 70% decrease to approximately $65,000 per farm. This downturn is attributed to escalating input costs and persistent drought conditions affecting various regions. - read more
Low Adoption of Cyber Insurance Among Australian Farmers
Low Adoption of Cyber Insurance Among Australian Farmers
09 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent research from WFI Insurance reveals that only 25% of Australian farmers are considering cyber insurance, despite approximately 80% of farms now utilising some form of agricultural technology (agri-tech). This disparity highlights a significant vulnerability within the sector, as increased digitisation exposes farms to potential cyber threats. - read more
Integrating Sustainability into Farm Risk Management Strategies
Integrating Sustainability into Farm Risk Management Strategies
09 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
In the face of increasing climate variability, Australian agriculture is shifting its approach by integrating sustainability into core risk management strategies. This evolution reflects a broader recognition that environmental stewardship is intrinsically linked to the resilience and long-term viability of farming operations. - read more

Farm Insurance Articles

Agribusiness Risk: Liability Issues Facing Australian Farmers Today
Agribusiness Risk: Liability Issues Facing Australian Farmers Today
The agricultural sector in Australia carves a significant portion of the country's economy, contributing to its GDP and providing employment across rural and suburban areas. Thus, navigating the complexities of agribusiness is not just a matter of crop cultivation and livestock management, but also of understanding the intricate web of liability risks that come with the terrain. - read more
Navigating Farm Succession: A Step-by-Step Guide for Rural Australian Families
Navigating Farm Succession: A Step-by-Step Guide for Rural Australian Families
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating farm succession for rural Australian families. The journey of passing on a family farm from one generation to the next is both a critical and challenging milestone. Recognizing that every farm has its unique story and set of circumstances is fundamental to the process. - read more
Income Protection for Farmers: Ensuring Stability Through Tough Times
Income Protection for Farmers: Ensuring Stability Through Tough Times
The world of farming is one filled with uncertainties. Weather conditions, market prices, and various other factors can create a highly volatile income stream for those within the agricultural sector. This unpredictability can lead to financial instability that impacts not only the farmers themselves but also their families and the larger rural community. - read more
The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Farm Insurance for Australian Farmers
The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Farm Insurance for Australian Farmers
Welcome to 'The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Farm Insurance for Australian Farmers.' As stewards of the vast Australian countryside, farmers face an array of unique challenges and risks. Every day, they grapple with the forces of nature, the volatility of the markets, and the complexities of modern agricultural operations. - read more
Top 10 Ways Australian Farmers Can Slash Insurance Costs Without Risking Coverage
Top 10 Ways Australian Farmers Can Slash Insurance Costs Without Risking Coverage
Welcome to our definitive guide for Australian farmers on managing one of the most crucial aspects of their business: insurance. As a cultivator of the land, you're no stranger to the unpredictability of nature and the market. From intense weather events to fluctuating market demands, your line of work comes with its unique set of risks. Hence, safeguarding your livelihood with the right insurance is not just important—it's essential. - read more
How to Choose the Right Farm Insurance Policy for Your Needs
How to Choose the Right Farm Insurance Policy for Your Needs
Farm insurance is a type of coverage designed specifically for the unique risks and operations involved in farming. It encompasses protection for farm dwellings, equipment, livestock, and crops, offering a tailored approach that reflects the diverse needs of farm owners. This coverage can help safeguard your livelihood against unforeseen events that could disrupt farm operations or result in significant financial losses. - read more

Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Farm Type:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.


Knowledgebase
Replacement Cost:
The amount it would cost to replace or rebuild an insured asset with one of similar kind and quality, without depreciation.