What to Know About Crop Hail Insurance During the Fall Season

As fall planting season rolls on, farmers face risks from unpredictable weather patterns and potential crop damage, especially from hail fire. For many, Crop Hail Insurance provides valuable peace of mind, offering financial protection against specific perils that can affect crops in the field. Here’s a closer look at Crop Hail Insurance and why it’s an essential consideration during the fall season.

What is Crop Hail Insurance?

Crop Hail Insurance is a unique policy that differs from multi-peril crop insurance. It provides specialized coverage for damage directly related to hailstorms and certain other risks, from the time your crop starts emerging until it reaches its first storage destination. Unlike broader crop insurance policies, Crop Hail Insurance can be added at almost any point during the growing season, making it a flexible choice for farmers.

Coverage Provided by a Crop Hail Policy

A Crop Hail policy is designed to address specific risks that can impact crop value and yield. Here’s what it typically covers:

• Hail Damage: The core of the policy is protection against hail, which can devastate fields and ruin crops in a matter of minutes.
• Fire Damage: Coverage includes not only natural fires but also those that result from equipment malfunctions that may damage crops either in the field or during harvesting.
• Transit Coverage: This extension covers crop transport to the first place of storage, up to 50 miles. Protection includes incidents like windstorms, collisions, overturns, and structural collapses (bridges, docks, and culverts).
• Fire Department Costs: If fire response is necessary, the policy can cover up to $250 in related expenses, alleviating some of the costs for emergency services.

Key Points to Keep in Mind

• Effective Date: It’s important to note that Crop Hail Insurance has a 48-hour waiting period from the time the policy is signed until it goes into effect. This waiting period is standard, so plan accordingly to ensure coverage before anticipated weather risks.
• Acreage Flexibility: Farmers have flexibility with Crop Hail Insurance; it’s not required to insure every acre of a particular crop within a county. This allows you to select the coverage that best aligns with your risk assessment and budget.
• Annual Policy Renewal: Unlike multi-peril crop insurance policies, which are continuous, Crop Hail Insurance requires renewal each year. Your agent will need to rewrite the policy annually, so be sure to check in to ensure you’re covered for the new season.

Why Consider Crop Hail Insurance This Fall?

As weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, having a safety net like Crop Hail Insurance can be a strategic choice. Protecting against unexpected hail damage and other risks can help you secure a return on your investment and mitigate the impact of unforeseen losses.

Whether you're looking to add coverage mid-season or prepare for next year, Crop Hail Insurance offers tailored protection that helps keep your farm and finances secure during harvest season.  

Farm Credit’s crop insurance agents are knowledgeable and prepared to help discuss coverage options to ensure your crops have the protection they need. Contact us today at 888.339.3334 or learn more here.