Farm coverage for leased farmland

Farming leased land still comes with big responsibilities and real financial risk. Even if you don’t own the acreage, you may own the tools, equipment, and supplies that keep your operation moving.

Choosing insurance tailored to your needs will help protect what you’ve built so you can focus on the day-to-day work of running the farm.

What land-leasing farmers should know about insurance

As a land-leasing farmer, getting the right coverage can feel a bit more complicated than it does for landowners. That’s because your lease agreement often determines what you—and the landowner—are responsible for.

If your lease requires you to carry your own farm insurance policy, here are a few key ideas to understand and discuss with your agent:

1. 1. Your farm personal property may need its own protection. When you’re leasing farmland, you may need coverage for the personal property you use and store on that rented land. Think about items such as:
   • tools and equipment
   • office equipment
   • spare parts or supplies stored in a rented shed
   Depending on your needs, this may involve adding a personal property endorsement to your policy.
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3. 2. Medical expense coverage can help with certain injuries. Accidents happen, especially around equipment. Some farm liability policies include medical expense insurance that may help pay medical bills for certain injuries to guests or others. Ask your agent what your policy includes and who qualifies.
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5. Note: Your employees are not covered under this type of policy.
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7. 3. Stolen items may be covered. If a theft of your equipment or other items occurs, and the event qualifies as a covered loss, your policy may help protect you up to your coverage limits.
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Liability insurance is necessary for farmers

Farm work is hands on, busy, and unpredictable. And if you’re operating as a land-leasing farmer with employees, visitors, or customers on site, the right liability protection matters.

An additional farm/ranch umbrella liability policy may provide extra protection beyond standard liability coverage limits. If a large, unexpected claim is made against you, it could help financially safeguard your operation.

Here are a few ways farm umbrella liability insurance may help:

Coverage can be customized. Umbrella liability coverage is designed to broaden your protection when a claim is larger than what your underlying policy covers. You can choose coverage limits and options to help ensure your investments are protected. Umbrella coverage is often available in $1 million increments but check with your agent because limits vary by state and eligibility.

Protection can go beyond existing liability coverage. If the unexpected happens—like a serious injury or a lawsuit—umbrella coverage may help provide added financial support beyond your base liability limits.

It can help in certain property damage situations. If you accidentally damage your landlord’s buildings or structures, a farm policy may help cover the loss. The same may be true for smoke and fire damage caused by negligence on the part of you or a guest.

It’s a good idea to confirm expectations in your lease and then review them with your insurance agent to ensure your coverage matches your responsibilities.

You can specify who’s protected. Depending on the policy, you may be able to add additional insureds or additional interests, such as a landlord.

You can get broad coverage when you need it most. Umbrella policies may help cover liabilities related to:

• physical injuries to others
• damage to others’ property
• certain personal injury situations, such as privacy violations or defamation

Coverage can travel with you. Farming doesn’t always stay on the farm. If a covered incident happens away from your premises, umbrella liability may help, subject to policy terms and exclusions.

Ready to talk through your lease and your coverage?

Finding the right insurance for leased farmland doesn’t have to be complicated. Connect with your local American Family Insurance agent to build a plan that fits your farm operation and the responsibilities outlined in your lease.

This information represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Exclusions may apply to policies, endorsements, or riders. Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agent for assistance.