Hobby farm insurance coverage guide

A hobby farm is often more of a lifestyle than a full-time business. But that doesn’t make it any less important to protect.

If you’ve invested a lot in your animals, crops, fencing, and equipment, it may be time to look beyond a standard homeowners policy and help protect what you’ve built with small or hobby farm insurance coverage.

Let’s take a closer look at this popular coverage.

Why hobby farms may need extra protection

Even if you farm “just for fun,” you may still have risks that a standard homeowners policy doesn’t cover, such as:

• livestock and feed
• outbuildings, fencing, and farm structures
• tractors, tools, and other equipment
• increased liability risk, especially if people visit your property

And hobby farming isn’t just for rural areas. People in the cities and suburbs are growing food, keeping chickens and bees, and building small-scale operations in urban settings where neighbor safety and shared spaces can make liability concerns even more important.

When homeowners insurance might not be enough

Some hobby-farm pursuits may fall under your homeowners insurance policy. But as your little farm grows and possibly earns money, you may want coverage designed for farm-related exposures.

Here are a few signs it’s time to take a closer look at a hobby farm insurance policy:

• You’ve purchased farm equipment, or plan to soon.
• You’re adding animals or expanding operations.
• You’ve built or upgraded outbuildings, like barns, sheds, and coops.
• Your hobby farm begins to earn money.
• You’re hosting visitors for things such as lessons, tours, farm stands, and pick-your-own events.

Selling goods? Consider product liability insurance.

If you start selling produce, eggs, honey, or products made from your farm, it’s smart to ask about product liability insurance. The simple reason is, once products leave your property, your risk can change. You’ll want to understand what coverage applies if someone claims they were harmed by something you sold.

A simple way to plan your coverage: Set goals

If you’re new to hobby farming, make a list of short-term and long-term goals. It can help you build at a pace that makes sense and create a foundation for success. It will also help your agent recommend coverage that fits what you’re doing today and planning for tomorrow.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to focus on animals, crops, or both?
• What do I want to add this year, and what can wait?
• Do I want to sell anything now or in the future?
• What equipment purchases should I plan for?

When you share these goals with your American Family Insurance agent, it’s easier to identify the coverage you need now, what milestones may require an update later, and where gaps might exist.

Keep your policy aligned with your farm

A routine insurance checkup is a great way to stay on top of your coverage, especially if you add animals, equipment, or new ways to use your property. Reach out to your American Family Insurance agent today to review your current coverage and talk through what may be on the horizon for your hobby farm.

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.