Insurance

[Mark Cowdrey]

I’m not sure that this hasn’t been beat to death in another thread.

My place is currently covered through CO-OP Insurance Companies in Middlebury, VT. under a “mini-farm” policy. I recall that 2-3 years ago I asked if I would be covered for doing logging for other people and was told (as I recall) that as long as I did not have employees that I would. I checked with my agent again this week and was told that no, I would need a commercial policy for that. They are currently getting me a quote.

I am wondering how others handle this, particularly if anyone has successfully covered farm & logging under one general liability policy. Names of any agents who seem to really know their way around & are willing to advocate for the policy holder would also be appreciated.

Thanks.

Mark

[john plowden]

I have my commercial liability through my farm package with Farm Family Ins.

John

[Theloggerswife]

The information that you received recently is correct. Homeowners (Farm) policies excluded any business exposures. There are certain business exposures you could endorse onto the Co-op Farm Pac….such as hay rides, horse boarding, riding/driving lessons, etc…The rate for the endorsement is based on your gross receipts.

Unfortunately, most companies do not like to write logging exposures. I am not really sure why, because I have written coverage for about 8-10 different loggers and NO ONE has ever had a liability claim in 17 years. My husband has had a long time logging liability policy with Peerless for $1 million of liability coverage and it cost $500/year. Your Co-op agent won’t be able to write a Peerless policy for you. The Co-op regulates the agents where and who you can write business. A surplus lines quote will run you about $575/year for $300,000 of liability coverage.

Don’t blame your agent for what the Co-op won’t cover. I cannot advise you on what Farm Family will and will not write. It maybe worth a call to a local Farm Family Agent….Just make sure you are getting an agent that has a bit of farming knowledge. Unfortunately, some are book smart, common sense dumb, and don’t know a heifer from a bull or what a mower is versus a manure spreader!

Stepping off my insurance box now:rolleyes:…let me know if you have any further questions.

[Rick Alger]

I have a separate General Liability policy for logging. It costs around $500 a year and is required for some of the jobs I undertake. My agent is Kris Armstrong of WJ Cox Insurance in Keene, NH. She is very competent and helpful.

[Scott G]

Don’t overlook your State Logging Assoc. Often that is one of the primary reasons they exist is for a pooled insurance program. Liability is usually calculated on your annual gross. Without workcomp you can probably find yourself a very reasonable rate for liability alone, right in line with what folks have already mentioned.
-Scott

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