1. Do I need to have insurance by law?

It is not a requirement by law. But it is recommended that if you own a property, it is important to protect your assets with the appropriate cover.

2. Can I insure my farm buildings against storm damage?

Storm insurance is available on buildings, provided the building is sound structurally and well maintained when inspected.

3. What if someone has an accident on my farm?

If you own property or livestock, you have a liability and a duty of care to the public. If someone has an accident on your farm, a claim could be greater than the value of your farm. So it is important to have the correct cover.

4. Should I get personal accident insurance?

This type of cover can be important. This type of cover provides specified financial benefits to the farmer should they be involved in an accident. For cover to operate, the accident must be caused directly by accidental means. Examples would be injuries caused as a result of a vehicle or machinery accident.

5. What happens if my dog attacks sheep?

If you own a dog that strays and attacks sheep, public liability insurance will cover the damage caused. However, the person who has suffered the loss must prove it was your dog that caused the losses. In many instances, sheep farmers may not be able to prove whose dog carried out the attack. So, sheep farmers can insure their flocks against attacks.

6. Do I need insurance to drive a quad on the road?

Like all vehicles driven on the road, quads are subject to the Road Traffic Act and therefore require insurance when driven on the road. That means at the very minimum, they must be covered by third-party insurance.

7. What if my livestock stray on to another property?

Farmers can insure their livestock for injury while in transit or if they stray from the insured’s property.

8. Do I need a farm safety statement?

Under the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 2005, all employers and self-employed farmers must carry out a workplace risk assessment and write up a Safety Statement.