How Weather-Related Claims Work for Farmers: Protecting Your Crops and Equipment from the Elements

As a farmer in Eastern Washington, you know that weather can make or break a season. From early frost to sudden storms, protecting your crops and equipment from the elements is crucial. But when Mother Nature throws you a curveball, knowing how weather-related insurance claims work can save you time, stress, and money. Here’s a practical guide to understanding weather-related claims, so you’re prepared when the unexpected hits.

1. What Types of Weather Damage Are Covered?

The first thing to know is that not all weather-related damage is automatically covered. Farm insurance policies typically cover weather events like:

• Hail: Hail damage is one of the most common claims for crops and equipment.
• Windstorms: High winds can damage structures, knock over equipment, and even cause crop loss.
• Lightning: Lightning strikes can lead to fires or power surges that damage equipment.
• Fire: While fire might not be a direct weather event, it’s often caused by lightning or dry conditions, especially in hot summers.

Other weather events, like flooding, frost, or drought, may need additional or specific types of coverage.

Why It Matters: Understanding what’s covered helps you assess where your policy may need adjustments. Not every farm has the same risks, and your coverage should reflect the unique challenges your farm faces.

Tactical Tip: Make a list of the weather risks most likely to impact your operation (e.g., frost for orchards, hail for row crops). Discuss this with your broker to ensure each risk is adequately covered.

2. Are My Crops Covered Against Weather-Related Losses?

Unlike equipment or buildings, crop insurance often needs to be added as a separate policy. Crop insurance is a specialized type of coverage designed specifically to protect against crop loss due to weather. Policies may include coverage for events like drought, frost, or flooding, but these vary based on your farm’s location, crops, and specific risks.

Why It Matters: Losing a season’s worth of crops to unexpected weather can be financially devastating. Crop insurance helps protect your income if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.

Tactical Tip: Check that your crop insurance covers the weather events that pose the most risk in Eastern Washington, like frost in spring or drought during the hot months. This ensures you’re not left in a bind if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

3. Does My Equipment Insurance Cover Weather Damage?

Your equipment is one of your biggest investments, and protecting it from weather damage is key. Equipment insurance usually covers specific events like hail, lightning, and wind. However, be aware that some policies only cover the actual value of the equipment, which may be less than what it costs to replace or repair it.

Why It Matters: If your equipment is damaged during a storm, you’ll want to know you’re covered for the repair or replacement costs. Underinsuring your equipment can lead to financial strain if you have to pay out of pocket for a new machine.

Tactical Tip: Review your equipment insurance with your broker and confirm the coverage limits. If your equipment is essential for your operations, consider “replacement value” coverage to ensure you’re fully protected.

4. Are My Farm Buildings and Structures Protected?

Structures like barns, storage sheds, and greenhouses face unique weather risks. Most farm policies cover structural damage from windstorms, hail, and lightning. However, it’s important to verify the limits on coverage for each structure, as policies may vary based on the building’s purpose and location.

Why It Matters: If a storm hits, the last thing you want is to find out your coverage is limited. Rebuilding a barn or repairing damage can add up quickly.

Tactical Tip: Make a quick list of all structures on your farm and check that they’re included in your policy. Bring this to your broker to confirm that each building is covered for its full value.

5. How to File a Weather-Related Claim Quickly and Efficiently

When bad weather strikes, time is of the essence. Filing a claim quickly and efficiently can make a big difference in how fast you get the support you need.

Here’s a simple guide to filing a weather-related claim:

1. Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of all affected areas. The more detail, the better.
2. Contact Your Broker: Call as soon as you can. Many insurance companies have a deadline for reporting damage, so don’t delay.
3. Keep Records: Save any repair estimates, invoices, or receipts related to the damage. This paperwork helps streamline your claim process.

Why It Matters: Having documentation and following the claim process ensures a smoother experience and reduces the chances of delays.

Tactical Tip: Keep a claim checklist handy. Print one out and keep it in a safe place so you know exactly what to do if you ever need to file a weather-related claim.

6. Are There Preventative Measures That Help with Coverage?

Some insurance providers offer discounts or benefits for taking preventative steps to protect your farm. This could include adding windbreaks, reinforcing structures, or implementing frost protection for certain crops. Not only do these measures reduce your risk, but they can also make you a lower-risk policyholder in the eyes of your insurer.

Why It Matters: Prevention can reduce potential losses and may even lower your premiums. Small investments now could save you big down the road.

Tactical Tip: Ask your broker about any discounts for risk-reduction measures. They may be able to recommend specific actions based on your policy or help you find additional resources to protect your farm.

Final Thoughts for Eastern Washington Farmers

Weather is one of the biggest unknowns in farming, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave everything to chance. By understanding your weather-related coverage options and knowing how to file claims effectively, you can stay prepared no matter what the forecast says.

At DeLeon Insurance Services, we understand the unique weather challenges that come with farming in Eastern Washington. Whether it’s hail damage in summer or frost in the early spring, we’re here to help you find coverage that keeps your farm protected. Reach out today, and let’s make sure you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store.