Many different activities are routinely run out of homes. This discussion reviews aspects of particular operations. See part one for background information on coverage basics as well as the other parts discussing different businesses.
Farms and Ranches
The homeowners program can be endorsed to cover some aspects of hobby or “gentlemen” farms, including farm liability and livestock collision.
Farming for profit will require a Farm or Ranchowners policy. Farm and Ranchowners forms can cover your dwelling, barns, sheds, silos, cribs and other buildings, machinery and equipment, supplies, liability coverage, additional living expenses after a fire or other covered cause of loss; some policies can be endorsed for livestock mortality. Crop insurance is a federal program, but local farm insurance specialists can provide crop hail and crop damage coverage. Your agent should help you design an insurance program that meets your specific needs.
You may own property that previously was used as a farm. Farm insurers understand rural homesteads. You may find better protection from an agent and company who specializes in rural and farm property. If you have large barns or other outbuildings, you may need to increase other structures coverage under your homeowners insurance or convert coverage to a Farm or Ranchowners policy. If you lease land to others for grazing or crops or hunting, you will need to add separate liability coverage to your Home or Farmowners policy.
Workers compensation laws for agricultural employees vary in each state. Each state has special rules for hired hands and migrant workers. Even if you are not required to carry workers compensation coverage for a specific employee, you may still be responsible for any-work related injury to that employee.
Farm vehicles normally can be covered through a personal automobile policy. Incorporated farms may require a commercial automobile policy.
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