Bushfire Insurance for Farms

Yes, though options may be more limited and premiums higher. Some mainstream insurers decline BAL-FZ properties, but specialist rural insurers and Lloyd's markets can often provide cover. Working with a broker like Shielded gives you access to a wider range of options than going direct to a single insurer.

Yes. Most farm policies include fencing cover for bushfire damage. However, fencing is frequently subject to sub-limits that may be well below the actual replacement cost, particularly for properties with extensive fencing networks. Review your fencing sub-limits and per-kilometre caps annually.

Yes. Livestock mortality from bushfire is covered under most farm package policies and standalone livestock insurance. The payout is based on the declared or agreed value of the animals. Ensure your stock numbers and values are kept up to date, as underinsurance is common in livestock sections.

Some farm policies include a provision for emergency agistment and fodder costs when pasture is destroyed by an insured event like bushfire. This is usually subject to a sub-limit and time restriction (for example, up to $50,000 for a maximum of 12 weeks). Check your policy for these provisions.

Many farm policies apply a separate bushfire excess that is higher than the standard excess. For example, your general excess might be $500, but the bushfire excess could be $2,500 to $10,000 or more depending on your BAL rating and insurer. The bushfire excess is the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurer covers the rest of the claim.

You should review sums insured annually regardless of fire season. After major bushfire events, construction costs and contractor rates often spike due to high demand. Fencing contractors, builders and materials suppliers increase prices when demand outstrips supply. Updating your sums insured after each fire season ensures you are not caught short.

WFI, Elders Insurance, QBE, CGU, Zurich and Hollard all offer farm insurance that includes bushfire cover, but their pricing and appetite for high-risk properties varies significantly. At Shielded, we compare options across our panel to find the most competitive terms for your specific bushfire risk profile.

Australian farm insurance typically includes cover for farm buildings and structures, contents and machinery, livestock, crops, public liability, farm motor vehicles, and business interruption. Most insurers offer a farm package policy that bundles these covers together. At Shielded, we compare packages from insurers like WFI, Elders, QBE, CGU, Zurich, Hollard and others to find the right combination for your operation.

Farm insurance premiums vary significantly based on property value, location, farm type, and the covers selected. A basic hobby farm package may cost $1,500 to $4,000 per year, while a large broadacre or cattle operation could range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more. Factors like bushfire or flood risk zones, claims history, and the value of machinery and livestock all affect pricing. Request a free quote through Shielded for an accurate indication.

Crop insurance is usually an optional add-on to a standard farm package, not included by default. It protects against losses from hail, frost, fire, flood and other weather events that affect crop yield and quality. Multi-peril crop insurance (MPCI) provides broader cover but is priced based on your specific crop type, location and historical yields.

Most comprehensive farm insurance policies include cover for bushfire, storm and flood damage to buildings, contents, machinery and fencing. However, coverage limits and excesses can vary significantly depending on your property's risk rating. Properties in high-risk bushfire or flood zones may face higher premiums or specific excess levels. It is important to review your policy details and sum insured amounts regularly.

Farm liability insurance (also called public liability) protects you against claims for bodily injury or property damage caused by your farming operations. If a visitor, contractor or neighbour is injured on your property, or your livestock escape and cause damage, liability cover pays for legal costs and compensation. Most farm package policies include $10M to $20M of public liability cover as standard.

Farm machinery and equipment are typically covered under the contents and machinery section of a farm package policy. However, high-value items like harvesters, headers, tractors and irrigation equipment should be individually listed with accurate sum insured values. Portable equipment and items used away from the property may need additional cover. Review your sums insured annually as replacement costs increase.

Contact us at Shielded Insurance on 1800 97 98 99 or reach out to your insurer directly. We recommend notifying us as soon as possible after a loss event, documenting the damage with photos, and keeping records of all related expenses. Our team will guide you through the claims process.

Yes. Hobby farms and lifestyle properties can be insured under specialist rural property policies or scaled-down farm packages. These policies typically cover the dwelling, sheds and outbuildings, fencing, a small number of livestock, hobby machinery and public liability. Insurers like CGU, WFI and QBE all offer hobby farm products. Premiums are generally lower than commercial farm policies.

We compare farm insurance quotes from a wide panel of Australian rural insurers including WFI, Elders Insurance, QBE, CGU, Zurich, Hollard, Nutrien Ag Solutions and others. The best insurer for your situation depends on your farm type, location, and the specific covers you need. As brokers, we do the comparison work for you.

Review your farm insurance annually at renewal, or whenever there are significant changes to your operation - such as purchasing new machinery, building new structures, expanding acreage, adding livestock, or changing your farming activities. Building costs and machinery replacement values increase over time, so keeping your sums insured up to date is essential to avoid being underinsured at claim time.