Irrigation Equipment Insurance

Standard farm insurance covers bore pump damage from external events such as fire, flood, lightning or theft. Internal mechanical or electrical breakdown is not covered unless you add an optional mechanical and electrical breakdown extension. Given the cost of pulling and replacing a bore pump, this extension is highly recommended for irrigated properties.

Yes. Storm and wind damage is a standard inclusion under most farm policies. However, insurers may require that the pivot is properly maintained and parked according to the manufacturer's recommendations during high wind events. Ensure your sum insured reflects the full replacement cost including installation and commissioning.

Yes. Underground pipelines, risers, valves and fittings can be listed under your irrigation infrastructure sum insured. The cover should include the cost of excavation, replacement of the pipe and backfill, not just the material cost of the pipe. This is a common area of underinsurance.

Yes. Drip tape, drip lines, micro-sprinklers, filters and fertigation equipment can be covered under your farm policy. Horticultural operations with extensive drip systems should ensure these are itemised with accurate replacement values, as the total cost of a drip system across a large orchard or vineyard can be substantial.

No. The physical damage to the pipe and the cost of repair are covered, but the value of the water lost through the burst is generally not. Similarly, crop losses resulting from the interruption to irrigation are not covered under the equipment policy. Business interruption cover may help with the resulting production loss.

Yes. Solar panels, inverters, batteries and the associated pumping equipment can all be listed under your irrigation infrastructure or farm contents section. Given the value of solar installations, ensure the sum insured includes panels, mounting frames, wiring, inverters and installation costs.

Major farm insurers offering irrigation equipment cover include WFI, QBE, CGU, Elders Insurance, Zurich and Hollard. Cover structures vary, particularly around mechanical breakdown availability and sub-limits for specific equipment types. At Shielded, we compare options across these insurers to find the best cover for your irrigation infrastructure.

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.