Farm and ranch owners rely on many things to keep their property and business safe, and having the right coverage is one of them. Really, farms and ranches have tons of different pieces that need protection in order to keep the business’s operations running smoothly. That’s why having the right farm and ranch insurance is so important.

From equipment to employees and more, all these components of farms and ranches must be considered ahead of time. Fortunately, a South Carolina independent insurance agent can help you find the right type of farm and ranch insurance to cover all these aspects of your business against numerous risks. But for starters, here’s a breakdown of this coverage.

What Is Farm and Ranch Insurance in South Carolina?

Farm and ranch insurance in South Carolina is essentially a special type of business owners policy amended to meet the needs of farm and ranch owners. Farm and ranch insurance policies provide important coverage for property, legal issues, employees, and livestock. Numerous perils that could affect farms and ranches are included in this coverage, from fire to disease and beyond.

What Are the Biggest Threats to Farms and Ranches in South Carolina?

When shopping for coverage for your farm or ranch, it’s helpful to know the biggest threats to these businesses. Check out some of the most common claims filed by farms and ranches to better anticipate the coverage your business will require

Top 10 farm and ranch insurance claims

1. Work vehicle accidents
2. Employee disability or death
3. Misapplication of chemicals or chemical drift
4. Slips, falls, and other injuries
5. Food-related incidents
6. Animal bites and other damage
7. Glass breakage
8. Windstorm damage
9. Lightning and hail damage
10. Fire damage

A South Carolina independent insurance agent can help your farm or ranch get adequate coverage against these common disasters and more.

What Does Farm and Ranch Insurance Cover in South Carolina?

Farm and ranch insurance in South Carolina is a convenient package of policies designed to cover many aspects of farms and ranches. With the help of your South Carolina independent insurance agent, you’ll assemble a farm and ranch insurance package that meets all of your specific needs.

The main aspects of coverage provided by farm and ranch insurance include:

• Property coverage: Including protection for your farm or ranch’s specialty equipment and machinery, buildings, fencing, tools, and more. Covered perils include fire, various natural disasters, theft, and more.
• Livestock coverage: Your farm or ranch’s sheep, cattle, swine, horses, goats, mules, etc. need protection against numerous threats, including disease outbreaks.
• Liability coverage: Legal protection is also important. Liability insurance provided by farm and ranch insurance policies protects you against lawsuits filed by third parties for bodily injury or property damage sustained on your business premises.
• Crop insurance: Farm and ranch packages often include coverage for your crops, too. Crop insurance protects against many threats, including freezing temperatures and flooding.

Optional add-on coverages to a farm and ranch policy include:

• Commercial auto insurance: Commercial auto insurance is important to protect your farm or ranch’s vehicles, since a regular auto insurance policy will not protect business vehicles. This coverage protects work vehicles from many hazards, including liability claims if any of your drivers get involved in an accident, vandalism, and more.
• Worker's compensation: Though South Carolina does not require agricultural employers to provide worker's compensation for their team, it’s still important to protect your workers from injuries and more on the job.

Your South Carolina independent insurance agent will help you assemble a farm and ranch insurance package that covers all areas of concern for your unique business.

What Doesn't Farm and Ranch Insurance Cover in South Carolina?

Farm and ranch insurance in South Carolina offers a lot of important coverages, but it also comes with a list of exclusions. According to insurance expert Paul Martin, common exclusions in farm and ranch policies across the map include:

• Insect damage or infestations
• Maintenance-related losses
• Owner neglect of property and equipment
• Nuclear fallout or war damage
• Earthquake damage
• Flood damage

Since your farm or ranch is located in the coastal state of South Carolina, it’s important to consider adding a separate flood insurance policy to your coverage. Your South Carolina independent insurance agent can help you find a policy that works for your farm or ranch.

How Much Does Farm and Ranch Insurance Cost in South Carolina?

Though it’s hard to provide an exact estimate, know that several factors influence the cost of a farm and ranch insurance policy in South Carolina. While two similar policies may be priced differently, some of the most common aspects of your farm or ranch that determine the cost of farm and ranch insurance include:

• Annual profits
• Size and exact location
• Amount and value of livestock
• Amount and value of inventory
• Additional insured structures
• Equipment and its specific uses*

*Martin notes that in order to get your farm or ranch the coverage you really need, the most important thing to do is be honest with your South Carolina independent insurance agent about the exact operations that take place, including the equipment you have and its specific uses.

Keep in mind that farms and ranches located along the Atlantic Coast or in major cities like Charleston often pay more for their coverage due to the increased risk of threats like hurricanes and vandalism. Your South Carolina independent insurance agent can help you find exact quotes for coverage in your area.

Here’s How a South Carolina Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

When it comes to protecting farms and ranches against risks like natural disasters, fire, and all other perils, no one’s better equipped to help than an independent insurance agent. South Carolina independent insurance agents search through multiple carriers to find providers who specialize in farm and ranch insurance, deliver quotes from a number of different sources, and help you walk through them all to find the best blend of coverage and cost.