Remember These 4 Tips When Navigating a Potential Crop Insurance Claim

FBN Insurance

Sep 29, 2022

Harvest is well underway on most specialty crops out west which may mean it’s time to dig out your crop insurance paperwork. 2022 has been a challenging year between ongoing water scarcity issues and untimely freezes for many of our orchard crops.

These challenges have led to a much larger number of crop insurance claims being opened with carriers than the past few years. Here are a few key reminders while trying to navigate your potential claim:

1. Open the Claim

If there is ANY chance your production will fall below the insurance guarantee, be sure to inform your agent. Claims must be opened with the AIP prior to beginning harvest so an adjuster can inspect any damage. 

2. Work with the Adjuster

After the claim has been opened, work with the adjuster. It is their responsibility to inspect your crop prior to harvest. During their inspection they will verify that there has been weather related damage to the crop and estimate the extent of the damage.

Reach out to your agent if you’ve opened a claim but have not heard from the insurance company. They will be able to help you get in touch with the adjuster assigned to your claim. 

3. Provide Production

As soon as production records are available, provide them to your agent and adjuster working your claim. The sooner these records are handed off, the sooner your claim can be finalized and any potential indemnity paid out.

This is especially important this year due to the number of specialty crop claims opened across the western region. It will also allow your agent to get a head start reviewing your APH and developing a coverage plan for 2023. 

4. High Dollar Claims

A high dollar claim review is conducted when a crop claim exceeds $200,000 per crop, per county. This is a standard review to double check all of the production that you have turned into your agent. An adjuster will look at the most recent year of production history.

If there are no errors, they will stop there. If there are any discrepancies, they will ask for two more years of history. If your claim has the potential to exceed the $200,000 threshold be prepared to gather up those settlement sheets from 2019-2021 to expedite the process.

The main point to keep in mind when dealing with a potential crop insurance claim is that communication is key. Timely communication with your agent and adjuster will keep the process moving forward, avoid any unwanted surprises and ultimately settle your claim faster. 

Take control of your risk and gain greater peace of mind

Your FBN® Insurance agent can tailor a specialty crop insurance policy to meet the specific needs of your operation. Learn more about this program or connect with an agent by visiting the FBN Crop Insurance page or calling (877)-576-4468.


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We are an Equal Opportunity Provider. FBN Insurance services are offered by FBN Insurance LLC (dba FBN Insurance Solutions Services LLC in Texas, and FBN Insurance Solutions LLC in California and Michigan). FBN Crop Insurance is currently offered in all U.S. states.

FBN Insurance

Sep 29, 2022

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