Florida Agricultural Insurance Policies & Claims

Agricultural Insurance Policies

These policies are insurance products designed to protect farmers and their crops, livestock, and other agricultural assets from financial losses due to unforeseen events such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or market fluctuations. These policies typically provide coverage for losses caused by events such as hurricanes, drought, flooding, hail, fire, and disease, as well as loss of income due to market fluctuations. The coverage and terms of these policies can vary depending on the type of agricultural operation and the specific risks involved. Some policies are also available through government-backed programs, which can help farmers access affordable coverage.

Agricultural Losses and Damages From Hurricane Ian

Damages to Florida’s agriculture from Hurricane Ian are estimated at over $1.9 billion. The category 4 storm was especially devastating to growers of citrus, vegetable and horticultural crops throughout the state of Florida.

As a farmer, your livelihood depends on the health and productivity of your land and crops. When a natural disaster such as a hurricane strikes, the damage can be devastating. Not only do you lose valuable crops and possibly equipment, but you also face uncertainty about how to move forward.

Fighting denied or underpaid crop insurance claims is a complex process. The insurance policies are long, ambiguous and confusing. To make things worse, the federal government has a heavy hand in the process, so don’t fight the system alone. An experienced attorney who specializes in agriculture insurance claims can help.

When it comes to filing a claim for crop damages from a hurricane, it’s important to work with an attorney who understands the unique challenges that farmers face. Your attorney should have a thorough understanding of the insurance policies that are available to farmers, as well as the process for filing a claim and negotiating with insurance companies.

The Steps Toward Receiving a Fair Settlement

One of the first steps in the process is to document the damage as thoroughly as possible. This includes taking photographs, videos and keeping detailed records of any damages to your land, crops and equipment. Your attorney can help you gather this information and present it in a way that maximizes your chances of receiving a fair settlement.

Another important consideration is timing. Many insurance policies have strict deadlines for filing claims, so it’s important to work with an attorney who can move quickly to ensure that your claim is filed on time.

In addition to helping you navigate the claims process, your attorney can also help you understand your rights and options if your claim is denied, delayed or underpaid. This may include appealing the decision or taking legal action against the insurance company. Many policies require that disputes be determined via arbitration or mediation.

We can help farmers with the arbitration, mediation or litigation of any crop insurance dispute. Some of the more common disputes are:

• An insurance company’s wrongful interpretation of the insurance policy
• An insurance company’s erroneous application of the insurance policy to the farmer’s situation
• A denied claim based on an allegation that the farmer did not follow “good farming practices”
• An insurance company’s “lowball” adjustment of the claim
• A wrongful termination of coverage (based on an alleged non-payment of premium, misrepresentation and other grounds)
• An assertion that the insurance company has overpaid a claim and wants some of its money back
• A wrongful calculation of the premium charged for getting coverage

Get The Expertise You Need On Your Side

Working with an experienced attorney who specializes in agriculture insurance claims can help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim and ensure that you receive the compensation you need to recover from a natural disaster.

If you are a farmer who has been impacted by Hurricane Ian and need help with your insurance claim, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have a wealth of experience in insurance claim disputes, and we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.