If you’re shopping around for a new farm insurance policy, you’ll want to get more cover for less.

Before you buy, ask yourself a few questions to make sure you’re getting everything you need and want.

1. Decide what kind of cover you need

Of course you want to ensure everything on your farm is protected; from your livestock to your vehicles and your home.

Some policies may have too much or not enough cover for your needs, while some companies offer a policy that’s the perfect fit.

2. Look at the level of public liability offered

This is probably one of the most important elements of cover you need to consider. The best public liability insurance covers your legal responsibility for accidental injury to anyone, or loss and damage to material property.

AXA offers a standard cover limit of €3 million, which is the highest level of standard cover on the market.

3. Look at the level of employers liability covered

If you have paid workers or family members who help out on your farm from time-to-time, you’ll want to be sure you’re protected if anything should happen.

Having employers liability covers you for the costs and expenses of claimants you’re legally liable for and other costs incurred.

4. Consider cover for your farm vehicles

Protection for the vehicles you use to get around your farm isn’t a given with all insurance policies. If you have a tractor, trailer or any other agriculture vehicle that you depend on, consider the type of cover you need for it, like third party, fire and theft, or comprehensive cover.

5. Protect your livestock

Consider what level of protection you need for your livestock. There are lots of things you can do to protect them, which will protect you should something go wrong.

Consider fatal injury protection, which protects in case of the following: fire; lightning or explosion; theft of livestock; and sheep worrying.

6. Protect yourself against theft

Unfortunately, theft happens. Your equipment is not only your livelihood, but it’s expensive to replace. Make sure your policy gives you all-risks cover for your agriculture equipment so in the case of theft, fire or accidental damage, you won’t be left out-of-pocket.

7. Protect your health

No one wants to think about it, but the farm wouldn’t function the same without you. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re covered for personal accident and hospitalisation cover in case of serious injury or death.

8. Protect the roof over your head

While you’ll want to protect your livelihood by insuring your livestock, equipment and vehicles, consider a policy that protects the home you live in too.

A policy that protects your farm-dwelling house will not only insure the building, but also the home contents and business contents that are integral to keep you going.

9. Make it easy on yourself

When you’re looking for a great insurance policy, you want to make sure you’re getting the most straight-forward cover at the best price.

When you take out a policy with an insurer that just wants to help you get on with your work, you have more time to do the things you care about.

10. Go with a company you trust

When it comes to finding the right insurance policy for your needs, you’ll want to make sure you’re with the right company to protect your most important property and possessions. This is where the help of a trusted company can help.

AXA Smart Farm Insurance has a dedicated farm specialist team, based in Athlone, who are available to help you and answer any questions you have. You can reach them on: 1890-247365 or visit the website [button link="https://www.axa.ie/farm-insurance/?utm_campaign=onlineadvertising_utm_source=agriland_native&utm_medium=ads_farm_ins&dclid=COCLt-_0j90CFemg7QodZKYEEQ"]by clicking here[/button]