Important - Claims & Appraisals
Most producers have been there before. No matter what you do during the growing season, sometimes Mother Nature just will not cooperate, and you are anticipating your yields may fall below your guarantee. Obviously, this is not the situation you would like to be in, but that is why you purchased crop insurance to begin with. If you do find yourself in a claims situation, there are some important things to remember that can help the process go more smoothly.
Insurance coverage generally begins at time of application or time of planting, whichever is later. The end of the insurance period is the earlier of destruction of the crop, final harvest of the crop, abandonment of the crop, or the end of the insurance period (October 31 for wheat). It is the insured’s responsibility to notify the insurance company within 72 hours of the initial discovery of the damage or production loss, but no later than 15 days after the end of the insurance period, even if the crop has not been harvested.
A phone call to your crop insurance specialist can start the process but needs to be followed up in writing with a text or email.
If you have a revenue protection policy and have a claim based on strictly price, the insurance company must be notified within 45 days of the harvest price announcement for the crop. The Risk Management Agency (RMA) is enforcing these rules and have been known to decline late filed claim requests and have even requested repayment from an insured for paid claims that were improperly filed.
Remembering these key points will help avoid any problems with your claim and make the process go that much smoother. As always, if you have questions based on what you have read, please contact your crop insurance specialist and they will be able to help you out.
Claim Checks / Indemnity Payments
Did you know if you have a claim that results in an indemnity payment, you can have it direct deposited into your bank account? Do not wait on the mail to receive your money. Have it direct deposited on the same day your claim is finalized. Contact your crop insurance specialist for details on how to take advantage of the opportunity.
Organic Crops
As a reminder, RMA now requires all insured organic certified producers to provide a copy of their organic crop plan and organic certificate to their agent before the acreage reporting date.
Acreage Reports
The earlier we get started on reporting your planted crop acres, the earlier we can process your reports and return for your review. It is the customer’s responsibility to report the crop that was planted in each section, the planting date, and your percent share of that crop. Reporting your crop accurately and double checking everything on the Schedule of Insurance is especially important. Corrections or changes cannot be made after the July 15 reporting deadline.
You do not need to report to Farm Service Agency (FSA) before reporting your planted acres to your crop insurance specialist. If you use precision planting technology, we can save you time reporting acres. Contact your local GreenStone crop insurance specialist if you would like assistance.
2025 Fall Wheat & Forage Claims
Appraisals are required when a customer plans to do something with the crop other than harvest in the normal manner. If you do not plan to take your wheat/forage crop to harvest, we must appraise the acres prior to destruction.
1st Crop/2nd Crop
If you are planning on possibly removing a first crop to plant a second, make sure you contact your crop insurance specialist before doing so. You could potentially be eligible for a claim, but you may forfeit that eligibility if you act before contacting your agent to discuss your options!
Enterprise Units Structure
The added subsidy on the enterprise unit structure makes it an affordable option for many producers. The downside is, if you do not end up planting the required acreage, your policy can revert to a basic unit structure and your premium could increase substantially. There are two requirements to qualify for enterprise units:
You must farm in two or more separate sections.
AND
At least 20 acres, or 20% of your individual crop acreage, whichever is less, must be planted in that second section.
Adverse spring weather has the potential to cause prevented planting which could take some producers out of enterprise unit eligibility. Make sure to contact your crop insurance specialist if you anticipate any issues with meeting the enterprise unit requirements.
To view the spring 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.
