Celia Gallup, Author at Idaho Farm Bureau Insurance Company

How to Protect Your Farm During Harvest Season

Posted on August 14, 2026August 12, 2026 by Celia Gallup

In order to protect your farm during harvest, it is essential to have a plan in place. While this time of year can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be if you have proper procedures and safeguards established. Making sure you have the right insurance coverage will also provide some peace of mind.

No matter the type of farm you run, every operation should have practices to protect you, your employees, your equipment, and your crops.

How to Protect You & Your Employees

The first step to making sure your harvest is successful is making sure you and your workers stay safe. Provide your employees with the proper training to use farm equipment safely and basic first aid training in case there is an accident.

Even though harvest time has a narrow window, no one is an effective employee if they are not properly fueled. Every worker should be given available time to:

Take breaks
Cool down in hot weather
Eat meals
Sleep

Without these essentials, you and your employees are more likely to make mistakes and put yourselves in danger.

It is also important to provide your employees with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when harvesting crops or working on machinery. This includes (but is not limited to):

Safety glasses
Goggles & face shields
Dust masks & respirators
Earmuffs & earplugs
Gloves
Closed-toed shoes & safety boots
Body suits

It is also a good idea to advise your employees to wear clothes that fit close to the body; baggy clothing can lead to dangerous exposure to machinery.

How to Protect Your Equipment

Many accidents with machinery are easily avoidable. Here are a few tips to protect both your equipment and you from harm while using it:

Whenever machinery is not being used, turn it off.
Do not unplug anything while the machine is still running.
Do not work on the machine while it is running.
Run regular maintenance checks.
Clean equipment regularly.

You also will likely move your equipment from one farm location to another throughout the harvest season. While driving large machinery on public roads, make sure you have the correct lighting and signage to alert surrounding drivers. Avoid traveling after sunset or at heavy traffic times to prevent mishap.

How to Protect Your Crops

The overarching goal of every harvest is to have an abundant yield. There are multiple ways to do this, starting with harvesting at the appropriate time and maturity of the crop. Make certain that you are educated on maturity standards for each of your crop types. See University of Idaho’s agricultural page to learn more about your specific crop.

A regular threat to harvest in Idaho is fire. Following appropriate fire prevention procedures with harvesting equipment could save you and your farm from dangerous and expensive emergencies. It is always a smart move to:

Park in a shed each day after harvesting if possible; if parking in the field, avoid parking on or near dry vegetation.
Blow leaves, chaff, and plant materials from engine area.
Prior to refueling, turn off the machine and wait for 15 minutes to reduce the risk of spilled fuel igniting.
Keep a fire extinguisher in the cab of your machine.
Keep your phone handy in case of a fire.

Once harvest is completed, make sure you are storing your crop appropriately as well. Again, the type of storage you use depends on the needs of individual crops, and University of Idaho can help you learn more about how to be effective with each crop’s storage.

Do You Have the Right Coverage?

Having the right insurance coverage can also give you peace of mind during harvest season. Your equipment, acreage, buildings, and employees should be listed on your farm policy properly to protect you against the unexpected.

If you have questions about what is and is not covered on your farm, talk to your insurance agent. Your agent can review your policy with you and change anything that is no longer current.

Real-Life Example: How Farm Insurance Can Help

Imagine that while you are harvesting barley on a hot afternoon, chaff accumulates around the combine’s engine compartment. The engine overheats, and a small fire starts. The fire spreads quickly across the dry vegetation, and it burns up the combine.

When you file a claim with your insurance, your coverage may help pay for:

Repair or replacement of the damaged combine
Damage to the barley crop
Damage to nearby farm property, such as fences, buildings, etc.

Coverage depends on what items are listed on your policy for property, limits, and covered perils. This is one reason why you should make sure your policy is regularly updated with all your current property. Check that your limits are appropriate to the worth of your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

If my renewal has already passed, can I add equipment to my policy?

Yes. Equipment can be added or removed from the policy at any point in the policy period with the help of your agent.

Does my policy cover equipment breakdown?

Possibly. It depends on whether the equipment is heavy machinery, refrigeration systems, pivots, wheel lines, or other equipment. Mobile machinery breakdown is often not covered, but other types of mechanical malfunctions are.

Is my rented harvesting equipment covered?

It could be! This equipment can be added to your policy when you are using it and removed when you no longer need it covered.

If my employee is injured on the job, could they come after me?

Possibly. Injured employees are generally entitled to benefits under state worker’s compensation laws. You should ensure that your employees are properly covered under a worker’s compensation policy to provide the best protection in case of an employee injury. Many insurance policies exclude employee injuries from coverage under liability policies. You should review your policy to ensure you have the right coverage for non-employee injuries.

Could my agent come out to my farm to tell me what coverage I need?

Absolutely! Our agents often travel to farm sites in order to tour farm properties with customers, and this helps them get firsthand perspective on the personalized coverage that you may need.

Final Takeaway

While there are many moving parts of the harvesting process, your insurance doesn’t have to be one of them. We are here to provide financial peace of mind where you can rest assured that if the worst should happen, you have a plan already in place.

A local agent can help to ensure that your policy is ready for this season’s harvest. Contact us today to get your coverage reviewed.

External Resources: University of Idaho: Publications

Disclaimer: The information included here is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts.

What Happens if Someone Is Injured on Your Property?

Posted on July 13, 2026July 13, 2026 by Celia Gallup

Homeowners insurance may help cover medical expenses, legal costs, or settlements if someone is injured on your property and you are found legally responsible. This protection is typically provided through the liability portion of your homeowners policy, though coverage depends on the circumstances of the injury and the details of your policy.

Whether it’s a guest, neighbor, delivery driver, or contractor, knowing how your policy responds can help you avoid surprises after an accident.

What Should You Do If Someone Is Hurt on Your Property?

If someone is injured on your property, your first priority should be making sure they receive appropriate medical attention.

Once the immediate situation is under control, it can be helpful to:

Document the scene with photos showing the original condition and alleged cause of the accident whenever practical.
Check any doorbell cameras or security systems for video of the incident and save a copy.
Gather contact information from anyone involved or who witnessed the incident.
Report the situation to your insurance company.
Avoid admitting fault before the circumstances have been reviewed.

Even if the injury seems minor at first, notifying your insurance company early can help preserve important details and make the claims process smoother if questions arise later.

When Are Homeowners Responsible for Injuries on Their Property?

Property owners have a responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors.

Not every injury on your property becomes a liability claim. In many cases, the key question is whether the homeowner failed to address a hazard that they knew about or reasonably should have known about.

You may be held liable if someone is injured because of a hazard that was not repaired, removed, or properly addressed.

Examples might include:

Uneven steps or walkways
A loose deck railing
A broken handrail
Falling tree branches
Other unsafe conditions that create a risk of injury

Liability is determined on a case-by-case basis. Simply because someone is injured on your property does not automatically mean you are responsible.

What Does Homeowners Liability Insurance Cover?

Homeowners liability coverage is designed to help protect you if you are found legally responsible for someone else’s injury.

Depending on the situation, coverage may help pay for:

Medical expenses
Legal defense costs
Settlements
Court judgments

Coverage limits and policy provisions vary, so it is important to understand the liability protection included in your specific homeowners policy.

Does Homeowners Insurance Only Cover Lawsuits?

Not necessarily.

Some homeowners policies may include coverage that can help pay certain medical expenses for a guest who is injured on your property, even if no lawsuit is involved.

Coverage varies by policy, so it is important to understand what protections and limits are included in your homeowners insurance.

Real-Life Example: A Guest Is Injured During a Backyard Gathering

Imagine you’re hosting a summer barbecue and a friend leans against a deck railing that has become loose over time. The railing gives way, causing them to fall and suffer a serious shoulder injury.

The guest requires medical treatment and later claims the railing had obvious signs of damage that should have been repaired.

The claim is reported to the insurance company, which reviews the circumstances surrounding the injury and whether the homeowner may be legally responsible.

If you are found legally responsible, your homeowners liability coverage may help pay covered expenses associated with the claim, subject to your policy’s terms and limits.

What If an Injury Claim Exceeds Your Liability Limit?

Most injury claims are handled within the liability limits of a homeowners policy. However, serious accidents can sometimes result in medical expenses, legal costs, and settlements that exceed those limits.

Some homeowners choose to add an umbrella insurance policy, which provides an extra layer of liability protection above the limits of their homeowners and auto insurance policies.

Whether additional liability coverage makes sense depends on your individual situation, assets, and risk tolerance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I automatically liable if someone is injured on my property?

No. Simply because someone is injured on your property does not automatically mean you are legally responsible. Liability depends on the circumstances of the injury, the condition of the property, and whether the homeowner may have failed to address a known hazard.

Does homeowners insurance cover lawsuits from injury claims?

If a covered injury claim results in a lawsuit, homeowners liability coverage may help pay for legal defense costs, settlements, or court judgments, subject to your policy’s terms and limits.

Does homeowners insurance cover injuries that happen in a yard, driveway, or on a deck?

Potentially. Injuries are not limited to the inside of a home and can occur in other areas of the property. How coverage applies depends on the circumstances of the incident and the specific terms of the policy.

Does homeowners insurance cover injuries to delivery drivers or service workers?

Potentially. Delivery drivers, contractors, landscapers, and other service providers can be injured while on your property just like any other visitor. Whether homeowners insurance applies depends on the circumstances of the injury and the specific terms of the policy.

How often should I review my homeowners liability coverage?

It is a good idea to review your liability coverage periodically, especially after major life changes, home improvements, or significant increases in assets. Regular reviews can help ensure your coverage still aligns with your needs and potential risks.

Final Takeaway

If someone gets hurt on your property, homeowners insurance may provide valuable liability protection if you are found legally responsible. Even a seemingly minor accident can lead to unexpected expenses. Understanding your liability coverage before a claim happens can help you feel more confident about how your homeowners policy would respond.

If you have not reviewed your homeowners policy recently, now is a good time to do so. A conversation with your local agent can help you understand how your liability coverage works and whether your current limits still fit your needs.

What Happens If a Visitor Is Injured on Your Farm or Ranch?

Posted on July 9, 2026July 13, 2026 by Celia Gallup

If a visitor is injured on your farm or ranch, farm liability insurance may help cover medical bills, legal expenses, and damages if you are found legally responsible for the injury. The claim will typically be investigated to determine what happened, who was responsible, and whether coverage applies.

Whether the visitor is a neighbor, delivery driver, vendor, customer, or guest, an injury on your property can lead to significant financial consequences.

What Happens If a Visitor Is Injured on Your Farm or Ranch?

If a visitor is injured on your farm or ranch, the process generally looks like this:

The injury occurs
A claim is reported
The insurance company investigates what happened
Liability is evaluated
Covered damages may be paid if the claim is approved

Not every injury results in a payment or lawsuit. The claim will typically be reviewed to determine responsibility and whether coverage applies.

What Types of Visitor Injuries Can Lead to Liability Claims?

Farms and ranches often have unique risks that can lead to accidents.

Examples may include:

Slips and falls on uneven ground, mud, or ice
Injuries involving livestock
Falls in barns or outbuildings
Accidents involving gates, fences, or equipment
Injuries caused by falling objects or damaged structures

Even well-maintained properties can experience accidents, especially when visitors are unfamiliar with the environment.

Visitor-related risks can increase when a farm or ranch regularly welcomes members of the public. Activities such as farm tours, U-pick operations, pumpkin patches, and seasonal events often bring more people onto the property, creating additional opportunities for accidents and liability claims. If your operation includes agritourism activities, it is important to understand how your insurance coverage would respond before an incident occurs. Some activities may require additional underwriting review or specialized coverage depending on the nature of the operation.

What Should You Do if a Visitor is Injured on Your Farm or Ranch?

If a visitor is injured on your farm or ranch:

Get medical assistance if needed
When it can be done safely, document the area and potential cause of the accident with photos before clearing the area
Gather witness information
Complete an incident report if applicable
Make a backup of any surveillance video of the area before and after the accident
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible

The sooner an incident is reported, the easier it is to preserve important details that may help during the claims process.

Real-Life Example: A Visitor Injury Claim

Imagine a friend stops by a ranch to help with a weekend project.

While walking through the property, they step into a hole hidden by tall grass and suffer a serious ankle injury that requires surgery and physical therapy.

The visitor later files a claim alleging that the condition of the property contributed to the accident.

The insurance company investigates what happened and evaluates whether the ranch owner may be legally responsible. If the claim is covered and liability is established, the policy may help pay covered damages and legal defense costs up to the policy limits.

What Does Farm Liability Insurance Help Pay For?

Farm liability insurance is generally designed to help protect against bodily injury and property damage claims arising from farming operations. Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits.

Potentially covered claims may include:

Visitor injuries
Property damage caused to others
Legal defense costs associated with covered claims
Settlements or judgments for covered losses

Because every operation is different, it is important to understand how your specific policy applies to your farm or ranch.

What If Damages Exceed Your Liability Limits?

Liability insurance pays up to the limits listed on your policy. If a severe injury results in damages that exceed those limits, you could be responsible for costs above your coverage amount.

For example, a visitor who suffers a serious injury may incur substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In some situations, those costs can exceed the liability limits carried on the policy.

This is one reason many farm and ranch owners periodically review their liability limits as their operation grows and changes.

How Can You Reduce the Risk of Visitor Injuries?

No property can eliminate risk entirely, but a few preventative measures can help reduce the likelihood of accidents:

Repair damaged fences, gates, and walkways
Maintain barns and outbuildings
Secure livestock areas
Clearly mark restricted areas
Address known hazards promptly
Keep visitor areas free of debris and obstacles

Good maintenance and safety practices help protect both visitors and your operation.

Why Reviewing Your Liability Coverage Matters

Many farms and ranches evolve over time. You may add new buildings, expand livestock operations, sell products directly to consumers, or host more visitors on the property.

As your operation changes, your liability exposure may change as well. This is especially true if you begin hosting events, selling directly to consumers, or regularly welcoming visitors onto the property.

Regularly reviewing your coverage can help ensure your policy reflects your current operation and that you understand how it would respond if a visitor were injured on your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does farm liability insurance cover injuries caused by livestock?

It may, depending on the circumstances of the incident and the details of the policy. Livestock-related injuries are one of the reasons liability coverage is important for many farm and ranch operations.

Does farm liability insurance cover injuries that happen during a farm event?

Coverage depends on the nature of the event and your policy. Activities that attract large numbers of visitors, such as farm tours, pumpkin patches, or seasonal attractions, can create additional liability exposures. Before hosting public events, it is a good idea to review your coverage and discuss your plans with your insurance agent.

Can a visitor file a claim even if the injury seems minor at first?

Yes. Some injuries become more serious over time. A person may initially decline medical treatment but later discover they have a more significant injury.

Do delivery drivers and service providers count as visitors?

Yes. Delivery drivers, vendors, contractors, and other non-employees visiting the property can all potentially be involved in liability claims.

What if the injury happens on leased farmland?

Coverage may depend on whether the leased property is listed on your policy. If your operation includes leased land, it is a good idea to review those locations with your insurance agent to understand how your coverage would respond.

Final Takeaway

Visitors are a normal part of many farm and ranch operations, whether they are neighbors, vendors, customers, delivery drivers, or guests. While accidents are uncommon, even a single injury can result in significant costs.

If your operation has changed over the past few years, it may be worth reviewing your liability coverage and limits with your local agent to make sure your policy still reflects your current risks and protection needs.

What Happens If You’re Found at Fault in a Car Accident?

Posted on July 9, 2026July 9, 2026 by Celia Gallup

If you’re found at fault in a car accident, your auto liability coverage may help pay for injuries and property damage you cause to others, up to your policy limits. If the damages exceed your coverage limits, you could be personally responsible for the remaining costs.

Understanding what happens after an at-fault accident can help you make informed decisions about your insurance coverage before a claim ever occurs.

What Does It Mean to Be at Fault in a Car Accident?

Being at fault means you are considered legally responsible for causing the accident.

Insurance companies determine fault by reviewing information such as:

Police reports
Driver statements
Witness accounts
Photos and videos
Vehicle damage

In some accidents, fault may be shared between multiple drivers depending on the circumstances and state laws.

Will My Insurance Pay If I’m At Fault in an Accident?

In many cases, yes.

Liability coverage is specifically designed to help pay for injuries and property damage you cause to others when you’re found legally responsible for an accident. Coverage is subject to your policy limits and the details of the claim.

What Happens Financially After You’re Found at Fault for an Accident?

Once a claim is reported, the insurance company will investigate what happened and determine who was responsible for the accident.

If you’re found at fault, your insurance company may:

Pay for damage to the other person’s vehicle or property
Pay for injuries suffered by others
Negotiate settlements related to the claim
Provide a legal defense if a lawsuit is filed

The amount paid depends on the facts of the accident and the liability limits on your policy.

Can You Be Sued After an At-Fault Accident?

Yes. Even when insurance is involved, the injured party can file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their damages.

If the accident is covered, your insurance company may provide a legal defense and work to resolve the claim within the terms of your policy. If damages exceed your coverage limits, you may have additional personal financial exposure.

What Does Property Damage Liability Cover?

Property damage liability helps pay for damage you cause to someone else’s property.

This may include:

Vehicle repairs
Replacement of a totaled vehicle
Damage to fences, buildings, mailboxes, or other structures
Damage to a borrowed vehicle when you’re legally liable for the damage and no other insurance applies

Property damage claims can add up quickly, especially when newer vehicles or multiple vehicles are involved.

What Does Bodily Injury Liability Cover?

Bodily injury liability helps pay for injuries you cause to others in an accident.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

Medical bills
Rehabilitation expenses
Lost wages
Legal settlements
Court judgments

Serious injuries can result in costs that far exceed the damage to the vehicles involved, which is why liability limits are an important part of your policy.

What Happens If Damages from an Accident Exceed Your Liability Limits?

Your policy only pays up to the liability limits you’ve selected. If the damages from an accident exceed those limits, you could be responsible for the remaining costs.

Many drivers carry only the minimum liability limits required by law. In Idaho, those minimum limits are:

$25,000 for bodily injury per person
$50,000 for bodily injury per accident
$15,000 for property damage

While those limits satisfy Idaho’s legal requirements, they may not be enough to fully cover a serious accident involving injuries, multiple vehicles, or significant property damage.

Real-Life Example: How Liability Limits Can Affect You

Imagine you’re looking down at your GPS for a moment and rear-end a newer SUV at a stoplight. The other driver suffers injuries that require surgery and physical therapy, and their vehicle sustains significant damage.

After investigating the accident, the insurance company determines you were at fault. Your liability coverage may help pay for:

Repairs to the other driver’s vehicle
Medical expenses related to their injuries
Lost wages if they cannot work
Legal expenses if a lawsuit is filed

If the total damages exceed your liability limits, however, your insurance may not be enough to cover the full loss, potentially leaving you responsible for costs above your coverage limits.

This is one reason many drivers choose higher liability limits than the state minimum. Some also add an umbrella policy, which can provide an additional layer of liability protection above their underlying auto policy limits.

How Can You Protect Yourself Before an Accident Happens?

A serious accident can create expenses that add up quickly. That’s why it’s important to periodically review your liability limits and make sure they still fit your situation.

As your savings, home equity, income, or other assets grow, your insurance needs may change as well. Some drivers also choose to add an umbrella policy for an extra layer of protection above their auto policy.

The goal is not just to protect your vehicle. It’s to protect your financial future if you’re ever held responsible for a major accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does being at fault automatically mean my insurance rates will increase?

Not always. Rate changes depend on factors such as the severity of the accident, your driving history, your insurer’s underwriting guidelines, and state regulations.

What if both drivers share responsibility for the accident?

Not every accident is entirely one person’s fault. In some cases, insurance companies determine that both drivers contributed to the accident and assign a percentage of fault to each. The amount each driver’s insurance pays may depend on that percentage and the laws in the state where the accident occurred.

What if the other driver’s medical bills are higher than my coverage limits?

If damages exceed your liability limits, you may be personally responsible for the remaining amount. Some drivers choose an umbrella policy to provide additional liability protection above their auto policy limits.

Does liability coverage pay to repair my own vehicle?

No. Liability coverage is designed to pay for damage or injuries you cause to others. Damage to your own vehicle is typically covered by collision coverage if it is included on your policy.

Can someone come after my personal assets after a car accident?

Potentially. If you’re found legally responsible for damages that exceed your insurance limits, personal assets could be at risk. This is one reason many people review their liability limits and consider additional protection.

Final Takeaway

Being found at fault in a car accident can have financial consequences that go far beyond vehicle repairs. Liability coverage is designed to help protect you when you’re responsible for injuries or property damage caused to others.

Many drivers spend time thinking about how to protect their vehicle but spend less time thinking about how to protect their finances if they cause a serious accident. Reviewing your liability limits periodically can help you understand what protection you have in place and whether it still fits your situation.

If you’re not sure how your policy would respond after an at-fault accident, a local agent can help you review your coverage and discuss whether your current liability limits align with your needs.