If you have moved to a rural property or run a small acreage for pleasure rather than primary income, you own a hobby farm. While it is a rewarding lifestyle, many owners mistakenly believe their standard home insurance provides full protection. In reality, once you have livestock or farm machinery, you need specialized cover.

Why Standard Home Insurance Falls Short

Most household policies are designed for suburban living. They typically do not cover:

• Liability for Livestock: If your animals escape and cause a car accident or damage a neighbor’s property.
• Farm Structures: Large sheds, stables, and silos.
• Specialized Machinery: Tractors, quad bikes, and solar pumps.
• Farm Gate Sales: Selling eggs, honey, or produce to the public.

Essential Coverage for Your Hobby Farm

1. Public and Product Liability: Protects you if someone is injured on your land or if someone gets sick from produce you have sold.
2. Fencing and Infrastructure: Vital for Australian properties prone to bushfires, storms, or falling trees.
3. Livestock Cover: Protection against the loss of animals due to accidents, fire, or theft.
4. Machinery Breakdown: Covers the cost of repairing essential farm equipment.

Important Considerations

To get the right policy, you should have a clear idea of your farm’s size and annual earnings. Generally, if your property is under 30 hectares and earns less than $10,000 per year, it qualifies as a hobby farm. If your operations are larger, you may require commercial farm insurance.

Get Expert Advice

Every hobby farm is different. To ensure your assets and lifestyle are fully protected, you need a policy that fits your specific needs.

For expert insurance advice and tailored solutions for your property, contact ARMA Insurance Brokers. Their specialists will help you navigate the risks of rural life so you can enjoy your farm with total peace of mind.

Reach out to ARMA Insurance Brokers today to discuss your insurance needs.