Your Farm & Crop Insurance Experts in California

It’s your livelihood. Make sure its protected.

At Zeyger Insurance, we are dedicated to providing the agricultural coverage and services you need to keep your farm and/or ranch protected to ensure you can focus on maintaining a successful operation.

We have the flexibility to truly find you the best possible product at the best price.

Farmer milking cows with farm insurance in California

When do you need a farm & crop insurance agent?

  1. Do you have crop insurance?
  2. Does your agent re-quote your policy every year?
  3. Does your agent visit your farming operation?
  4. Does your agent explain your coverage?
  5. Does your agent provide you with educational materials?
  6. Did your agent tell you about yield exclusions, revenue protection and seed endorsements?
  7. Does your agent offer crop hail policies?
  8. Do you know what sage coverage is available?

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, you need a new agent!

Why Farm Insurance?

Your farm is your livelihood, and you can never be too cautious. Since an accident can happen when you least expect it, it is important to be prepared when potential problems arise. By being proactive; having the proper farm policy, your equipment, buildings, and even lost income can be covered in the event that an unforeseen circumstance disrupts your operations.

You have worked hard to build your farm into a business. Zeyger Insurance will make sure you and your business has the best policy in place when you need it.

We provide insurance solutions for farmers near Agoura Hills California.

Farmer on tractor with farm and crop insurance in California

What Does Farm Insurance Cover?

This coverage is going to protect you from a variety of potential claims. Some of these examples can be bodily injury, property damage, personal injury and others that can potentially come up if you are found negligent.

Designing a specific policy with us gives you the options of coverage in the following areas:

How Much Does Farm Insurance Cost?

The cost of farm and/or crop insurance depends greatly on the type and amount of coverages you specifically need.

Because all farming operations are different, we’ll talk with you and visit your farm to do a comprehensive needs analysis to make sure that no stone is left unturned with your coverage.

If you need assistance with your farm or crop insurance, we’re the only number you need. A good farm insurance company does much more than give you a free hat or calendar! Start a quote online or give us a call at 818-698-8240.

Tractor in California with farm and crop insurance

Farm Insurance California FAQ

California, the nation’s agricultural powerhouse, boasts an incredible diversity of farms, from sprawling almond orchards to boutique organic vineyards. This abundance, however, comes with its set of unique challenges: Unpredictable weather patterns, seismic activity, stringent regulations, and a dynamic marketplace. For any farmer or rancher in the Golden State, safeguarding their livelihood isn’t just a smart business decision—it’s an absolute necessity. That’s where farm insurance comes in. Far beyond a simple property policy, comprehensive farm insurance in California is a multifaceted shield designed to protect against the myriad of risks that are inherent in agricultural operations. From natural disasters that can wipe out a season’s crop to liability claims from visitors or employees, the right coverage can mean the difference between recovery and ruin. Ignoring the specifics of California’s agricultural landscape when choosing insurance can leave critical gaps in your protection. This guide will walk you through the complexities of farm insurance in California, offering expert insights and actionable advice to help you secure your farm’s future. We’ll explore the unique risks, essential coverages, and smart strategies for navigating the insurance landscape.

Farm insurance is a specialized package of policies that are designed to protect agricultural businesses from diverse risks, including property damage, liability, crop loss, and livestock mortality, which is essential for California’s high-value, high-risk agricultural sector. Given the state’s susceptibility to natural disasters like wildfires, droughts, and earthquakes, combined with complex labor laws and stringent environmental regulations, bespoke farm coverage mitigates significant financial threats. It provides a financial safety net, ensuring continuity and recovery after unforeseen events. Without it, a single catastrophic event could jeopardize years of hard work and investment.

Real Results: In 2020, California farms lost over $250 million due to wildfires. Farms with adequate property and crop insurance were able to rebuild and replant much faster.

Takeaway: Never underestimate the importance of tailored farm insurance. It’s the bedrock of financial stability for California farmers.

Farm insurance in California is distinct from standard business insurance as it offers specialized coverages addressing the unique assets, liabilities, and operational risks that are inherent to agricultural enterprises, which generic policies do not. While both provide property and liability coverage, farm insurance specifically protects items like crops, livestock, irrigation systems, and farm implements, alongside product liability for agricultural outputs. It also accounts for agricultural-specific liabilities such as chemical drift, livestock straying, or farm agritourism activities. Standard business policies lack the depth and breadth required for the complexities of farming.

Real Results: A vineyard owner with standard business insurance discovered that his crop loss from a pest infestation was not covered, which resulted in a $500,000 revenue hit.

Takeaway: Ensure that your policy explicitly covers agricultural assets and liabilities, not just general business risks.

A comprehensive farm insurance policy in California typically includes farm property coverage for buildings and equipment, general farm liability for third-party claims, and often options for crop and livestock insurance. Property coverage extends to barns, silos, residences, and machinery, while liability addresses injuries to visitors or property damage caused by farm operations. Many policies also include personal liability for the farm owner and protection for harvested crops, feed, and other goods. Specialized endorsements are frequently added to cover unique California risks like wildfire or earthquake damage.

Real Results: A Fresno dairy farmer’s policy with property, liability, and livestock coverage successfully paid for repairs to his milking parlor and cattle losses after a severe windstorm.

Takeaway: Choose a policy that bundles essential property and liability, and then customize with critical agricultural-specific coverages.

While California does not universally mandate specific farm insurance policies for all agricultural operations, certain types of coverage or operational aspects are subject to state regulations. For instance, workers’ compensation insurance is legally required for farms with employees. Additionally, specific environmental regulations may necessitate liability coverage related to chemical use, waste disposal, or water quality. Crop insurance is typically federally subsidized and managed, not mandated by the state, but crucial for risk management. Understanding these nuances is vital for compliance and adequate protection.

Real Results: A small organic farm faced heavy fines from the state’s Department of Industrial Relations for operating without mandatory workers’ compensation insurance for its seasonal staff.

Takeaway: Prioritize mandatory coverages like workers’ compensation and ensure compliance with all state agricultural and labor laws.

Crop insurance specifically protects against financial losses due to damage or destruction of crops from natural perils like drought, flood, hail, or disease, often subsidized by the federal government, distinct from general farm insurance. Conversely, general farm insurance covers broader risks related to the farm’s property (buildings, equipment), liability (accidents on the farm), and sometimes livestock. While a comprehensive farm insurance policy might include some basic crop-related protections, dedicated crop insurance programs offer more specific and extensive coverage for yield or revenue losses. Think of crop insurance as a specialized layer of protection for the plants themselves.

Real Results: After a late-season frost decimated 40% of his citrus crop, a grower’s multi-peril crop insurance policy paid out, offsetting much of his projected $150,000 loss.

Takeaway: Combine general farm insurance for assets and liability with dedicated crop insurance for robust harvest protection.