A Quebec farm should minimally have: agricultural building insurance (barn, silo, stable), agricultural equipment and machinery insurance, agricultural liability insurance, and coverage for animals. Depending on the type of operation, specific guarantees for crops, greenhouses or fuel tanks may be added.

Yes, livestock can be insured against accidental death, illness and certain disasters. Dairy cattle, pork, poultry and sheep herds are insurable. Premiums vary depending on the species, the value of the animals and the risks specific to your operation. Some insurers specializing in the agricultural market offer guarantees tailored to each type of farming.

Yes, commercial greenhouses and their irrigation, heating and lighting systems are insurable under agricultural property insurance. The replacement value must be properly declared, as modern greenhouses are expensive to rebuild. Some insurers also offer guarantees for greenhouse crops against equipment breakage that results in crop loss.

Damages to field crops are generally managed by the public programs of the FADQ (crop insurance). Private insurance can supplement this protection, particularly for specialized crops not covered by government programs. Damages caused by pest insects and diseases are generally not covered by private insurance.

Agricultural machinery can be covered at new value or current value depending on the contract. Motorized equipment must also be insured for automobile liability when they travel on public roads. An up-to-date inventory with serial numbers facilitates claims in case of theft or accident.

Absolutely. As soon as you welcome the public to your farm — self-service picking, farm tables, school visits — your liability insurance must be extended to cover visitors. An injured visitor on your property can generate a significant claim. Inform your broker of all ancillary activities and ensure they are explicitly covered in your policy.

Agricultural employee dwellings (bungalows, chalets, dormitories) can be included in the agricultural policy, but they must be declared separately with their reconstruction value. Sanitary facilities and collective kitchens create additional liabilities. Also verify your obligations regarding fire safety according to the Quebec Building Code.

FADQ programs (ASRA, crop insurance, Agri-stability) are government programs for stabilizing agricultural income. They do not replace private insurance. Your private insurance policy covers physical losses — building fire, equipment theft, machinery accident, injuries — while FADQ programs compensate for income losses related to climatic or economic fluctuations.

Theft of fuel, equipment and agricultural machinery is a real problem in Quebec. Thefts of catalytic converters, batteries and specialized tools have increased in recent years. Theft insurance is generally included in your agricultural policy, but may require minimum security measures — fencing, lighting, certified locks — to maintain coverage. Surveillance cameras can reduce your premium.

Contact your broker as soon as possible after the loss. An agricultural claims adjuster will be mandated to assess the damages. Document losses with photos before any cleanup. For livestock-related claims, veterinary proof may be required. Agricultural claims are often complex — a specialized broker who knows your file greatly facilitates the settlement process.