Insurance for agricultural and forestry businesses in Quebec

Welcoming the public creates liability exposure. A fall in a lane, an accident during a field activity, or an injury at a sugar shack can result in a claim alleging that you are responsible. 

Agricultural general  liability coverage may respond to covered claims for bodily injury, property damage, and defence costs, subject to your policy wording.

This coverage is particularly important for agritourism farms, maple producers who host groups, and producers who sell directly to the public. 

To review coverage properly, activities open to the public should be declared to the insurer. Make sure your policy reflects all of your current activities.

Not by itself. La Financière Agricole may respond to certain crop losses caused by weather events, depending on the program and eligibility.

 It generally helps offset losses related to what is in the field. It does not replace farm insurance for buildings, farm machinery, livestock, general  liability, business interruption, or other insured property.

For example, a hailstorm could damage both your crop and your silo. La Financière Agricole may respond to the crop loss, depending on the program and eligibility. 

For the silo, you would need separate farm insurance, with any reimbursement subject to the policy wording, insured value, deductible, and valuation basis. The two coverages are complementary. One does not replace the other.

Not necessarily with a standard policy. Miring is a risk specific to forestry operations on difficult terrain. A stuck machine can result in significant recovery costs, equipment damage, and several days of lost operations.

Some insurance products available on the market include coverage for miring costs, recovery expenses, related damage to machinery, and rental fees for replacement equipment. 

La Turquoise works with insurers active in the forestry sector to help find coverage suited to your operations. Check whether your current policy includes this coverage before a loss occurs.

A broker does not work with only one insurer. They can compare several insurance options available on the market and help you choose coverage suited to your situation. 

In agriculture and forestry, risks vary by type of production, size of operation, equipment, territory, public-facing activities, and contractual requirements.

A specialist understands the realities of the field and can help you review what is covered, what may be excluded, and what deserves particular attention in your file. They can help reduce gaps in coverage and support you through the claims process when a covered loss occurs.

The two contexts have different requirements. In public forest, job sites are larger and working conditions more demanding. Contracts with project owners often impose specific coverage levels, particularly for general  liability.

In private forest, work is carried out on smaller areas. The requirements of the forest owner add to those of the insurer. 

In both cases, insurance needs are similar. However, coverage amounts and certain conditions may differ depending on your type of operation.

It is worth reviewing. A spill of fuel, pesticides, liquid manure, or other contaminants can result in cleanup costs, third-party claims, and regulatory obligations. 

Pollution coverage may help respond to certain environmental incidents, but coverage varies significantly by insurer and policy wording.

Many standard policies limit or exclude pollution-related losses, especially soil or water decontamination costs.

In agriculture and forestry, job sites and properties with fuel tanks or other contaminants should be reviewed carefully. Ask your broker whether your current policy includes sudden and accidental pollution coverage, broader environmental liability coverage, or any relevant exclusions.