How to File a Crop Insurance Claim
Farming comes with its share of unpredictability, which is why crop insurance is such a valuable tool for protecting your investment. Knowing how to properly file a claim can make all the difference in how quickly and accurately you receive the support you need. The information outlined below will ensure you’re prepared whenever you need to put your coverage to work.
Before You File a Claim
Understanding your responsibilities is key to making sure your claim is processed smoothly. Certain actions and their timing can directly affect how your claim is handled.
Report crop damage promptly. Notify your crop insurance agent as soon as you discover damage. Standard reporting timelines include:
- Within 72 hours of discovering damage
- 5 days before harvest begins (if loss is possible)
- Within 15 days after harvesting is completed (by insurance unit) or the end of the insurance period
- Before replanting (many policies include replanting payments)
Important: Never destroy evidence that is needed to support your claim without clear direction from the insurance company, ideally in writing.
How to Start the Claims Process
Filing begins with a call to your crop insurance agent. Be sure to follow up in writing or by email and keep copies for your records. Once notified, your insurance company will assign a loss adjuster to inspect your crop.
When Should You File a Claim?
If damage has reduced either your yield or the overall value of your crop, you may be eligible to file a claim. A loss adjuster will determine whether your production falls below the yield guarantee outlined in your crop insurance policy, whether it’s revenue protection or yield protection.
- Immediately after discovery: Always contact your agent as soon as possible—within 72 hours as outlined in most crop insurance policies.
- During harvest: If you notice losses while harvesting, stop and notify your agent right away.
- After harvest: Losses discovered after harvest must be reported immediately, within 15 days of finishing each unit, and before your coverage period ends.
How Quickly Can I Expect an Adjuster?
The urgency of an inspection often depends on your situation:
- Early-season losses: If you still have time to replant or switch crops, adjusters will be prioritized to come quickly.
- Mid-to-late-season damage: If you intend to keep and harvest the crop, inspections may be scheduled within a practical timeframe. If you plan to destroy the crop (for example, to plant a cover crop), an adjuster must inspect it before any action is taken.
While waiting, do not plow, disk, replant, or otherwise destroy your crop without permission from your adjuster or insurance company.
What to Expect During the Inspection
Your adjuster will reach out to schedule a visit and will want you involved in the process. Be prepared with your production or harvest records and the number of acres and locations of your insured crops.
The adjuster will review your policy, explain your options, and may gather information by:
- Sampling plants within set field areas
- Weighing crop production (for certain crops, like blueberries)
- Taking photos of your fields
- Comparing conditions with neighboring farms
- Checking for average yields in the area with local brokers
- Checking weather records and regional yield data
These evaluations follow strict, standardized methods. Adjusters undergo extensive training to ensure your yield is measured fairly and accurately.
USDA Sources:
How to Claim a Crop Insurance Claim
Claims Process
You don’t have to navigate the claims process alone. If you have questions or need coverage, our crop insurance team is ready to assist.