For more on this part of the insurance industry:
Agricultural support services insurance protects businesses that help farmers and agricultural operations run smoothly. This may cover incidents like:
The UK’s agricultural sector relies on both private companies and government initiatives that provide essential services to farmers.
From data analysis firms to farming equipment providers, these companies must be insured to stay financially secure and continue supporting agriculture efficiently.
An agricultural supplier from Devon suffered an IT failure in 2023 which temporarily shut down many retail stores. The outage disrupted payments and forced manual operations.
It caused £4 million in losses, with their IT system needing a full rebuild. Cyber insurance could have reduced losses and sped up recovery.
The UK is investing £5 billion in farming improvements, including £60 million for flood recovery. Automation and precision agriculture are increasing demand for tech-driven solutions.
Sustainable farming is growing which pushes support firms to go greener. This creates agricultural support services insurance opportunities, but brokers must also assess new risks, such as:
An ageing workforce and fewer workers in farm logistics may cause delivery delays. Changing tax laws and subsidies can also affect firms' ability to buy agricultural support services insurance.
Stakeholders who benefit from this insurance include:
Agricultural support businesses are faced with unique hazards that standard insurance may not cover.
Agricultural support services insurance offers coverage to safeguard businesses that help farms operate. These include:
public liability insurance: covers legal costs if a supplier, vet, or contractor causes injury or property damage
professional indemnity insurance: shields consultants and agronomists from claims linked to incorrect advice or services
equipment insurance: covers loss or damage to machinery used by contractors, AgTech firms, and equipment suppliers
transit insurance: protects transported seeds, fertilisers, machinery, and livestock from loss or damage
business interruption insurance: compensates suppliers and service providers for lost income due to unexpected disruptions
cyber insurance: shields AgTech firms and data providers from financial losses caused by cyberattacks
These policies enable agricultural support businesses to stay secure and continue serving the farming industry.
Public liability insurance is not required by law but is highly recommended for farmers. It secures against costly claims for injuries or property damage related to farming activities.
UK law does not mandate public liability insurance for farms. However, without it, farmers could encounter large monetary setbacks from legal claims.
Agricultural land insurance is not legally required but is highly recommended. It protects landowners from financial problems due to property damage, accidents, or legal claims.
Yes, land insurance and farm insurance are different. Land insurance covers liability risks, like injuries on the property.
Farm insurance includes buildings, equipment, livestock, and business protection. Choosing the right cover depends on how the land is used.
Below is a comparison of the two:
|
Feature |
Farm insurance |
Agricultural support services insurance |
|---|---|---|
|
who it covers |
farmers, landowners, and farm businesses |
firms that support farms (equipment suppliers, AgTech, vets) |
|
why it matters |
vital for farm sustainability and recovery |
ensures better operations for farm-related businesses |
|
common risks covered |
weather damage, disease outbreaks, theft |
equipment failures, liability claims, cyber threats |
Both insurances keep agriculture stable—farm insurance protects farms, while agricultural support services insurance covers businesses that help them.
