There’s a new player in Ireland’s field of farm insurance.
An AgriLand report said the new range of farm insurance products will cover not only all standard categories but also those not typically offered. Expansive coverage includes insurance for volunteer labourers and for additional business activities.
“AXA wants to offer farmers new, innovative insurance products combined with excellent service, from a company they can trust,” the report quoted McDonald as saying. “We have opened a specialist ‘Farm Centre’ in Athlone, with a dedicated agri-specialist telephony service.
“We will also assist customers through our nationwide brokerage system, our online service, and in our branch network.”
Meanwhile head of farm Christy Doherty said the lack of competition in the market has also meant a lack of innovation and value for farmers. Doherty, who has worked in the farm insurance industry since 1995, made the switch to AXA after serving as head of farm and business at FBD for more than 16 years.
“We have completed in-depth research to understand what farmers want and we have built the AXA products to meet those needs,” explained the farm insurance veteran. “Specific innovations, prompted by the research, include cover for the additional enterprises (for example, guest houses or farmers’ market) that many farm families undertake.”
Michael Creed, Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture and Food, concurs and welcomes AXA’s entry.
“I believe it will bring benefits in terms of price competitiveness and innovation to the marketplace which is good news for Irish farmers and their families,” he said.
