IMPORTANT — CLAIMS & APPRAISALS

Most producers have been there before. No matter what you do during the growing season, sometimes Mother Nature just will not cooperate, and you are anticipating that your yields may fall below your guarantee. Obviously, this is not the situation you would like to be in, but that is why you purchased crop insurance to begin with. If you do find yourself in a claims situation, there are some important things to remember that can help the process go a lot more smoothly.

Insurance coverage generally begins at time of application or time of planting, whichever is later. The end of the insurance period is the earlier of total destruction of the crop, final harvest of the crop, abandonment of the crop, or the end of the insurance period. (October 31st for wheat) It is the insured’s responsibility to notify the insurance company within 72 hours of the initial discovery of the damage or production

CLAIM CHECKS / INDEMNITY PAYMENTS

Did you know that if you have a claim that results in an indemnity payment, you can have that direct deposited into your bank account? Don’t wait on the mail to receive your money. Have it direct deposited on the same day that your claim is finalized. Contact your crop insurance specialist for details on how to make that happen! ■ loss, but no later than 15 days after the end of the insurance period, even if the crop has not been harvested. A phone call to your crop insurance specialist can start the process but, needs to be followed up in writing with a text or email. If you have a revenue protection policy and have a claim based on strictly price, the insurance company must be notified within 45 days of the harvest price announcement for the crop. The RMA is enforcing these rules and have been known to decline late filed claim requests and have even requested repayment from an insured for paid claims that were improperly filed.

Remembering these key points will help avoid any problems with your claim and make the process go that much better. As always, if you have questions based on what you’ve read, please contact your crop insurance specialist and they will be able to help you out. ■