How to Make a Crop Insurance Claim After a Weather Event

Acting Quickly Is Critical

After a hailstorm, frost, or other weather event damages your crop, time is of the essence. Insurers typically require notification within 24–48 hours, and prompt action helps ensure an accurate assessment before evidence deteriorates.

Step 1: Notify Your Broker or Insurer Immediately

As soon as you identify crop damage that may be covered by your policy, call your broker or insurer. Don't wait to assess the full extent of damage — early notification protects your claim rights.

Step 2: Document Everything

Before touching or harvesting the damaged crop:

• Photograph damage thoroughly (close-up and wide-angle)
• Record date, time, and weather conditions
• Note the estimated area affected
• Keep any weather bureau or news reports of the event

Step 3: Do Not Harvest or Remediate Without Permission

Insurers require the opportunity to inspect the damage before harvest or remediation. Harvesting damaged fruit early or applying remedial treatments without insurer approval can jeopardise your claim.

Step 4: Loss Adjuster Assessment

A loss adjuster (usually an independent specialist) will be assigned to assess your claim. For horticultural crops, this typically involves:

• Physical inspection of affected areas
• Comparison with reference samples
• Review of historical yield records
• Assessment against policy triggers and thresholds

Step 5: Settlement

Once assessment is complete, the insurer will provide a settlement offer. Review this carefully — if you disagree with the assessment, you have the right to request a review or appoint your own independent assessor.

Tips for a Smooth Claim

1. Keep detailed crop records (yield history, spray diaries, harvest records)

2. Know your policy excess and how it applies

3. Understand your policy basis (first loss, proportional, etc.)

4. Your broker should advocate for you throughout the process — if they're not, find a better broker