Things You Must Know About Crop Insurance

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Every day, America's farmers spend long hours working the land or caring for livestock. We rely on farmers for the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the fuel that moves us. Farmers rely on the safety net provided by crop insurance.

Crop insurance provides farmers and ranchers with an essential risk management tool, protecting more than 490 million acres of American farmland across all 50 states. Crop insurance is affordable, it is accessible, and it is adaptable. It helps farmers both survive the catastrophes of today and tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Here are 5 things you must know about crop insurance.

A Public-Private Partnership
Crop insurance is built on a unique public-private partnership between the federal government and the private sector. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets rates and rules for the plans that can be sold by private-sector crop insurance agents, and farmers purchase the appropriate crop insurance policy for their individual risk. This increases efficiency and ensures that aid is delivered quickly. Learn more about safety net principles

Provides a Personalized Plan
Farmers work with a private-sector crop insurance agent to purchase a crop insurance policy that is tailored to their unique needs. America’s farmers grow many different types of fruits and vegetables, requiring a crop insurance program that is as diverse as the crops it protects. Crop insurance policies are available on more than 130 crops and to farmers of all sizes and types. Learn more about personalized coverage

Funded Partly by Farmers
Farmers must purchase crop insurance. Last year, farmers collectively spent more than $6 billion for crop insurance coverage. The government provides a discount to ensure crop insurance remains affordable. Farmers must also shoulder a portion of losses, in the form of a deductible, before receiving aid. Insurers shoulder part of the losses, too, so taxpayers aren’t on the hook for 100% of disaster costs. Learn more about cost sharing

Delivers Aid in Days - Not Years
Following a disaster, private-sector crop insurance claims adjusters quickly and accurately assess damages and calculate losses. Farmers usually receive crop insurance aid within weeks, giving them the capital necessary to plant again the next season. Plus, crop insurance provides assistance based on an individual farmer’s actual loss, protecting farmers, ranchers, and taxpayers. Hear from farmers in their own words

Supports the American Economy
Crop insurance protects more than 490 million acres of American farmland. Each of these acres represent a farming family: some are continuing a long legacy of agriculture, while others are the first generation to farm. Each farm is an integral part of our nation’s food supply and our economy. Learn how farming supports your state

Want to learn more about crop insurance?
With terms like “Actual Production History” or “Whole-Farm Revenue Protection,” it might sometimes feel like you need to be an insurance whiz to fully understand crop insurance.
National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) put together CropInsurance101.org to give you easy-to-access resources on crop insurance, including farmer testimonials, glossaries, fact sheets, videos, and more.

Learn more by visiting CropInsurance101.org or watching the video below.

What is National Crop Insurance Services?
NCIS is the only organization that represents all crop insurance companies in the U.S. NCIS provides a unique suite of services to the crop insurance industry ranging from actuarial and analytical support to the development of crop loss adjustment standards, and serves as an educational voice for the industry. Learn more.