As a broker it is important to know what questions to ask when helping your Hobby farm clients assess their insurance needs. Having a comprehensive checklist ensures that nothing is overlooked and that your clients are properly covered.

What to Keep in Mind?

Hobby farms come with unique risks and insureds may not know what they need to disclose when it comes to their hobby farm operation. As a broker, you can help your client understand these risks and identify what coverage they may need to protect themselves. More information can be found in our blog series Insurance Risks on Hobby Farms:

1. Introduction aux risques d'assurance dans les exploitations agricoles artisanales
2. Partie 1 : La poule et l'œuf
3. Partie 2 : Poneys et chevaux
4. Partie 3 : Fleurs et abeilles
5. Partie 4 : Le jardinier

Hobby Farm Checklist

This checklist can serve as a conversation guide to better understand hobby farm risks. Consider asking your client about the following:

1. Farm Overview
   1. What is the farm name, location, and acreage
   2. What is the primary use of property (personal, education, small-scale sales)
   3. Annual income from farm activities (if any)
   4. Zoning classifications (residential, agricultural, mixed-use)
2. Property & Structures
   1. Main residence, barns, sheds, greenhouses
   2. Fencing, irrigation systems
   3. Silos, storage buildings
   4. On-site retail or farm stand
3. Bétail
   1. Type and number of animals (e.g., chickens, goats, bees, horses)
   2. Purpose (pets, breeding, meat, eggs, honey)
   3. Animal-related injuries or escapes
4. Crops & Produce
   1. Types of crops grown
   2. Seasonal vs. year-round production
5. Equipment & Tools
   1. Tractors, farm-use ATV’s, mowers
   2. Hand tools or small machinery
   3. Hand Haeq
6. Sales & Distribution
   1. Farmers markets or roadside stands
   2. USA sales and percentage
   3. Online or local delivery sales
   4. Product liability (e.g., food safety, labeling)
7. Visitors & Agritourism
   1. Farm-tours, workshops, or classes on premises
   2. School visits or community events
   3. U-pick operations or petting zoos
   4. Waivers and signage for liability
8. Vehicles
   1. Farm-use trucks or trailers
   2. Personal vs. business use
   3. Off-road or on-road use
9. Additional Considerations
   1. Workers or volunteers on-site
   2. Home-based business overlap

Hobby farms are often more complex than they appear. By asking the right questions and using a consistent checklist, you can better understand your client’s risk and support the right coverage decisions.

Disclaimer: This checklist is intended as a conversation guide only and is not an exhaustive list of all potential hobby farm exposures or underwriting considerations. Every hobby farm operation is unique, and additional questions may be required based on the property, activities, products sold, animals owned, or other individual circumstances. Brokers should use their professional judgment to identify and discuss all relevant risks and coverage needs with their clients.