Tips to Help Maximize Your Relationship with Your Crop Insurance Agent

You face many risks, from unpredictable weather to fluctuating market prices. Navigating these challenges takes careful planning, and that’s where a good crop insurance agent comes in. They’re more than just someone who sells policies—they’re your key partner in managing risks, protecting your livelihood, and keeping your operation running smoothly.

This guide will help you make the most of your relationship with your crop insurance agent. You’ll learn about their role, the key traits to look for, and the best times to reach out. The goal? To help you build a strong, productive partnership that keeps you protected.

What Does a Crop Insurance Agent Do?
Your crop insurance agent should be your go-to partner for creating your farm’s most effective risk management plan. Here’s how they can help:

Finding the Right Coverage for You: Your agent will explain the best crop insurance plans and levels so you can choose what works best for you.

Simplifying the Details: Your agent will explain coverage, deductibles, and premiums in simple, easy-to-understand terms.

Staying on Top of Industry Changes: Insurance programs and regulations change often. Your agent will keep you updated so you’re always protected and ahead of the game.

For example, this year, there have been changes to make higher coverage levels more affordable, but with tight margins, your agent will be looking to see what coverage your farm needs based on costs, profitability, risk, and how coverage impacts lending along with many variables that are specific to your operation.

What Should You Expect from Your Crop Insurance Agent?
To get the most out of your crop insurance agent, it is important to know what to expect. Here are a few key traits to look for:

Clear, Honest Communication: A good agent explains policy details and reminds you about important deadlines.

Up-to-date Expertise: Policies and regulations change constantly. A great agent will stay on top of them and share the latest information that fits your needs.

Proactive Support: The best agents don’t wait for you to contact them. They update you on policy changes, weather risks, and deadlines so you’re always ready.

Things to look for when choosing an agent:

Find an agent who takes the time to answer all your questions and has a team to help find answers.

Check how responsive they are—do they get back to you quickly when you need answers?

Look for someone who goes beyond just selling policies and helps you reduce risks.

Why Should Your Agent Be a Crop Insurance Specialist?
Not all insurance agents are the same. Working with a crop insurance specialist can make a huge difference.

They know their stuff: Crop insurance specialists understand policies like Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) or Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) inside and out. They also get the finer details.

They understand your risks: A specialist knows how to assess risks specific to your area and crops.

They make claims easier: Specialists are pros at knowing what documentation is necessary to handle claims quickly so you can get your payout faster and keep your farm running smoothly.

Think about it—after a major storm, wouldn’t you want someone focused on crop insurance and who knows how to get everything squared away?

When Should You Contact Your Agent to Review Your Risk Management Plan?
To get the most out of your policy, keep in touch with your agent—not just when you sign up or renew. Here are some key times to check in:

Before Planting Season: Are you planning to change your rotation or expand your acreage? Talk to your agent to see if your policy needs any updates.

During Major Weather Events: Are you facing extreme weather? Your agent can help ensure that you’re fully covered.

Before Renewal Time: Meet with your agent to review your risk management plan and determine whether it still meets your goals.

After Big Changes to Your Farm: Have you expanded your operation or need to cover additional risks? If so, let your agent know—it might be time to adjust your policy.

Annual Check-Ins: A yearly review can help keep everything running smoothly even if nothing significant changes.

For example, if you grow soybeans and corn but want to try sorghum, your agent can walk you through setting up a production history and any crop-specific endorsements you might need to update your strategy. Regular communication makes all the difference!

Why Reach Out Regularly?
Regular communication can prevent overlooked gaps in coverage and help avoid financial loss in unexpected events. These conversations also ensure you leverage every available benefit in your policy terms.

Build a Stronger Future for Your Farm with Your Agent
Your crop insurance agent isn’t just someone who sells you a policy—they’re a key partner in keeping your farm running smoothly. A good agent can help you protect your livelihood and stay ahead of unexpected challenges.

Take a moment to think about your current agent. Are they giving you the advice and support you need? If not, it might be time to talk to a crop insurance specialist who really understands farm risk management.

Don’t leave your farm’s future to chance. Reach out to a specialist today for a full review of your coverage. With the right agent in your corner, you’ll confidently handle risks.

If you’d like us to review your operation’s risk management plan, contact Momentum Ag, and we’ll connect you with one of our dedicated crop insurance specialists.