Frequently Asked Questions About Crop Insurance

Get clear answers to your crop insurance questions, from coverage levels and costs to claims and APH management. The Assure Group leverages decades of experience to help farmers understand their options and protect their operations.

Getting Started with Crop Insurance

Start with a free consultation with The Assure Group. We'll review your operation, explain your options, and help you understand which coverage types make sense for your farm. There's no obligation—just education.

Sales closing dates vary by crop and state, but generally: - Spring crops (corn, soybeans): March 15 - Winter wheat: September 30 - Cotton: February 28 Missing the sales closing date means no coverage for the entire crop year.

Premiums depend on your crops, coverage levels, APH, county loss history, and other factors. Federal crop insurance is subsidized 40-65% by the USDA. Supplemental and private products have different pricing. Request a quote for accurate pricing for your operation.

Absolutely. New farmers start with county average yields (T-Yields) until they build their own Actual Production History. There are also subsidy discounts for beginning farmers.

Coverage Options

Revenue Protection covers both yield loss and price declines. Yield Protection only covers yield loss. Most farmers choose Revenue Protection because it provides broader coverage.

APH is your certified average yield over 4-10 years. It's the foundation of your guarantee. Higher APH means higher guaranteed yields and higher coverage.

No. Coverage decisions are locked at sales closing date and can't be changed until the next crop year.

Most farmers choose 80-85% coverage because premium subsidies are highest at these levels. We help you model different coverage levels using historical data to see what's worked best.

Federal crop insurance provides all-risk yield/revenue protection. Hail insurance covers specific storm damage. Many farmers carry both for complete protection, but it depends on your risk tolerance and budget.

Supplemental Coverage

SCO is county-based coverage (pays when the county has losses). ECO is individual coverage (pays when YOUR farm has losses). SCO costs less but is less precise. ECO costs more but protects your specific farm.

No. You must choose one or the other.

If the 15% uninsured gap in standard federal coverage represents a significant financial risk to your operation, supplemental coverage is worth considering. We model historical performance to help you decide.

Claims and Payments

Contact The Assure Group as soon as you suspect a loss. We'll guide you through notice requirements, inspections, and settlement.

Federal crop insurance claims are typically paid within 30 days of finalizing production records after harvest. Hail insurance pays much faster—often within 1-3 weeks of damage inspection.

You have rights to appraisal and arbitration. We help clients navigate disputes and ensure fair settlements.

No. Crop insurance is insurance, not a loan. When you receive an indemnity payment, it's yours to keep.

Production and Reporting

Late production reporting can result in penalties or assigned yields that hurt your APH. Always report by the production reporting deadline.

Yes. Higher actual yields replace lower yields over time. Good record-keeping, accurate reporting, and yield documentation all help build stronger APH.

Beginning farmers or farmers without adequate records start with county average yields (T-Yields). You'll build your own APH as you establish production history.

Private Products

Federal products are backed by USDA and subsidized. Private products receive no subsidy and cover perils or crops that federal programs don't address.

Hail coverage can be purchased anytime before harvest, but buying early ensures you're protected throughout the growing season. Premiums may increase for late-season coverage.

Yes. The Assure Group offers hemp-specific coverage for both fiber/grain production and CBD/cannabinoid operations.

Working with The Assure Group

Our services are included in your insurance premium—there are no additional fees. Insurance companies compensate agents through commissions already built into the premium structure.

Yes. You can transfer your policies to us at renewal. We'll review your current coverage and help you optimize it.

No problem. We're licensed across multiple states and can handle multi-state operations seamlessly.

We provide year-round support. Crop insurance isn't seasonal—neither is our service.

Specialty Situations

Yes. The person with insurable interest (usually the farmer, not the landowner) purchases the policy.

Yes. Organic prices are reflected in coverage for certified organic operations.

Prevented planting coverage is included in your crop insurance policy if you're unable to plant due to insurable causes like excessive moisture.

Yes. Irrigated practices typically have higher APH and different premium rates than non-irrigated practices.

Still Have Questions?

We know crop insurance can be complex. That's why we're here.

Contact us with your specific question, and we'll provide a clear, jargon-free answer.

Ask Your Question