Crop Hail & Wind Insurance: Named Peril Protection for Your Fields

Federal crop insurance protects against yield and revenue losses, but has limitations—it doesn't fully cover localized hail and wind damage.

Private crop hail and wind insurance pays when hail or windstorm damages your crops, regardless of whether your overall yield triggers a federal insurance claim.

For hail-prone regions or high-value crops, this coverage ensures immediate protection from sudden storms.

What Is Crop Hail & Wind Insurance?

Private, non-federal insurance covering physical damage from hail and windstorms.

Key Characteristics:

Named peril coverage – Only covers hail and wind (or named storms)

Per-acre protection – Select dollar amounts per acre

Immediate claims – Adjusted and paid shortly after damage

No production history required – Coverage isn’t based on APH

Multi-carrier options – Offered by multiple insurance companies

How Federal and Hail Insurance Differ

FeatureFederalHail & Wind
CoverageAll-risk yield/revenueHail & wind only
Payment timingAfter harvestImmediately after damage
Government subsidy40-65% of premiumNo subsidy
DeductibleOften yesUsually no
Required for FSA programsYesNo

How Hail & Wind Coverage Works

1

Choose your coverage amount per acre. Example: $1,000/acre for corn.

2

Report the loss immediately after a storm.

3

Adjuster inspects the field within days.

4

Damage is assessed as a percentage of the insured amount (e.g., 40% damage = $400/acre payout).

5

Payment is based on damage at inspection, not final harvest.

When Hail Coverage Pays

Covered

  • Hail damage – Physical damage to leaves, stalks, heads, or fruit
  • Wind damage – Crop blown down, broken, or destroyed
  • Named windstorms – May include hurricane, tornado, or derecho depending on policy

Not Covered

  • Yield losses from drought, heat, or disease
  • Poor management or neglect
  • Perils not specifically named in policy

Coverage Options and Enhancements

Basic Hail Coverage – Pays based on percentage of physical damage at loss

Revenue Hail Coverage – Protects revenue per acre, accounts for price changes

Replant Coverage – Covers costs if replanting is needed

Late-Season Value Adjustment – Increases coverage as crop value grows

Prevented Planting Coverage – Optional coverage if planting prevented by weather

Hail Insurance Strategy by Crop

Corn & Soybeans

$800-1,000/acre

Wheat

$400-600/acre

Cotton

$1,000-1,500/acre

Specialty Crops

$2,000-5,000+/acre

Hail Coverage and Federal Crop Insurance

Hail insurance and federal insurance can be used together.

Report losses to both policies.

Hail pays first, federal pays at harvest for remaining shortfalls.

No double payment – Federal reduces payout by hail insurance received.

Benefit: Immediate cash flow and comprehensive coverage from all causes.

When You Need Crop Hail Insurance

You Should Consider Hail Insurance If You...

  • Farm in hail-prone regions
  • Forward-contracted grain
  • High-value specialty crops
  • Cannot absorb mid-season losses
  • Need immediate cash flow after storm damage
  • High per-acre revenue potential

You Might Skip If You...

  • Extremely low hail probability region
  • Cash flow can absorb losses
  • Low-value crops where premium isn’t justified
  • Willing to self-insure against hail

Premium Costs for Hail Coverage

Factors Affecting Premium

  • Location – High-risk areas pay more
  • Crop type – High-value crops cost more
  • Coverage amount – Higher per-acre coverage = higher premium
  • Policy options – Revenue protection, replant, late-season adjustments add cost

Typical Rates

  • Corn/Soybeans: $15-35/acre
  • Wheat: $10-25/acre
  • Cotton: $25-50/acre
  • Specialty crops: $50-150+/acre

No premium subsidy; 100% of premium is paid by the farmer.

Making a Hail Claim

1

Report immediately (within 72 hours)

2

Do not destroy evidence before inspection

3

Adjuster inspects field within 1–2 days

4

Claim settlement issued within 1–3 weeks

5

Coverage continues on undamaged acres; file additional claims if needed

Multi-Year Hail Strategies

High-Risk Years Only – Buy coverage in high-value or forward-sold years

Core Protection – Insure vulnerable fields every year

Percentage of Acres – Insure 50-70% of acres for partial protection

Late-Season Coverage – Buy mid-season to reduce premiums while still protecting late-season value

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Many hail policies can be purchased anytime before harvest, though late-season premiums may be higher.

Some policies include replant coverage; check policy details.

Hail insurance pays based on physical damage, not final yield.

Yes. Coverage can be customized per field based on value, risk, or budget.

Federal insurance payments are reduced by hail insurance received to prevent double payment.

Depends on policy. Some include wind with hail, others require separate wind coverage.

Why Work With The Assure Group

Risk Assessment

We analyze regional hail patterns and help you assess whether coverage makes financial sense.

Multi-Carrier Access

We shop all major hail carriers to find the best coverage at the best price.

Coverage Coordination

We ensure hail insurance integrates properly with federal coverage for maximum protection.

Fast Claims Service

We expedite inspections, claims, and payments when storms strike.

Protecting Your Investment from Storms

Hail can destroy crops in minutes. You need coverage that responds immediately, not one that waits until harvest.

Take Action:

Assess hail risk by location and crop type

Determine appropriate per-acre coverage amounts

Get quotes from multiple carriers through The Assure Group

Purchase before the next storm

Request Your Free Hail Insurance Quote