Apple orchards can be peaceful and certainly profitable, but they also come with their own set of risks that could lead to disaster at any time. Many unforeseen catastrophes, from fires to storms, could wipe out your entire orchard and take a devastating toll. That’s why having the right apple orchard insurance is so important.

Fortunately a Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you find the best insurance for your apple orchard, and get you set up with coverage long before you need to file a claim. But first, here’s a deep dive into apple orchard insurance.

What Is Apple Orchard Insurance?

At its core, apple orchard insurance is a contract between an insurance company and an apple orchard in which the carrier agrees to cover certain listed perils that happen to the business. Apple orchard insurance is a special twist on Tennessee farm and ranch insurance. 

Coverage includes elements of Tennessee business insurance as well. A Tennessee independent insurance agent is your greatest ally in the search for ample coverage for your apple orchard.

What Does Apple Orchard Insurance Cover in Tennessee?

While your policy may vary slightly, there are a few coverages that are typically offered in most apple orchard policies. Your Tennessee apple orchard insurance is likely to include:

• Property insurance: This covers barns, silos, fences, and other commercial property against disasters like hail damage, fire, and more.
• Liability insurance: This covers you if a third party sues your business for claims of personal property damage or bodily injury caused by your apple orchard.
• Equipment insurance: This covers your apple orchard’s special equipment like plows and more from many listed perils.

Your Tennessee independent insurance agent will know exactly which coverages to look for to help protect your apple orchard.

Are There Any Other Policies That Can Provide Additional Protection?

Yes, according to insurance expert Paul Martin, you’ll probably want to add a few policies to cover your apple orchard completely, including:

• Crop insurance: By far the most important coverage to add that’s not typically included in farm and ranch insurance is crop insurance, which can protect your apple trees from many disasters like freezing and disease.
• Commercial auto insurance: Provides coverage for any business vehicles your apple orchard uses against lawsuits, vandalism, storm damage, etc.
• Workers’ compensation: Provides coverage for workers on your apple orchard against injury, illness, or death on the job.

With the help of your Tennessee independent insurance agent, you’ll assemble a policy that best meets your apple orchard’s needs from top to bottom.

Which States Produce the Most Apples?

When shopping for apple orchard insurance, it’s helpful to know which areas of the country need the most coverage. Check out the top apple-producing states below.

Other top-producing states include California, North Carolina, Oregon, Ohio, and Idaho. Even though Tennessee does not make the top 10 list, it’s still crucial for apple orchards in every state to have adequate coverage against disaster.

How Much of My Merchandise Is Covered by Tennessee Apple Orchard Insurance?

Martin said that your apples themselves need to be listed as stock on your coverage. You’ll most likely determine a dollar amount of coverage for all of your apples with the help of your Tennessee independent insurance agent. 

The apple trees can also be covered for an extra fee, by adding an endorsement to your commercial property coverage. The plants are also considered stock, and you can insure as many or as few as you want — from just one tree to multiple trees.

What Are Some Common Risks to My Apple Orchard?

Your apple orchard is vulnerable to the elements of nature and much more on a daily basis. Just one incident could wipe out your entire crop without the right coverage. Some common risks to apple orchards in Tennessee are:

• Lawsuits: Anyone could sue your apple orchard, which is why the liability coverage provided in apple orchard insurance is critical.
• Lost income: Whether it’s by theft or a disaster like a fire that causes your business to shut down, your apple orchard’s income needs protection from the start.
• Property damage: Your apple orchard’s commercial property, like buildings and equipment, needs protection against storm damage, vandalism, and much more.
• Natural disasters: Depending on where your apple orchard is located, it can be vulnerable to threats like hail damage, fires, and even flooding.

A Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you add a separate flood insurance policy to your apple orchard insurance to protect against damage caused by natural floodwaters.

What’s Not Covered by Apple Orchard Insurance in Tennessee?

While coverage exclusions can also vary by policy, some common perils not listed on Tennessee apple orchard insurance are:

Your Tennessee independent insurance agent can review any concerns about potential coverage gaps you may have when it comes to your apple orchard insurance.

Here’s How a Tennessee Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

When it comes to protecting apple orchards against risks like theft, disease, fire, and all other perils, no one’s better equipped to help than an independent insurance agent. Tennessee independent insurance agents search through multiple carriers to find providers who specialize in apple orchard insurance, deliver quotes from a number of different sources, and help you walk through them all to find the best blend of coverage and cost.