Farm insurance is often one of the larger costs within a farming business, yet it can also be one of the area’s most likely to be renewed out of habit rather than reviewed in detail. Drawing on advice shared with the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) by its general farm insurance partner, Everywhen, the TFA believes this approach is becoming harder to justify as farming businesses and the risks they face, continue to evolve.

Farming businesses are changing
Farming today looks very different to how it did even a decade ago. Businesses have adapted, expanded, diversified and changed how they operate in response to economic pressure, regulation and opportunity. Alongside this, the risks facing farm businesses have also changed.

Specialist advisers at Everywhen work with farm businesses across the country and consistently see how evolving operations can create new exposures. While traditional physical risks remain important, farm insurance increasingly needs to account for regulatory, contractual and liability risks that were far less prominent in the past.

One‑size‑fits‑all policies can fall behind
Many farm insurance policies were originally arranged several years ago and have been renewed annually. While price comparisons can provide reassurance, a like-for-like comparison may not always reflect changes in a business or its risk profile over time.

Everywhen’s experience is that few farm businesses stand still. Without taking time to step back and review what is insured, there is a risk that cover no longer reflects how the business actually operates. This can leave important gaps, particularly where activities, asset values or responsibilities have changed over time.

Time is a critical factor
One of the biggest challenges for farmers is time. Insurance renewals are often left until the last minute, which can create unnecessary pressure and limit the scope for proper review. This makes it harder for specialist advisers to fully understand a business and provide advice that reflects its current position.

Everywhen recommends allowing sufficient time ahead of renewal (typically 6–8 weeks) makes a significant difference. It creates space for meaningful discussion and reduces the risk of rushed decisions. Insurance is a major cost centre for farm businesses, and it deserves the same consideration as other significant purchasing decisions.

Seeing the whole business
Every farm is different, and farming businesses can vary significantly in terms of their activities, assets and operations. Taking time to discuss how a farm business operates can help build a clearer
understanding of its activities and the assets involved. This information can then be considered as part of any review of insurance arrangements.

It can also provide an opportunity to review sums insured, particularly as costs and asset values continue to change over time. Ensuring information is up to date can help businesses make informed decisions about their insurance arrangements and identify any areas that may require further consideration.

Checking insurance is ‘fit for purpose’
Reviewing farm insurance should not be about price alone. It is important to check whether cover reflects where a business is now, rather than where it was when the policy was first arranged. The TFA encourages its members to act on the advice shared by its general insurance partner, Everywhen, and to view insurance as part of wider risk management. Allowing time for proper discussion with specialist advisers can make a real difference to how effectively a business is protected.

If this has prompted you to review your insurance, start the conversation early. TFA members can call the TFA membership team, who will connect you with Everywhen when needed.

📞0118 930 6130 | ✉ membership@tfa.org.uk (Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm). Alternatively, you can submit a quote request online by clicking here.

Tenant Farmers Association Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Advisory Insurance Brokers Limited.

Everywhen is a trading name of Advisory Insurance Brokers Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number 313250). Registered in England and Wales, Company No. 4043759. Registered address: 2 Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London, EC3R 7PD

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This blog was written by Julia Meadows, TFA Communications and Events Coordinator and approved by Everywhen. 

Additional reading:

General Farm Insurance Hub FAQ

TFA short video – Under-insured and Don’t Know It? The Most Common Cover Gaps Costing Farmers?

Further Resources from the TFA:

TFA members can get expert one-to-one advice and guidance, by calling TFA head office on 0118 930 6130.

• Find out about TFA membership benefits and rewards
• Browse our Blog archive for the latest news, including farming policy updates
• Explore upcoming TFA events, including webinars, shows and regional meetings

Media Enquiries

For press and media enquiries about any of these stories, please contact Julia Meadows, TFA Communications and Events Coordinator by calling TFA head office on 0118 930 6130 or 07887 777157.