Crop and forage growers in Alberta can now buy straight hail insurance online through the province’s ag financing and insurance agency.
The province’s Agriculture Financial Services Corp. (AFSC) announced last week it would provide growers with the 24-hour online purchase option as well as the “traditional methods” of buying hail insurance, through an AFSC district office or hail agent.
“Benefits of the online tool include a two percent premium discount to the client and a more streamlined process,” AFSC president Brad Klak said in a release.
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AFSC’s Straight Hail Online also offers farmers the ability to pay the premium with a credit card — a feature “not found at AFSC district offices,” AFSC noted. The online straight hail tool also allows clients to view their statements of coverage and premium.
Any purchases made prior to midnight are effective at noon the following day, AFSC noted.
“AFSC is aware of potential response time issues in some areas of rural Alberta,” Klak said. “The online tool has been designed to provide the best client experience possible.”
“Future enhancements” to the online service are expected to include the ability to cancel insurance during the year, and to file claims, AFSC added.
Farm operators with an insurable interest in the crop are eligible, including land owners, renter/operators, and crop-share landlords. Maximum dollar coverage by land location varies depending on the insured crop, and there are no limits on the total amount of insurance offered in townships or provincially, AFSC said.
Online or in person, clients are encouraged to buy their straight hail insurance early, as fields with greater than 25 per cent hail damage are not eligible for insurance, the agency said.
