Home / ATV & UTV / Farm Vehicle Insurance and Liability

Farm Vehicle Insurance and Liability

Insurance for farm vehicles can be confusing, because coverage depends on the policy, the vehicle, how it is used and where. This guide explains the questions to ask, not what any policy covers.

Why should I think about insurance and liability?

Accidents with farm vehicles can hurt people and cause costly damage. Knowing how your coverage works before a problem happens helps you make safer choices and avoid surprises.

I cannot say what your policy covers. Only your insurer, agent and attorney can do that.

Many farm owners assume that a farm policy treats every vehicle and use in the same way. Often it does not, so ask about each type, including older machines, rented equipment and those used for hire.

• Know your policy, limits and exclusions
• Ask your agent before changes in use
• Keep written answers with your records

What kinds of questions should I ask my agent?

Ask which vehicles and activities are covered, including road travel, work by employees, visitors, young drivers and UTVs or ATVs. Ask about exclusions, limits and deductibles, and what is required if an accident occurs.

Ask for answers in writing and keep them with your records. Bring a list of every vehicle, its use and the people who drive it to the conversation, so your agent can match coverage to what you do.

• Which vehicles and uses are covered
• Who is covered when driving
• Public road use and towing
• Employees, volunteers and visitors
• Limits, exclusions and deductibles

Do laws require insurance for farm vehicles?

Rules on registration, insurance and road use vary by state and sometimes by county. I am not stating any requirement here.

Confirm with your state department of transportation or motor vehicle agency, your state insurance department and your agent.

Registration and plate rules for farm vehicles on public roads, if any, are set by each state. Ask the motor vehicle agency which of your machines need registration and which do not.

• State transportation or motor vehicle agency
• State insurance department
• Your insurance agent

How can safety reduce risk and liability?

Good maintenance, training, written rules and records show that you took safety seriously, and they reduce the chance of an accident in the first place. Ask your insurer which practices they recommend.

Many insurers offer safety resources and farm risk reviews. Use the ones that fit your situation.

Insurers sometimes ask about safety programs, driver records, maintenance logs and storage when they set terms. Keep these ready, since they also help you run a safer farm. Keep in mind that following safety practices does not guarantee coverage or lower costs; ask your agent what, if anything, they take into account.

• Maintenance logs
• Driver training records
• Written safety rules
• Inspection checklists

What about workers and visitors?

If you employ people, workers compensation rules vary by state and by the type of farm. Check with your state labor or workers compensation office and your agent.

Visitors, children and guests add risk. Set clear rules about where they may go and what they may touch.

Custom hire, neighbors helping at harvest and rented equipment bring special questions. Ask your agent before work begins, not after something goes wrong.

What should I do after an accident?

Call 911 first if anyone is hurt or in danger. Then, when safe, document the scene, exchange information as required and notify your insurer as your policy directs. Do not admit fault or sign anything without advice.

For legal questions, speak to a licensed attorney. Extension offices may offer farm law resources.

Keep a copy of your policy, your agent's contact information and a simple accident checklist in each vehicle. A calm, prepared response is easier when the information is at hand.

• Call 911 if anyone is hurt
• Document the scene when it is safe
• Notify your insurer as your policy directs
• Speak to a licensed attorney about legal questions

How often should I review coverage?

Review annually and when you buy equipment, hire workers, change how vehicles are used or add a new activity. Compare your coverage with your actual operation.

Keep a list of vehicles, serial numbers and photos to speed up any claim.

Update photos and records of your vehicles each year. In a claim, recent records help the process move smoothly. Set a reminder each year at renewal time, and ask your agent to walk through any changes in the policy since the last term, including exclusions that may have been added.

• List of vehicles and serial numbers
• Photos of each machine
• Copy of the policy and agent contact

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.