Wind, rain or fire: ARGIS Farm Extra Insurance PDS and how to prepare your client’s farm for summer weather risks

While summer is traditionally considered bushfire season in many parts of Australia, a third successive La Niña declared recently, predicts that excessive rain is a greater threat in some parts of Australia this summer. Despite the forecasts, Peter suggests farmers be aware of the atypical climatic conditions in their local area and warns them not to rely on the weather to minimise their fire risk.

Bushfire forecast and risk management

Thanks to the ongoing effects of La Niña affecting the east coast of Australia and the ACT these areas are facing below-average bushfire conditions, according to the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services.

However, parts of central Australia and northern WA have a higher fire risk due to the increased fuel loads that have developed following significant rainfalls, while the rest of Australia is facing normal bushfire risk.

When it comes to bushfire readiness, Peter says grass should be kept short by mowing or slashing to reduce the fuel load, and areas located near residential and farm buildings should be kept clear of vegetation to maintain a defendable space.

“Trees and branches surrounding power lines should be kept trimmed and flammable materials should be stored away from buildings housing high value assets,” Peter adds.

Farmers should also ensure that fire suppression equipment, such as fire extinguishers, are well maintained.

Peter says that the ARGIS Farm Extra Insurance PDS may provide cover to replace assets, it can’t provide cover to replace lives, so it is important for farmers to have a bushfire plan in place to ensure the safety of them and their family members.

“If they think that in the event of a fire, they’ll want to defend their property, they’ll need a plan in place to help do it safely,” he adds.

La Niña forecast and risk management

The Bureau of Meteorology recently declared another La Niña climate system has developed, which is typically associated with above-average rainfall and an increased risk of damaging storms, flooding and tropical cyclones.

Peter says that structural damage to commercial and residential farm buildings caused by rain, hail or wind is the most common weather-related claim in the ARGIS portfolio.

Ingress claims are common claims and include water entering through roofs due to gutters overflowing to damage to roofs due to strong winds and hail.

Peter says to prevent or minimise damage from storms, farmers should ensure their buildings – both domestic and commercial – are regularly inspected for damage or deterioration and are well maintained and repaired when necessary.

He says it is important to check for cracked roof tiles, loose sheeting in the case of iron roofing, damaged or deteriorated timber posts, and blocked gutters.

The value of ARGIS Farm Extra Insurance PDS

Despite farmers’ best efforts, Peter says that sometimes damage is unavoidable, and the right farm insurance can provide the peace of mind that farmers need.

“There will always be weather events where it doesn’t matter how well maintained a property is, it’ll either be very strong winds or a lot of rain or hail or a bushfire, which you just can’t do anything about. These are the times you need insurance to support you,” he says.

Here to help

For more information about summer weather risks or preparations, or for general enquiries about the ARGIS Farm Extra Insurance PDS, you can visit our website or contact us on 1300 794 364.

The cover is subject to terms and conditions, limits and exclusions of the policy. Any information provided above is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. SGUAS Pty Ltd t/as ARGIS Insurance (ARGIS) acts for the insurer, HDI Global Specialty SE – Australia (HDI). Consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination, available by contacting ARGIS on 1300 794 364 or visiting www.argis.com.au, before deciding if it is right for you.