USDA Reminds Producers Of Important Procedures For Filing Crop Insurance Claims

USDA’s Risk Management Agency reminds producers affected by recent fires and weather-related crop damage in the Pacific Northwest of important procedures for claiming losses under the Federal crop insurance program. All producers should refer to their crop insurance policies for complete details on providing notice of damage or loss.

In general, producers must give notice within 72 hours of the initial discovery of damage or loss of production of a planted crop, and not later than 15 days after the end of the insurance period. Certain provisions and timelines apply to crops insured with revenue protection. In the event there is no damage or loss of production for those who elect this coverage, producers must give notice no later than 45 days after the latest date the harvest price is released for any crop in the unit where there is a revenue loss.

In the event that producers are prevented from planting insured crops that have prevented planting coverage, they must notify their crop insurance agents within 72 hours after the final planting date if they are unable to plant or do not intend to plant the insured crop during the late planting period. Cherries with an anticipated revenue loss, regardless of whether there is a production loss, must be reported no later than March 1 following harvest.

Losses may be reported by telephone or in person to a crop insurance agent within 72 hours, but must be confirmed in writing within 15 days. It is important that producers do not dispose of the crops without contacting their insurance agents. Producers must get written consent from their insurance companies before destroying any of the insured crop that is not harvested or put to another use, putting the acreage to another use, or abandoning any portion of the insured crop. Timely notices of damage and loss adjustment are extremely important for all crops.

For more information on duties in the event of damage, loss, abandonment, destruction, or alternative use of the crop or acreage, producers should refer to their individual crop insurance policies and contact their crop insurance agents.

Source: RMA news release