Claims Process

 

 

Fall is a busy season, with harvest approaching, grain markets moving, and several important crop insurance deadlines ahead. A few minutes spent reviewing your billing, records, coverage, and sales-closing dates can help prevent unnecessary stress later. Bath Insurance Group is here to help you keep the details organized so you can stay focused on the work in front of you.

Crop Insurance Bills Are in the Mail

Crop insurance premium bills are being mailed now. When yours arrives, please review it promptly to make sure the policy information and premium amount match your expectations. If anything is unclear, contact our team before the payment deadline so we can help answer questions or address a possible issue.

There is a 60-day waiver of interest available during the billing period. That window can provide helpful flexibility, but it is still important to keep the due date on your calendar and make a payment plan early. Once the waiver period ends, interest may begin to accrue on an unpaid balance.

I hate it that times change but we strongly encourage producers not to wait until the payment deadline to submit their payments. Whenever possible, please use an available digital payment method rather than mailing a payment, as electronic transactions provide a clear tracking record and confirmation of submission. If you choose to mail your payment, please send it early and ensure the envelope is postmarked by the applicable deadline.

 

Harvest Is Coming: Report Potential Losses Early

Harvest will be here before we know it and our area experienced significant damage from the heavy rains a few weeks ago. Please contact our office to report any crop damage. Fields with remaining debris may need to be appraised.   

Do not wait until all harvest is complete if you suspect there may be a loss. In many situations, the crop may need to be appraised before it is harvested, destroyed, put to another use, or otherwise altered. Reporting a potential loss early helps protect your options and avoids complications when it is time to settle a claim.

Good Records Make a Big Difference

Accurate records are one of the best tools you can have during harvest. Keep track of production by unit, farm, field, and crop whenever possible. Save scale tickets, settlement sheets, bin measurements, load records, delivery receipts, and any other documentation that supports your harvested production.

It is also helpful to keep notes on unusual circumstances, including replanting, prevent plant, weather events, changes in farming practices, or grain that was harvested separately because of a possible loss. Clear records can make the claims process smoother and help ensure your production history remains accurate for future coverage.

If you store grain on the farm, be prepared to document bin measurements and maintain records showing when grain was added or removed. If you have questions about what records are most helpful for your policy, reach out before harvest gets underway. A little preparation now can save significant time later.

Wheat and MCO Sales Close September 30

With futures prices rising, wheat is looking more enticing.  

The wheat coverage price will be finalized on September 15 and is currently tracking more than $1.50 above last year’s coverage price of $5.76.  For producers considering wheat for the upcoming crop year, the crop insurance sales closing date is September 30.  If you planted wheat in the past, coverage quotes will go out next week.  If you are new to planting wheat or haven't planted it in a while, please let us know so we can get you a coverage quote before the sales closing deadline. 

The Margin Coverage Option (MCO) sales closing date is also September 30. MCO may be worth considering for operations looking to manage margin risk tied to changes in expected revenue and input costs. MCO is a 5% band of county coverage much like ECO from 90%-95%.  MCO coverage prices are set in the fall and protect against a decline in operating margin.  (revenue minus inputs).   The MCO discovery price for corn is $5.15 & soybeans is $12.01.  These prices are set on September 15th.  MCO & ECO are both subsidized at 80% which makes these products attractive products to add additional coverage.  ECO coverage prices are set on March 1st, 2027. 

Do not wait until the final week to begin the conversation. Meeting early gives us time to review your acres, production history, coverage choices, and any questions you may have. Bath Insurance Group can help you evaluate whether wheat coverage or MCO fits your operation.

Above all, please know we care about you, and we know this has been a tough growing season. We’re here for you, and we’ll get through it together.

Take care and stay safe.

Bath Insurance Group