Life In The Country: Specialized Insurance For Your Rural Real Estate

Living in the country offers a unique charm – whether you raise a few animals, plant and harvest crops, simply enjoy the peace of wide-open spaces or all three. But rural properties also come with their own set of considerations, especially when it comes to insurance. At Hitchings Insurance, we understand the needs of our rural property owners, and can help you craft a policy that safeguards your ideal country life.

Why Standard Homeowners Insurance Might Not Be Enough

Many homeowners’ policies are designed for suburban or urban dwellings. While they offer valuable protection, they might not fully address the realities of rural life. Here’s why a standard policy might fall short:

• Distance from Emergency Services: Rural areas often have longer response times for emergency services such as fire and rescue, police and ambulance. A policy with extended dwelling replacement coverage can help ensure you have the funds to rebuild even if a fire department takes longer to arrive.
• Unique Structures: Barns, sheds, workshops – these are common features on rural properties. Standard policies might not automatically cover these outbuildings, leaving you vulnerable in case of damage.
• Severe Weather: Rural areas can be prone to severe weather events such as hail, tornadoes, straight line winds, or even wildfires in thick timber areas. Upgrading your policy to cover these unforeseen circumstances can provide much-needed peace of mind. Rural Property Insurance offers comprehensive coverage for outbuildings, ensuring they’re protected against fire, theft, or weather damage.
• Protection for Your Passions: Whether you raise chickens, have a prized horse, or maintain a corn crop, Country Estate Insurance offers specialized coverage for your agricultural pursuits or hobbies. This can cover livestock, farm equipment, and even structures such as grain bins.

Tailoring Insurance to Your Rural Property

At Hitchings Insurance, we offer a variety of coverage options to ensure your rural property is comprehensively protected:

• Dwelling and Outbuilding Coverage: We can customize your policy to cover your main residence, barns, sheds, and other structures on your property.
• Increased Liability Limits: Rural properties often have more open space, which means there’s a higher chance of someone getting injured while visiting. Farm liability coverage protects you from bankruptcy in case of an accident.
• Farm Equipment & Machinery: We understand the importance of safeguarding your tractors, mowers, or other specialized equipment. We offer coverage against theft, damage, and breakdowns, keeping your operations running smoothly.

Additional Considerations for Rural Property Owners

• Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value: Replacement cost coverage ensures you have enough funds to rebuild your home exactly as it was, whereas actual cash value considers depreciation. This is especially important in rural areas where rebuilding costs might be higher.
• Security Systems: Installing a security system can deter theft and vandalism, potentially lowering your insurance premiums.
• Regular Property Maintenance: Keeping your property well-maintained helps prevent accidents and minimizes the risk of damage from weather events. This can also positively impact your insurance rates.

Peace of Mind for Your Countryside Estate

Living in the country is a fantastic way of life, but it’s essential to have the right insurance in place. Our knowledgeable agents will work with you to understand your unique needs and craft a policy that safeguards your property, your passions, and your financial security. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s discuss how we can tailor an insurance policy that safeguards your rural property.