Pumpkin Patch Insurance

If you run a public pumpkin patch as an agribusiness, getting the right kind of protection should be a top priority. Insuring your pumpkin patch is a serious matter because the public is allowed on your property. This leaves you vulnerable to risks like theft, third-party injuries, and more.

Fortunately, an independent insurance agent can help you find the right pumpkin patch insurance. They'll help get you matched to a policy when you need it. But first, here's an overview of how to insure a pumpkin patch the right way.

How to Insure a Pumpkin Patch

Insuring your farm with a farm and ranch insurance policy is one thing, but your public pumpkin patch is another. Your pumpkin patch has much more liability risk and, as such, needs to be carefully and thoughtfully insured. Whether you have a small pick-your-own pumpkin patch or grounds just short of the state fair, your coverage must apply adequately.

Be prepared with the following information to get started:

Your pumpkin patch's specifics: This includes the hours of operation, what your business is registered as, what attractions or games you have on-site, what each participant is charged, what the gross annual revenues of the pumpkin patch are, what year the buildings were built and the specifications of each, and what type of equipment and machinery are on the premises.
The value of your buildings, equipment, machinery, farmhouse, and crops: This isn't the sentimental value, but what the market can bear and the replacement cost. In other words, the value of each individual piece of equipment, building, and crop worth if it were to be replaced.
Any preemptive protection you have in place: This includes if there are protocols in place to ensure the public stays in open areas and not in restricted parts of the farm if the pumpkin patch has security cameras, and any rules for the public and employees.

Your independent insurance agent can also inform you of any specific details you'll need to have handy when you're ready to find the right pumpkin patch insurance policy.

What Does Pumpkin Patch Insurance Cover?

When it comes to insuring your farm's pumpkin patch, it's helpful to know exactly what your policy can cover. Though your specific policy can be customized to your needs, pumpkin patch insurance generally covers:

Accidents: This can be anything from coverage for fire and smoke to loading and unloading farm items and more.
Liability: Your pumpkin patch policy's general liability insurance covers costs associated with claims of third-party bodily injury or personal property damage caused by you or your grounds.
Natural disasters: Volcanic eruptions, tornadoes, and sinkholes are covered, but typically, floods and earthquakes are covered under a separate policy.
Weather events: Lightning, wind, hail, and more are covered. You might need a multi-peril crop insurance policy or crop-hail insurance to cover many weather incidents.
Crimes and civil unrest: This covers theft and vandalism of your pumpkin patch. When you allow the public on your property, these incidents can happen, so you want to be sure your policy has this coverage.
Collision or death while transporting: You'll want to be sure your pumpkin patch policy has coverage for hayrides, tractor rides, etc.

What Doesn't Pumpkin Patch Insurance Cover?

Pumpkin patch insurance, like farm insurance and all other types of policies, has its own list of coverage exclusions to be aware of. Keep in mind that pumpkin patch insurance typically won't cover:

Natural wear and tear of your farm's equipment, buildings, or public-use facilities
Items or equipment not working due to wear and tear or general public use
Sexual misconduct*

*Note that sexual misconduct usually is not an included coverage, but one you may want to have your agent add or take out a separate policy for. Since children will likely be a large percentage of your pumpkin patch's visitors, you need to have coverage for incidents that could specifically relate to minors.

How to Minimize Your Pumpkin Patch's Insurance Risks

To get the best and lowest premiums, insurance companies like to see that you take your pumpkin patch endeavors seriously. Basically, they want you to be as proactive in your business at minimizing risk as possible. The more risk you avoid, the more risk they avoid, so they can reward you with lower premiums. Here are a few steps you can take to minimize your pumpkin patch's risk of incidents and insurance claims.

Require the public to sign waivers absolving you and your pumpkin patch from a lawsuit if they get injured, sick, etc. while on the premises.
Post signage reminding the public that they are visiting at their own risk and that your pumpkin patch will not be held liable for injuries, etc.
Station employees and farmhands at every attraction to keep members of the public safe from harm.
Hold regular safety meetings for all employees and staff to ensure proper procedures are followed.
Have clearly marked and sectioned off restricted areas to avoid curiosity seekers.
Have rules posted, marked, and signed by every attendee to avoid confusion and claims.
Make sure all children are accompanied by an adult and that these rules are clearly posted and enforced.
Have all equipment and heavy machinery restricted, disengaged, and put out of harm's way.

How Much Does Pumpkin Patch Insurance Cost?

The answer is it depends. It's dependent on your pumpkin patch's specifics, like what it's worth and exactly how much coverage you need. Every farmer has different needs, so the price of insurance will be different. It's wise to be aware of various factors that can influence the cost of your pumpkin patch insurance premiums, such as the following:

Claims: If you've filed any insurance claims in the past, the cost of your policy's premium will likely increase.
Inventory: The more seeds, crops, livestock, herds, poultry, etc., you have, the higher the cost of your insurance is likely to be.
Equipment and machinery: The higher the value of your farm's equipment and machinery, and the more it costs to replace if an incident occurs, the higher the cost of your insurance.
Farmhouse: Certain details about your farmhouse, such as the year it was built, its square footage, how updated its roof is, and more, can influence the cost of your insurance.
Pole barns and other structures: The number, size, value, etc., of the pole barns and other structures you have will influence the cost of your insurance, too.
Pumpkin patch specifics: Your pumpkin patch's hours of operation, its square footage, the number of guests it brings in each year, its annual revenue, and other factors can influence the cost of its insurance as well.

All these factors can influence the cost of your farm insurance and pumpkin patch insurance. Your independent insurance agent can still help you save as much money as possible on your premiums, regardless of how big or complex your pumpkin patch is.

The Importance of Pumpkin Patch Liability Insurance

If you’re found to be legally responsible for causing bodily injury or personal property damage to other people or their property as a result of running your pumpkin patch business, you’ll have coverage under the liability portion of your policy, which is an aspect of business insurance. Your independent insurance agent can discuss all facets of your farm insurance and pumpkin patch insurance policies to ensure you've got the proper coverage in every area.

The Benefits of Working with an Independent Insurance Agent

Independent insurance agents have access to multiple insurance companies, ultimately finding you the best coverage, accessibility, and competitive pricing while working for you. As your pumpkin patch grows and your needs change, they'll be there to help you adjust your coverage to ensure you're properly protected without overpaying. They can also help by filing claims for you.

Find an Independent Agent

Find an Insurance Company

What type of insurance do you need?

Business Type

Business Articles

Auto & Vehicle Insurance

Property Insurance

Other Insurance

Insurance Solutions & Resources