Public liability insurance for land sharing

Why insurance matters

When you share land, things can go wrong. A visitor could be injured, livestock could escape, or a fire could start. Public liability insurance protects both the landholder and the land user from the financial consequences.

What to look for

• Public liability cover: At least $20 million is standard for agricultural land use. Some arrangements may require more.
• Product liability: If you're selling produce grown on the land, make sure this is included.
• Named insured parties: Both the landholder and the land user should be named on the policy, or each should have their own.

Who needs cover?

Landholders: Your existing farm insurance may not cover a third party using the land. Check with your insurer and disclose any land-sharing arrangement.

Land seekers: You'll typically need your own public liability insurance before starting, especially for grazing or market gardening. Some landholders require proof of insurance as a condition of the agreement.

Tips

• Get insurance quotes before you sign an agreement, so you know the cost.
• Review insurance annually and when circumstances change.
• Keep certificates of currency on file and share them with each other.