Liability Coverage for Sugaring Operations
Gary W. Graham
Ohio State University Extension Center

Top ten things you need to know from your current insurance provider or to ask when shopping for coverage, as well as top ten things insurance companies will want to know about your operation.

Best Advice In Liability Coverage!!

Purchase a separate Commercial Policy for your sugaring operation.

What To Ask And Tell Insurance Providers:

1. I process a naturally occurring crop (maple sap) into another product (maple syrup).
2. Does my current policy cover product liability for my syrup?
3. Does my current policy cover premises liability for people invited to my operation?
4. What type of policy is this -- homeowners, farm owners, or commercial policy?
5. Who is the company holding the policy and where is the home office?
6. Do you sell your policies?
7. What will premises and product liability insurance cost me?
8. To what level will I be covered; e.g., up to how much money?
9. Do you represent me in court if something should go wrong?
10. Have you ever seen or experienced making maple syrup?

Don't assume anything.
Invite them to come out to your operation and see first hand what you have; e.g., trees in sugarbush, equipment in sugarhouse, etc. Educate them with how syrup is made, how the product is handled and what the end product contains; i.e., "pure maple syrup." Also let them taste the syrup. It will set the stage for deeper and clearer appreciation for the effort and care put into the end product.

What The Insurance Company Will Want To Know:

1. What are the potential hazards; e.g., fire, electrical, tripping, and burn etc.?
2. Can you provide evidence of planning to address liability issues; e.g., a well thought out operation with safety measures in place: warnings, roped off areas, detailed records etc.?
3. How many hours worked and number of employees and volunteers involved in the operation and approximate number of visitors coming to your operation yearly?
4. What is the cleanliness and hygiene of your operation; e.g., from tap to container?
5. What is your experience, length of time in business and education practices; e.g., do you regularly attend trainings like this Maple Workshop to stay on top of the latest information, equipment, safety issues, etc.?
6. Are safety supplies present and easily accessible; e.g., fire extinguisher, first aid kit, etc.?
7. How large of an operation; e.g. building size, equipment, number of acres and their value?
8. What is your volume of product produced and where and how is it distributed -- retail and wholesale sales, direct marketing, Internet sales etc.? (both syrup and confections)
9. What are the gross receipts of sales; retail, wholesale, syrup, confections?
10. How much coverage do you want?