From 40 degrees to non-stop rain: How our weather impacts your insurance

When you live and work in regional Australia, in places like Parkes then it’s important to understand the impact the weather has when it comes to your farm and business insurance. Louise Wykes, from AIA Insurance Agencies, is a local insurance broker, who grew up in a farming family and has lived across the Central West and Orana region. She’s experienced droughts, floods and everything in between. As an insurance broker she understands more than most about the impact of weather on protecting a farm or business. “Not all farms, agricultural or small businesses have the same needs. It’s important to understand our client’s needs so that we can shop around and find the right solution for each of our client’s situations.” Says Louise. Let’s talk about crops, rain and drought! “Our winter crops are already in the ground – wheat, barley, canola, chickpeas – the season is well underway. While heavy rainfall is hitting parts of northern NSW, large areas of Victoria are still facing harsh drought conditions. Both impact insurance availability across NSW.” comments Louise. Drought impacts insurers’ appetite for risk. Insurers need to diversify their exposure, and when one area is in drought – like Victoria is, it puts a limit on how much cover insurers are willing to provide across the rest of the country. “Once capacity is used, that’s it! That’s why we encourage our clients to submit their crop plan early so we can prepare crop insurance quotes while there's still availability.” Louise commented: “We have access to the eight key insurers who offer quality farm and crop insurance. With strong insurer relationships plus our team's 30+ years’ agricultural insurance experience we can confidently talk with insurers about their inclusions, exclusions, and claims decisions, if needed.” And when there’s a flood! Floods can cause widespread damage, often impacting towns and businesses as much as the surrounding communities. Flood waters bring mud and debris causing real damage to homes, businesses, cars and machinery. It’s important to know if your insurance policy covers flood, and if it doesn’t that you have a back-up plan. “The benefit of using an insurance broker is that we let you know what exactly you are covered for and what you are not covered for. We don’t work for the insurer; we work for you. We support you to manage your risks.” AIA Insurance Agencies, a trusted part of the Parkes Community AIA Insurance Agencies supported Louise’s decision to move to Parkes nearly two ago. As a loyal employee with over 15 years insurance knowledge plus her regional background they knew she’d offer valuable insurance advice whether it's about protecting your home, business or farm. You can find Louise at the AIA Insurance Offices on 3 Cecile Street or call her on 0485 931 334.

From 40 degrees to non-stop rain: How our weather impacts your insurance

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