Looking up at the sky can sometimes clearly indicate that there will be no storms, at least not at that moment. But is that enough when it’s necessary to secure and protect your entire annual yield? Will luck smile upon us, or will we hope, after a disaster, that it won’t happen again?
Investing in a Secure Future or Facing Costs due to Capricious Nature
Natural disasters are becoming an increasingly significant global problem, and Serbia is not exempt from these unpredictable events. Although the situation is becoming alarming, agricultural insurance in our country is still not sufficiently represented. Compared to the European Union and developed countries, Serbia is still significantly behind. Only about 15 percent of arable land in Serbia has some form of insurance coverage, and experience shows that large agricultural producers and legal entities decide to conclude insurance, while small farm owners continue to expose their production to risk.
According to the data from The Republic Statistical Institute of Serbia, of the total area of available land, 80% is used as agricultural land, and 3% constitutes unused land in 2023. The largest areas of arable land and gardens are represented in the Region of Vojvodina (55.8%), while orchards are most prevalent in the Region of Å umadija and Western Serbia (54.9%). Of the total number of farms in Serbia, 61.7% are involved in livestock farming. Â
It is considered that the main reason for not insuring production is insufficient information available to producers, as well as weak trust in the insurance process itself and adequate insurance claim settlement if the damage occurs. Although it may seem like investing in risks that may not manifest, we are witnesses that prevention is always more profitable in all segments of life, despite the price, compared to the consequences.
Agricultural Insurance as Investment, not Expense
Insurance premiums for agricultural production are dynamic and subject to fluctuations due to a number of factors, including historical damage data. Unfortunately, extremely adverse weather conditions over the past three years have resulted in significant increases in crop and livestock damage, exceeding multi-year averages. Proactive risk management through agricultural insurance represents a strategic investment in stability and long-term profit, rather than a passive expense. Although economic barriers and incomplete information can limit acceptance of insurance among smaller producers, a comprehensive understanding of insurance benefits and customized payment options can significantly mitigate these barriers. Insurance of agriculture is the most important tool for protection against unforeseen events and ensures the continuity and growth of agricultural holdings.
Flexible Payment and Fast Claims Settlement
The timing aspects of premium payment and damage assessment are key elements in optimizing agriculture insurance. Insured individuals have the flexibility to pay only the initial part of the premium upon concluding the policy (5%), with the remainder after the harvest, allowing for better financial planning. On the other hand, quick and efficient assessment of potential damage and compensation payment within 14 days after finalizing the procedure ensure rapid adjustment and financial stability for farmers. The standard insurance package provides protection against elemental risks such as hail, fire, and lightning strikes, but insurance companies are focused on offering customized solutions based on individual client needs.
Lack of Information or Absence of Trust
The perception of a lack of trust in insurance companies is often cited as a barrier to insuring agricultural production. However, data analysis shows exceptionally low complaint rates and a minimal number of legal disputes, indicating a high level of commitment from insurance companies and a significant focus on meeting the needs of the insured. Nevertheless, farmers' decisions not to insure their production more often stem from a combination of economic factors and a lack of information. Smaller producers may find insurance premiums unattainable or feel that the expected benefits do not justify the cost. Furthermore, limited knowledge about the benefits of insurance and the lack of specific experiences can represent significant barriers in the decision to opt for this type of financial instrument.
Insurance Incentives
In order to promote agricultural insurance and mitigate risks for agricultural producers, Serbia has implemented a program for subsidizing premiums. This program has proven to be significantly effective, especially in five districts of Western and Central Serbia, where the subsidy was increased to 70%, resulting in a rise in interest for insurance. Continuing and expanding this model to a national level represents a strategic step towards increasing the use of insurance among farmers. In addition to state subsidies, farmers can also have additional incentives, including discounts from insurance companies. Combined with local subsidies, insurance in some situations can even be completely free, further enhancing its availability and affordability.
How Can EuroSolutions Assist You?
As insurance brokers with many years of experience and a rich portfolio, we understand the unique needs of each agricultural producer and we are ready to support you throughout the entire insurance process:
- Risk identification - By analyzing your agricultural holding and identifying potential risks;
- Choosing the right coverage – We will find an insurance offer tailored to your needs and budget, considering all specifics important for your business;
- Selecting the best offer - Working with reputable insurance companies, we can provide you with competitive premiums and the best possible coverage conditions;
- • Damage claim filing – We will be with you continuously, throughout the entire damage claim filing and processing procedure, acting alongside the insurer to ensure the process is concluded quickly and efficiently.