Business Interruption
Protecting Your Farm’s Income When the Unexpected Happens
Life in Central Otago is shaped by the land - rugged hills, sweeping plains, and the hard work of those who farm, grow, and live rurally. At C&R Brokers, we understand that rural life comes with unique risks and responsibilities. That’s why we offer tailored rural insurance solutions to protect what matters most. Rural insurance is a specialised form of coverage designed for those who live and work on the land. Our team is ready to go beyond standard property or vehicle insurance by addressing your specific needs. Whether you manage a high-country station, a vineyard, or a lifestyle block, rural insurance helps safeguard your livelihood against the unexpected.
Business interruption insurance is a crucial component for rural enterprises in New Zealand, particularly in areas like Central Otago where agricultural activities are susceptible to various risks. This type of insurance provides financial protection to farmers and rural business owners in the event that their operations are disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters, equipment failure, or pandemics. It covers loss of income during the period of interruption, helping businesses to maintain their financial stability while they recover.
For rural businesses, the implications of a disruption can be significant, affecting everything from crop yields to livestock health. With business interruption insurance, rural operators can ensure they have the necessary funds to cover ongoing expenses, such as wages and bills, while they work to get back on their feet. This type of insurance not only supports the immediate recovery but also contributes to the long-term resilience of the agricultural sector in New Zealand.
Make sure a setback doesn’t stop your season. Let us help you get tailored business interruption protection today.
Why get Business Insurance
Running a farm means facing unpredictable challenges - from severe weather and machinery breakdowns to fire or other insured events that can halt operations. Business interruption insurance (also known as business continuity insurance) provides financial support when income is disrupted, helping you keep essential costs covered while you recover.
What this cover can include:
Loss of insured profit
Rent, payroll, and wages
Claims preparation costs
Book debts
Additional increased costs of working
These protections ensure farmers can continue paying essential expenses such as staff wages, machinery running costs, and livestock feed while recovering from setbacks.
Key considerations:
Coverage limits, exclusions, and excesses vary between insurers.
Accurate financial records and compliance with property insurance conditions are often required for cover to remain valid.
A minimum of 12 months gross margin coverage is recommended to protect against immediate and unexpected events that can cause financial strain.
Example scenario: A severe frost damages a vineyard’s crop just before harvest, wiping out the season’s income. Property insurance covers the physical loss, but the farmer still faces ongoing costs — wages, machinery running expenses, and livestock feed. Business interruption insurance covers these essential costs, keeping the farm running until revenue returns.
By securing this cover, farmers gain confidence that unexpected setbacks won’t compromise their financial stability or ability to invest in the future.
Here’s how we help
We listen first. We take the time to understand your business model, your goals, and your pain points.
We tailor your cover. From retail to trades to tourism, we build policies that reflect your actual risks — not generic templates.
We advocate for you. If you need to make a claim, we’re right there with you — helping you navigate the process and get fair outcomes.
We stay connected. As your business evolves, we’re here to review and adjust your cover so it keeps pace with your growth.