Public Liability for Hobby Farms, Paddocks and Rural Blocks
Rural land carries the same liability as a suburban block, often with more hazards: dams, old fences, livestock and fire. Cover runs up to 460 hectares.
Who it's for
Hobby farms, unused paddocks, lifestyle blocks and land held for future use.
Common claim scenarios
The policy covers claims you're legally liable for, up to your limit. These examples are illustrative, and whether a claim is paid depends on the facts and the policy wording.
Fire crosses the boundary
A grass fire starts in your paddock and spreads to a neighbour's fencing and hay shed.
How cover responds: Damage to your neighbour's fencing and shed is covered if you're legally liable. Maintaining firebreaks and following your fire authority's rules is part of taking reasonable precautions.
An old bridge gives way
A walker follows an informal track across your land, and an old timber footbridge over the creek collapses under them.
How cover responds: The walker's injury claim is covered if you're legally liable. If a serious incident leads to an inquest, the policy also provides a lawyer to represent you, up to $25,000.
The hobby farm becomes a business
You start running cattle commercially, and a farmhand you employ is injured in the yards.
How cover responds: Not covered by this policy. A working farm needs farm insurance, and injuries to people you employ need workers compensation cover. Tell us before the land's use changes.
Watch for
A working farm needs farm insurance. Keep firebreaks and follow your fire authority's rules.
Last reviewed