The Agritourism Insurance Gap: What Farmers Discover Only When They Try to Grow

INTRODUCTION

Imagine a small family farm that has been raising sheep for years. On weekends, the farmer opens her gates to the community—hosting simple farm tours, offering a few camping spots, running a cozy farm store, and welcoming families for birthday parties.

Visitors love the experience, and little by little, her agritourism business begins to grow.

Inspired by the demand, she decides it’s time to expand. She plans to add hayrides. A children’s farm camp. A small dog park. More interactive experiences for guests.

But when she calls her insurance company to update her policy, everything comes crashing down.

Her insurer tells her: “We don’t cover those kinds of activities.”

Worse still, they warn her that adding separate coverage somewhere else could even lead to cancellation. Suddenly, the part of her farm that brings the most joy—and the most income—is also the part with the most risk.

This is the agritourism insurance gap. It happens when a farm evolves into a visitor destination, but the insurance policy remains stuck in the past. Many farmers assume their existing policy covers tours, events, and outdoor activities, only to discover that these attractions sit completely outside their coverage.

This guide will help you understand what the agritourism insurance gap is, why it happens, and what every farmer must know before expanding into new activities.

1. When Growth Exposes the Hidden Gap in Your Insurance

Every farmer who steps into agritourism eventually reaches the same exciting moment: Visitors are loving what you offer, and you’re ready to expand.

You dream of adding new attractions. More activities. More ways to create joy on your farm. And of course—more income for your family.

But this is exactly when most farmers discover something they never expected:

👉 Your old farm insurance isn’t built for your new agritourism life.

This is the moment when the insurance gap appears… usually right when your business is finally growing. You call your insurer hoping to add hayrides, kids’ camps, a dog park, or seasonal attractions — and you expect a simple policy update. Instead, you get a painful answer:

“We don’t cover those types of activities.”

Suddenly, the very things that make your farm exciting and profitable are also the things your insurer refuses to touch. This shock happens to farmers of all sizes — sheep farms, pumpkin patches, orchards, cattle farms, goat farms, strawberry farms, you name it.

Growth reveals the truth: Your insurance was protecting yesterday’s farm, not today’s vision.

2. Why Traditional Farm Insurance Breaks Down When You Add Agritourism

Most farmers assume that if an activity happens on the farm, their farm policy will cover it. But here’s the reality:

👉 Most farm insurance policies were designed decades ago — long before agritourism existed.

They protect your livestock, your barns, your equipment, and your fields. But they’re not built for:

• Visitors

• Events

• Children’s activities

• Lodging

• Recreation

• Seasonal attractions

  
  

Insurance companies treat these things very differently. To them, agritourism is “commercial entertainment”, not farming.

So when you add:

• Hayrides (moving vehicles + passengers = high liability)

• Kids camps (children = high risk)

• Dog parks (pet liability)

• U-pick events (visitor injuries)

• Petting animals (bite/scratch liability)

  
  

Your farm suddenly jumps categories.

And some insurers simply don’t have the products to cover those activities — no matter how safe or professional you operate.

Worse, some companies warn that if you try to get separate coverage elsewhere, they may cancel your policy entirely because they don’t want overlapping liability.

The simple truth?

Your agritourism business is evolving into something beautiful and profitable — but your traditional farm policy can’t evolve with it.

3. The Dangerous Assumption: “If It’s Not Excluded, It Must Be Covered.”

This is the #1 myth that gets farmers into trouble.

Many farmers read their policy and think:

“Well, the policy doesn’t say I can’t do farm tours or birthday parties, so it must be covered.”

Unfortunately, that is not how insurance works.

👉 Activities are only covered if they are specifically listed in your policy — not simply because they aren’t excluded.

Insurers can deny claims for activities that are “silent” or “undefined” in your policy. Silence is not coverage.

Here are common farm attractions that farmers assume are covered, but usually aren’t:

• Farm tours

• U-pick operations

• Petting zoos

• Dog parks

• Hayrides

• Birthday parties

• Kids camps

• Seasonal events

• Concessions or farm kitchens

• Farm stores with visitors

• Overnight stays or camping

  
  

If these activities are not clearly listed on your policy — in writing — then most insurers will deny coverage if an incident happens.

This is why farmers feel blindsided after years of paying premiums. They believed their insurer would support their agritourism growth…But the fine print tells a different story.

4. High-Risk Attractions That Almost Always Need Separate Agritourism Coverage

When a farm is just a farm, insurance is simple. But the moment you invite the public in — especially children, families, or overnight guests — your risk category changes completely.

Many farmers don’t realize that some of the most popular agritourism activities fall into high-risk liability zones, and insurers treat them very differently from normal farm operations.

Below is a clear, farmer-friendly breakdown of the activities that almost always require specific agritourism coverage — even if you’ve been paying insurance for years.

A. Vehicle-Based Attractions

These are some of the most loved experiences on farms — and also the ones insurers worry about the most.

• Hayrides

  A tractor pulling a wagon full of excited families is a magical experience… but one bump, slip, or fall can turn into a major liability claim.

• Wagon rides & shuttle rides

  Any time guests ride in a moving vehicle on your land, it becomes a separate risk category.

• Farm tour vehicles (ATVs, 4WD, side-by-side tours)

  Even slow drives require specific coverage.

  
  

Why this matters: Regular farm insurance only covers farm employees and work-related transport — not paying visitors.

B. Children’s Activities

Whenever there are children, insurers assume higher risk because kids are unpredictable — and parents expect perfection.

• Farm kids camp

• Birthday parties

• Play zones or children’s areas

• Craft workshops or farm classes for kids

  
  

Why this matters: Children’s events are considered “specialty entertainment,” and in many states, they are automatically excluded unless declared on the policy.

C. Animal & Interaction Areas

People love getting close to farm animals. Insurers… not so much.

• Petting zones

• Sheep, goat, or livestock interaction areas

• Dog parks on the farm (often the most excluded category)

  
  

Why this matters: Any time guests touch animals, feed animals, or bring their own pets onto your farm, the liability increases dramatically.

D. Seasonal Agritainment

These are crowd-pulling attractions that bring life — and risk — to the farm.

• Pumpkin patches & Halloween events

• Harvest festivals

• Holiday events

  
  

Why this matters: Seasonal attractions can involve large crowds, moving parts, tight spaces, or intentional “scare elements,” which insurers classify as high-risk entertainment.

E. Overnight & On-Farm Stays

Inviting guests to stay the night completely changes your insurance category.

• Tent camping

• RV parking

• B&B rooms

• Cabins or glamping tents

  
  

Why this matters: A farm stay turns your farm into a lodging business. Standard farm insurance almost never covers overnight guests unless it is explicitly added.

The Bottom Line

Many farmers assume, “If it’s not excluded, I’m probably covered.”But insurers think the opposite: If it’s not listed — it’s NOT covered.

These high-risk attractions are the exact areas where farmers discover the agritourism insurance gap the hard way.

5. Why Insurers Resist Covering Agritourism Expansions

Farmers love to grow, evolve, and create new experiences. But when you tell your insurance company you want to add hayrides or a kids camp, the conversation often turns cold.

Why? Because once you step into agritourism, you’re no longer just a farm — you’re becoming a visitor attraction, and insurers treat that as a completely different business.

Here are the real reasons many insurers push back, hesitate, or even threaten cancellation.

A. Higher Visitor Liability

Visitors don’t behave like farmers. They slip, trip, run, jump, pet animals, pull on gates, climb fences, and explore. Insurers know that any guest injury can become a lawsuit, and it only takes one claim to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The more people you invite, the higher the risk.

B. Claims Are More Complicated

A tractor accident involving an employee is one type of claim. A child falling off a hayride during a birthday party is a completely different category — and usually far more expensive.

Insurers prefer predictable risks. Agritourism attracts unpredictable ones.

C. Your Farm Changes Classifications

Once you add:

• events

• lodging

• rides

• public attractions

  
  

…your farm often moves from a farm policy to an entertainment or commercial liability policy.

Many traditional insurers simply aren’t allowed — by their own underwriting rules — to insure attractions, rides, camps, or overnight guests.

D. Overlapping Coverage Creates Confusion

Some insurers fear situations where:

• the farm policy covers one thing

• the agritourism policy covers another

• and they argue about who pays the claim

  
  

To avoid this fight, some companies take an extreme stance: “If you buy additional coverage elsewhere, we’ll cancel you.”

It’s not personal — it’s about avoiding responsibility disputes.

E. They Don’t Have Agritourism Expertise

This is the biggest issue of all.

Most rural insurance agents understand:

• crops

• livestock

• tractors

• barns

• equipment

  
  

But very few understand:

• camps

• dog parks

• haunted attractions

• event liability

• visitor interaction zones

• agritainment rides

  
  

So when you explain your expansion, many agents simply don’t know how to insure it — and they say no out of caution.

F. Some Activities Are Almost Automatically Declined

Because of historical claim rates, many insurers avoid:

• dog parks

• camps with children

• rides pulled by machinery

  
  

If the farmer wants to expand into these areas, they must find a specialist that handles those exact risks.

The Real Reason Behind the Resistance

Your farm is evolving faster than the insurance industry.

Agritourism is growing — but insurance policies haven’t caught up. When a farmer expands, it exposes every weakness in an outdated policy.

Your insurer isn’t trying to stop your dream…They’re simply not built for it.

That’s why finding an agritourism-friendly insurer is essential before you grow.

6. Farmers’ Options: Where to Find Proper Agritourism-Friendly Coverage

When you discover that your current insurer won’t cover your new attractions, don’t panic. You’re not alone—and there are insurers who truly understand agritourism. The key is to work with companies that specialize in visitors, events, lodging, and on-farm experiences.

Here are some of the most commonly used agritourism-friendly insurers in the United States:

A. Agritourism Insurers in the United States

1. Leavitt Group

Well-known in agritourism circles. They understand:

• hayrides

• corn mazes

• u-pick

• pumpkin patches

• petting zoos

• camps

• year-round storefronts

  
  

Strong option for farms offering multi-activity setups.

2. MUSIC (Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company)

Frequently used for:

• fall attractions

• pumpkin patches

• short-term lodging

• events and festivals

  
  

MUSIC is often accessed through a broker who understands specialty coverage.

3. Secura Insurance

A popular choice for family farms expanding into:

• kids camps

• play areas

• farm stores

• recreational attractions

  
  

Known for flexible agritainment policies.

4. Nationwide Agribusiness

One of the largest agritourism-friendly insurers in the country. Covers:

• hayrides

• animal experiences

• event spaces

• weddings

• overnight stays

  
  

5. American National (ANICO)

Great for farms with:

• B&B

• small cabins

• farm stays

• visitor lodging

  
  

6. Farm Bureau (depending on state)

Coverage varies greatly by state. Some agents understand agritourism very well. Others do not. The key is finding an agent who will fight to find the right underwriter.

🌍 B. What About Farmers Outside the U.S.?

Agritourism is growing globally, and many countries now have specialized insurance products—though they may fall under different names such as “farm hospitality,” “rural tourism,” or “farm stay insurance.”

Here’s how farmers outside the U.S. can find proper insurance:

1. United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland)

Look for:

• “Farm Diversification Insurance”

• “Rural Tourism Insurance”

• “Visitor Attraction Insurance”

  
  

Common companies include:

• NFU Mutual

• Lycetts

• Cornish Mutual (Southwest region)

• Hiscox (for events & public liability)

  
  

These insurers understand petting farms, farm parks, pumpkin patches, and holiday stays—very common in the UK.

2. Australia

Use:

• “Farm Stay Insurance”

• “Public Liability for Agritourism”

  
  

Common insurers:

• AAMI Business

• WFI Insurance

• Elders Insurance

• Allianz (farm stays & B&Bs)

  
  

3. Canada

Look for:

• Agritourism endorsements

• Rural commercial liability

• Farm stay or B&B liability

  
  

Companies include:

• Co-operators

• Wawanesa

• Intact Insurance

• Portage Mutual

  
  

4. Europe (France, Italy, Germany, Spain)

In Europe, agritourism is mainstream.Search for:

• “Agriturismo Liability”

• “Farm Guest Accommodation Insurance”

• “Rural Tourism Cover”

  
  

Examples:

• AXA

• Allianz

• Generali

• Groupama

  
  

These companies cover:

• guest meals

• farm stays

• u-pick

• farm events

• animal interactions

  
  

How Farms Anywhere Can Find the Right Coverage

No matter the country, farmers can follow these steps:

1. Search for agents who use words like “farm tourism,” “farm hospitality,” or “visitor liability.”

2. Ask local farm associations who they recommend.(Most have lists of insurers familiar with agritourism.)

3. Check rural tourism boards and agricultural ministries—many countries now have dedicated farm tourism programs.

4. Look for brokers who specialize in recreation, outdoor hospitality, or rural attractions.

5. Ask other farms running tours, stays, or events who they use. The best recommendations always come from other farmers.

   
   

7. What Farmers Should Ask Before Buying Agritourism Insurance

When you finally sit down with an insurer or broker, don’t just assume everything is covered. Ask direct, specific questions. The goal is to make sure the insurer understands your business today — and your plans for tomorrow.

Here are the essential questions every agritourism farmer should ask:

A. Coverage Clarity

1. “Are the activities on my farm specifically listed on the policy?” If the agent says “it should be covered,” that’s a red flag.

2. “Do you insure hayrides, camps, dog parks, petting zoos, or ( _______ ) attractions?” These are high-liability attractions. They must be declared.

3. “Is my farm classified as agriculture, agritourism, or entertainment?” This classification affects claims.

   
   

B. Understanding Exclusions

4. “What activities are NOT covered?” Farmers fear this question, but it’s the most important one.

5. “If I add a new activity later, will it affect my policy?” Some insurers will cancel or raise rates when you expand.

6. “Is food service or concessions included?” Food operations are often excluded unless separately written.

   
   

C. Protection for Visitors & Guests

7. “Does this cover overnight guests, camping, B&B stays, and short-term rentals?”

8. “Is there coverage for animal-related incidents?”(e.g., sheep, goats, horses, dogs)

9. “What limits do you recommend for visitor liability?” Most agritourism farms underestimate this.

   
   

D. Business Continuity & Paperwork

10. “Is everything under one umbrella policy or split between multiple companies?”Single-umbrella coverage avoids claim disputes.

11. “Will you provide coverage documentation I can show event organizers or schools?” Important for farm tours, camp groups, and school visits.

    
    

E. Future Expansion

12. “If I plan to add more attractions next year — is my policy expandable?” You want an insurer who grows with your farm.

13. “Do you offer seasonal coverage for holiday or fall events?” This can reduce costs.

14. “How quickly can changes be made if I need to add something mid-season?”

    
    

When you know the right questions to ask, you take back control. Insurance shouldn’t limit your dreams — it should protect them. Ask boldly, get everything in writing, and choose a partner who believes in agritourism as much as you do.

8. How to Protect Your Farm While You Grow

If you’re planning to expand your agritourism business, think of insurance as part of the foundation—just like fencing, staff training, or visitor safety. The more activities you add, the more important it becomes to strengthen your protection before guests step foot on your new attraction.

Here are practical, farmer-friendly steps you can take right now:

1. Review Your Current Policy Line by Line

Sit down with your agent (or a new one if needed) and go through:

• What’s covered

• What’s excluded

• What’s “silent” (not mentioned at all)

  
  

If it isn’t clearly listed, don’t assume it’s safe.

2. Make a Complete List of Every Activity on Your Farm

Include:

• Tours

• Events

• Birthday parties

• Lodging

• Camps

• Hayrides

• Animal interactions

• Seasonal/holiday attractions

  
  

Give this list to your insurer and ask them to confirm coverage in writing.

3. Get Written Confirmation — Not Verbal Assurances

A friendly “don’t worry, you’re covered” is not enough when there’s an accident and the stakes are high. Always ask for an email or an updated policy endorsement.

4. Use Waivers for High-Contact Activities

Especially for:

• Hayrides

• Camps

• Dog parks

• Petting zones

  
  

Waivers won’t remove all liability, but they dramatically reduce exposure.

5. Improve Safety Protocols Around Your Attractions

Simple changes make a big difference:

• Clear signage

• Staff and volunteer training

• Fencing around animals

• Regular equipment checks

• Supervised visitor zones

• Written procedures for emergencies

  
  

Insurers love farms that take safety seriously — it often lowers premiums.

6. Keep Incident Logs and Maintenance Records

If anything happens—a child falls, a dog gets loose, a tractor stalls—record the details. These logs prove you are responsible and proactive.

7. Work With Insurers Who Understand Agritourism

Don’t waste time with companies who “don’t get it. ”Choose an insurer who:

• Covers agritourism every day

• Understands the activities you offer

• Encourages safe expansion — not cancellation threats

  
  

When your insurer understands your farm, expanding becomes a lot smoother.

9. The Big Takeaway: Growth Requires New Protection

As your agritourism business grows, your farm transforms into something more than just a place of production. It becomes:

• A playground

• A learning center

• A business

• A community gathering place

• A destination

  
  

And because your farm has evolved, your insurance must evolve with it.

The biggest mistake farmers make is assuming their old farm insurance will automatically protect every new attraction they add. It won’t. Not because insurers are bad—but because traditional farm insurance was never built for agritourism.

Growth is exciting, but it shines a bright light on what your current policy truly covers. Once you begin adding hayrides, camps, dog parks, or haunted experiences, you quickly discover the truth: You’ve outgrown your old insurance.

The solution isn’t to stop growing…It’s to get the right protection before you take the next step.

CONCLUSION

Agritourism is one of the best ways for farmers to create steady, joyful, year-round income. It brings families to the farm, fills weekends with laughter, and opens doors to new opportunities—just like it has for me on my own durian farm.

But growth comes with responsibility. And insurance is a critical part of that responsibility.

If your farm is expanding, if you’re adding new attractions, or if your visitors keep asking for more activities… then you owe it to yourself to make sure your protection grows with your business.

The agritourism insurance gap is real—and it catches farmers off guard every single day. But with the right knowledge, the right questions, and the right insurer, you can close that gap completely.

Protect your farm. Protect your visitors. Protect your future income.

And most importantly—give yourself the confidence to grow boldly, knowing your farm is safe, secure, and ready for the amazing agritourism journey ahead.