There are a variety of claims for different programs and features of Crop Insurance. Claim types include:

Producers experiencing crop damage should contact their local customer service office or call 1-888-935-0000 to register a claim.

For weather derivative programs, claims do not have to be filed; they are automatically calculated based on weather station data. 

Wild rice claims also do not have to filed. Claims are triggered when a region’s reported annual production is less than the average historical production. The claim will be calculated based on the number of acres you insured in that region and the coverage level selected: 50, 60 or 70 per cent.

Procedures differ based on the type of claim. In general, an adjuster will inspect the acres and collect a variety of information. This information may include plant counts, acreage details, cause of loss, bin measurements, grain samples, and information from sales receipts. An adjuster will answer your questions and explain all the information to you before you sign the claim.

The producer's responsibilities include accompanying the adjuster in the field, showing the adjuster all acres and completing all required documentation. For post-harvest claims, producers may also have to provide permit books and sales receipts and show the adjuster all bins.

For multi-peril, organic and forage programs: When producers submit production information following harvest, they may be eligible for a claim by declaration. This means that a claim will be paid based solely on submitted information. Producers must meet eligibility requirements in order for a claim to processed in this manner. An adjuster will only visit if your contract has been randomly selected to be verified, to ensure validity and accuracy of the claim.

There are several payment options available to you. Choose the option best suited to your management practices:

• immediate payment of an establishment claim up to $10,000 in the field once the claim has been verified (this is applicable to Establishment Benefit claims only)
• direct deposit into your bank account (an authorization form must be completed first)
• issued indemnity cheque

Indemnity payments can be deferred up to one year following your claim inspection date. If producers wish to defer an indemnity, they must advise the adjuster at the time of claim completion. Indemnities deferred to January 1, 2011, will be mailed before the end of December.

You have the choice of deferring the entire indemnity, which will require payment of the entire premium 15 days prior to the deferral date, or you can request to have the premium deducted from the indemnity and have the remaining balance deferred.