What are the claim conditions for my Forage Insurance program?
Forage Insurance programs and options are specially designed for specific conditions, but they mostly share the same process for reporting and filing claims. Forage Insurance claims may occur at any time in the growing season, but generally fall into one of four categories:
What are the normal adjusting procedures when completing a post-harvest forage claim?
The adjustor should:
- Inspect all acres;
- Locate and identify all the harvested forage production;
- Diagram and identify the yard(s) and the locations of the stored forage;
- Count the bales from each field and weigh three from each lot to obtain an average weight per bale; and
- Obtain representative samples of all stored production by core sampling a number of bales from each field or crop type.
Why did the adjustor measure my acres?
A random selection determines the claims that require acreage measurements. Acreage measurements are also carried out when the adjustor has concerns or is uncertain that the declared acres are correct.
How do I know if the scales used by MASC provide accurate weights?
The platform scales are calibrated frequently to ensure they are accurate. You and the adjustor will select three bales for weighing. If you have any concerns with the weight, you can have the bales weighed at a facility with a certified scale. The certified weight will then be used to calculate the claim.
Who does the quality analysis on forage samples and are they qualified?
MASC contracts its sample analysis to SGS. The samples are processed by professional, accredited technicians at the SGS facility. Analysis is done using Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) technology. Quality control procedures are in place to ensure consistent and accurate results.
How does the adjustor obtain good representative samples of my forage?
In order for an adjustor to get a good representative sample, the following basic steps should be taken:
- The adjustor takes core samples from several bales from each field. Each core sample is emptied directly into a sample bag. Large lots may require the adjustor to fill more than one sample bag. Occasionally different cuts are sampled separately if the quality is significantly different.
- Once a sample bag is filled, the sample for that lot/field will be labelled with a unique sample identifier. High moisture samples are identified as such and handled in a manner to maintain quality until the analysis is completed.
How will I find out what the sample results are and when?
Analysis results are returned to MASC within a week of being sent to the lab. The results are sent to the insured along with their calculation of indemnity within four weeks of signing the claim.
What happens if the forage is sold or fed prior to quality samples being taken?
Sold or fed production for which no samples are available will be considered to be at the guaranteed Relative Feed Value and standard moisture.
What can I do if I am not satisfied with the sample analysis?
You should contact MASC to explain your concerns. It may be necessary to re-sample the production. However, if the production has all been fed, no quality adjustment can be made.
What if my stored forage is not measurable because it is mixed with uninsured production?
The adjustor will make a decision whether he can identify the production from individual fields. If the production cannot be identified it will be considered as all coming from the insured acres. If the number of uninsured acres is known and the adjustor is confident that all the production is accounted for, the total production can be pro-rated to determine the quantity coming from the insured acres.
When can I expect payment for my claim?
Normally, payment is made within four weeks from the time the claim is completed by the adjustor and signed by you.
If you do not want to receive a payment before a specific date (deferred payment) for tax purposes, you should inform the adjustor when completing the claim. Cheques cannot be returned to MASC for deferral.
How will my Individual Coverage (IC) be affected by a claim?
The IC system is based on a simple 10-year average of your yield history. Claim history is not part of the calculation.
How will my premium discount/surcharge be affected by a claim?
There is no premium discount or surcharge applied to Forage Insurance premiums.
Do I have to complete a Harvested Production Report (HPR)?
Yes, in all cases your HPR must be submitted before a claim can be registered. The yield declared by field is used to apportion the net harvested yield determined by the claim. Your HPR should be filed immediately after the last of your forage production has been baled or silaged for the year. You are required to provide 10 days notice prior to feeding or selling any production.
If you are in a claim position and you file the claim and your HPR by October 1, no late fees will be charged.
After October 1, claims may be accepted, but you will be charged a late fee. The final date to register a claim with a late fee is November 30.
With no claim, the final date to file your HPR is November 30.
What are customer service follow-ups?
To ensure that you are satisfied with the work of our adjustors, MASC may send another adjustor to your farm to check the original adjustor’s work. The second adjustor asks questions about the way the claim was completed. We appreciate your assistance when we do a customer service follow-up. Your concerns and opinions help us to do a better job.
What can I do if I do not agree with an appraisal?
If you do not agree with the appraisal, you should not sign the claim. A second adjustor will then be assigned to appraise the loss. If an agreement is still not reached, you can appeal the appraisal. The appeal form, which will be provided to you by MASC, must be signed by you and received by the Appeal Tribunal within seven days of the date shown on the Appeal Tribunal form. A deposit of $50 is required and will be refunded if your appeal is successful.
Standards for Adjustors
Certain procedures must be followed when the adjustor completes a claim. Contact MASC if you have concerns with any of the following:
- Fields in question were inspected thoroughly;
- All your stored production was inspected;
- Information was recorded correctly before you signed the claim; and
- The Adjustor displayed good conduct and attitude.
All MASC adjustors carry an identification card. If you have any concerns, please ask the adjustor to present the card.