When third party vehicles access working farms, even a momentary lapse in care can result in damage that disrupts security, access, and day to day operations.
Business Type: Arable Farmer
Section of cover: Company Legal Liability
Applicable cover: Pursuit (Property Damage)
Circumstance: Farm gate post damaged by a third party.
Legal fees value: £1,936
The scenario:
Access to the farm relied on an automated gate positioned at a key entrance point. During a routine delivery, a third party lorry struck the gate post, rendering the automated system unusable and leaving the entrance compromised. Beyond the immediate physical damage, the farmer faced concerns around security, access control, and potential exposure to theft while the gate remained out of action.
What happened?
Responsibility for the damage lay with the delivery contractor, but recovery of repair costs was not straightforward without formal action. The damaged gate was not merely cosmetic; it formed part of the farm’s security and operational infrastructure.
The outcome:
Rural Protect issued a formal letter of claim to the third party. Following negotiation, damages of £2,925 were successfully recovered, allowing the gate to be repaired promptly without financial loss to the insured.
Things to consider:
• Act quickly when third party damage occurs to preserve evidence
• Identify whether damaged property has security or safety implications
• Use formal recovery processes rather than informal negotiation
To understand more about Rural Protect and how it can help rural businesses, call us on 01653 609090 or email enquiries@hbunderwriting.co.uk.
