Written by Gurjit Ghai, REALTOR®
Rexara Realty Inc.·Published: September 14, 2026·Farm Operations
A working farm usually needs more than a standard home insurance policy, because most residential policies do not cover farm buildings, livestock, crops, equipment, or farm liability. Farm insurance is typically a package that combines the dwelling, farm structures, liability, and sometimes produce, livestock, or equipment, tailored to the operation.
The coverage depends on what the farm does: a vineyard, a dairy, a greenhouse, and a hobby acreage have very different risk profiles and need different coverage. Lenders often require insurance as a condition of an agricultural mortgage, and a gap in coverage, like assuming a home policy covers a farm outbuilding, can be a costly surprise after a loss.
I am not an insurance professional, so I do not advise on coverage specifics, but I do flag for clients that farm insurance is a distinct product and should be arranged before closing. Talk to an insurer who understands agricultural operations, and read our Buying a Farm guide for the broader due-diligence checklist.
Important: This answer is general professional guidance for educational purposes and is not legal, tax, financial or regulatory advice. ALR rules, water licensing, zoning and farm-classification requirements can change and depend on your specific property. Always verify with the relevant BC authorities and qualified professionals before making decisions.
Gurjit Ghai, REALTOR®
Personal Real Estate Corporation
Brokerage: Rexara Realty Inc.
Gurjit Ghai is a BC real estate professional specializing in agricultural land, ALR properties, and farm operations across British Columbia. He helps buyers and sellers navigate water rights, soil capability, farm classification, and the unique due diligence that farmland transactions require.