Indiana Farmers Seek Ways to Lower Insurance Costs

Insider tips from an expert on bundling, safety plans, and more to reduce farm insurance premiums

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:39pm

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Indiana farmers are feeling the squeeze from high input costs and low commodity prices, and protecting valuable assets through insurance can put even more strain on farm budgets. John Nagle, a Farm Training Specialist with Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, shares strategies that may help farm owners reduce their insurance premiums, including bundling policies, implementing safety plans, and taking advantage of discounts.

Why it matters

With the rising costs of farming, finding ways to lower insurance premiums is crucial for Indiana farmers to maintain profitability and protect their operations. Nagle's insights provide valuable guidance on practical steps farmers can take to manage their insurance expenses.

The details

Nagle suggests several strategies to help farmers lower their insurance costs, including bundling multiple policies with the same carrier, taking advantage of 'paperless discounts' by paying annually, and completing the Indiana State Department of Agriculture's Certified Livestock Producer Program to receive a discount. He also emphasizes the importance of preventative maintenance, risk management planning, and developing safety plans to avoid accidents and reduce claims. Other factors that can impact premium costs include claims history, property condition, coverage type, and deductible amounts.

  • Indiana farmers are currently feeling the squeeze from high input costs and low commodity prices.

The players

John Nagle

A Farm Training Specialist with Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, an experienced professional with 12 years' experience working directly with farmers.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance

An insurance company headquartered in Indianapolis with offices in all 92 counties of Indiana.

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What they’re saying

“Every farm is different and every policy is different, so what I say may not apply to everybody, but I've been trying to help as much as I can.”

— John Nagle, Farm Training Specialist

“The first thing—and you see it on TV a lot—is bundling your insurances. That you can save money. That also applies to the farm. If you have multiple insurance policies and you have them all with the same carrier, that usually gives you a discount. Also, you may take advantage of 'paperless discounts'—what we call, paying in full because you're paying annually instead of monthly.”

— John Nagle, Farm Training Specialist

“It's also worth noting that Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance is the only insurance company that offers a discount for livestock producers who complete the Indiana State Department of Agriculture's Certified Livestock Producer Program.”

— John Nagle, Farm Training Specialist

“Do an inspection. Look around the building. Do we have fire extinguishers up? Have we done proper maintenance on equipment? Do we implement safety training for our family and employees? Anything that can be done to avoid those accidents. Also, if we can develop a safety plan, having those plans in place well may not always avoid those accidents, but it will reduce the time and damage if it were to take place.”

— John Nagle, Farm Training Specialist

“Things change constantly, and you don't want to find yourself over-insured or under-insured. Typical farm business actions like purchasing new equipment or additional acres and making structural improvements all impact insurance needs. Reviewing your policies each year with your agent will help you stay on top of all the changes you've made. These reviews might also help you identify new discount opportunities.”

— John Nagle, Farm Training Specialist

What’s next

Farmers should contact their insurance agent at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance to review their policies and explore potential ways to lower their premiums.

The takeaway

By implementing strategies like bundling policies, taking advantage of safety-related discounts, and regularly reviewing their coverage, Indiana farmers can find ways to reduce the financial burden of insurance costs and protect their valuable assets.