The agricultural machinerylike agricultural tractors and other vehicles driving on Italian soil, require insurance coverage to be able to travel on the road. The Traffic Lawsto theArticle 193provides that all motor vehicles have the obligation to be insured for civil liability, therefore including agricultural vehicles with motors.
When it is mandatory
RCA insurance on agricultural machinery is mandatory for all motor vehicles, including tractors, combine harvesters, three-wheelers and other vehicles used for agricultural activities. The obligation applies in case of circulation on public roads and private areas, when accessible by third parties.
Agricultural machine
What is meant by “agricultural machine”? Textually to Art. 57 of the Highway Codethe definition of agricultural machinery: “…they are wheeled or tracked machines intended for use in agricultural and forestry activities…”. The definition becomes more specific with the subdivision into “self-propelled” or “towed”, based on the movement capabilities of the machines themselves. These vehicles, like cars, are at risk of accidents. Thus it is possible and it is always recommended to take out an insurance policy which can also cover compensation in the event of theft, damage or accidents at work with damage to people and/or things.
In fact, it is the category of worker that is most at risk: driver, passenger or third party.
Insurance cost for agricultural tractor
One thing to know about farm tractor insurance is that their price remains generally constant. The variations reported here on the price depend on the region in which the RCA of the vehicle was stipulated. Since use on public land is usually limited but no less risky, accidents related to accidents are considered less likely. Instead the policy tends to greatly protect the operator and any third parties, in addition to the assets. In fact, insurance plans are divided into sun two categories:
1) self-used agricultural machinerythat is, by the applicant himself, at an annual price that varies from €100-150;
2) agricultural machinery used by third partiesas in the case of a company, with an annual price that varies from €200-250.
The cost of an agricultural machinery liability insurance policy varies based on several factors, including:
- Vehicle type
- Engine power
- Area of use
- Maximal
- Driver experience
What it coverslimits, deductibles and bonuses/maluses
RC insurance covers damage unintentionally caused to third parties by the circulation of the agricultural vehicle. Damage may be material (for example, damage to property or buildings) or physical (for example, injury or death) in nature.
Maximal – The limit is the maximum sum that the insurance can pay to compensate for damage caused to third parties. The minimum maximum limit established by law is 5 million euros for damage to persons and 1 million euros for damage to property.
Bonus Malus – RC insurance for agricultural machinery does not provide for the bonus/malus system, as is the case for cars. This means that the insurance premium does not vary based on the number of accidents caused. However, there is something to consider in the event of an accident, the damage could be extensivetherefore different companies add to quotes of insurance premiums deductibles which usually vary from 250 to 1,000 euros.
Which agricultural machines are subject to RCA?
Let's see in detail which agricultural machines are subject to RCA.
1) 2-axle self-propelled agricultural machines. In this case it is compulsory to insure the self-propelled agricultural machine.
2) Agricultural machinery towing trailers with a total weight of less than 1.5 t. AND' it is sufficient to insure only the self-propelled agricultural machine as the trailers are considered an integral part of the tractor.
3) Agricultural machinery towing trailers with a total weight exceeding 1.5 t. – Mandatory RCA for the towing agricultural machine with suitable towing extension (also for towed machines) to which add another policy for static risk, in case the damage is caused by the trailer separated from the tractor. For those who want, here's a quick one safety guide in operating these machines.
Things to know about “agricultural insurance”.to”
For business owners in the agricultural sector, there is the possibility of insuring the entire company against natural disasters, accidents and other circumstances that can occur: it's called agricultural insurance. Therefore, if you take out an insurance plan to cover the entire company against unexpected events, you could choose plans that also include insurance on agricultural machinery. Considered, rightly, important assets for the company itself.
Also in this case the price of the policy varies depending on the Regions in which the company claims to operate. In some cases it changes from municipality to municipality. Obviously it also varies based on the size and business of the company, as well as the insurance agency itself and the premiums it offers.
Therefore, before taking out an insurance contract for your company or for your vehicles, it is advisable carefully consult the proposals of the various companies. An online search on agricultural machinery insurance can clarify any doubts.
Read other news where we talked about agricultural tractors and farmers' protest.
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