Farm Insurance Australia :: Articles

The Weird and Wonderful World of Insurance

What are some weird and wonderful insurance stories from America?

The Weird and Wonderful World of Insurance

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

We came across this amusing (but true) insurance story with an interesting twist. Only in America!
A lawyer in Charlotte, NC purchased a box of very rare and expensive cigars, then insured them against fire among other things.
Within a month, having smoked his entire stockpile of these great cigars and without yet having made even his first premium payment on the policy, the lawyer filed a claim with the insurance company.
In his claim, the lawyer stated the cigars were lost "in a series of small fires."
The insurance company refused to pay, citing the obvious reason: that the man had consumed the cigars in the normal fashion.
The lawyer sued....and won! In delivering the ruling the judge agreed with the insurance company that the claim was frivolous.
The judge stated nevertheless, that the lawyer held a policy from the company in which it had warranted that the cigars were insurable and also guaranteed that it would insure them against fire, without defining what is considered to be "unacceptable fire," and was obligated to pay the claim.
Rather than endure lengthy and costly appeal process, the insurance company accepted the ruling and paid $15,000.00 to the lawyer for his loss of the rare cigars lost in the "fires."
But, after the lawyer cashed the check, the insurance company had him arrested on 24 counts of ARSON!
With his own insurance claim and testimony from the previous case used against him, the lawyer was convicted of intentionally burning his insured property and was sentenced to 24 months in jail and a $24,000.00 fine.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: Paige Estritori


Farm Insurance Articles

Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk Management and Insurance Options for Farmers
Risk management is the practice of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events. In farming, risk management involves various strategies to protect the financial health and operational stability of the farm. - read more
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Australian farmers face an array of natural disasters that can threaten livelihoods and disrupt the delicate balance of agricultural ecosystems. From devastating bushfires and droughts to powerful storms and floods, these catastrophic events pose serious risks to the farming community. Understanding and preparing for these forces is not just about survival; it's about building a sustainable future for farms across the continent. - read more
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
Welcome to the defining era where technology and agriculture entwine, bringing forth the digital farmer's era. With the evolution of agribusiness in the tech age, comes an array of new tools, opportunities, and risks. As a custodian of the earth and steward of the latest innovations, safeguarding your digital farm is just as crucial as nurturing your crops and livestock. - read more
The Modern Farmer's Checklist for Assessing Farm Equipment Insurance Needs
The Modern Farmer's Checklist for Assessing Farm Equipment Insurance Needs
As the backbone of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays an essential role in day-to-day operations across our expansive and diverse landscapes. From the vast wheat belts to the tropical fruit farms, machinery ensures efficiency and productivity in the face of constant challenges. But with reliance on such equipment comes significant risk—the financial burden of damage or loss can be devastating to a farmer's livelihood. - read more
Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance
Future-Proofing the Farm: What Every Tech-Savvy Australian Farmer Needs to Know About Insurance
Welcome to the first steps in future-proofing your farming legacy. When we think about the hustle and bustle of daily farm life, it's easy to overlook the critical importance of estate planning. For the Australian farmer, estate planning is not just a matter of securing your assets; it's about ensuring the survival and progression of your hard-earned labour to the next generation. - read more
Farm Liability Insurance Costs vs. Benefits: Is It Worth It?
Farm Liability Insurance Costs vs. Benefits: Is It Worth It?
Farm liability insurance is a type of coverage that protects farmers from financial losses due to legal claims and lawsuits. This insurance is crucial for safeguarding your farm against various liabilities that may arise from farm operations. - read more
A Farmer's Guide to Essential Farm Insurance Terminology
A Farmer's Guide to Essential Farm Insurance Terminology
Farming is a vital industry in Australia, requiring significant investment in equipment, crops, livestock, and labour. As with any major investment, protecting it is crucial. That's where farm insurance comes in. - read more
What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
Crop insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect farmers from the financial losses that arise from damages to their crops. This could be due to various risks, including adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases. - read more
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry is a transformative approach to land management that integrates trees into agricultural landscapes. In Australia, where farmers contend with variable climates and environmental challenges, agroforestry offers a resilient pathway to productivity and sustainability. - read more
5 Essential Farm Insurance Policies Every Australian Farmer Needs
5 Essential Farm Insurance Policies Every Australian Farmer Needs
Farming in Australia is not just a job, it's a way of life. However, it’s also a livelihood that comes with its own unique set of risks. From unexpected weather events to machinery breakdowns, the life of an Australian farmer is fraught with uncertainties. - read more

Insurance News

Australian Trucking Industry Faces Unprecedented Fuel Cost Challenges
Australian Trucking Industry Faces Unprecedented Fuel Cost Challenges
30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian trucking industry is currently grappling with an unprecedented surge in fuel prices, a situation that has placed many operators on the brink of financial collapse. Recent reports indicate that diesel prices have escalated from approximately $1.65 per litre to between $2.70 and $2.90 per litre within a mere three-week period. This dramatic increase has significantly impacted the operational costs of trucking businesses nationwide. - read more
Western Australian Transport Sector Pushes for Enhanced Truck Licensing Standards
Western Australian Transport Sector Pushes for Enhanced Truck Licensing Standards
30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Western Australia's transport industry is advocating for significant reforms to the state's heavy vehicle licensing system, aiming to enhance road safety and ensure that drivers possess the necessary skills and experience to operate large trucks. This push for stricter licensing standards comes in the wake of South Australia's recent implementation of more rigorous conditions for obtaining multi-combination (MC) licenses, following a tragic triple fatality crash in 2024. - read more
APRA Takes Action Against Unjustified Commercial Auto Insurance Premium Increases
APRA Takes Action Against Unjustified Commercial Auto Insurance Premium Increases
30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has recently implemented emergency regulations aimed at addressing escalating concerns within the commercial auto insurance sector. In response to widespread industry protests over substantial premium increases, APRA has taken decisive action to protect independent transport operators and logistics enterprises from potential financial distress. - read more
Navigating Rising Premiums and Profit Challenges in Australia's Insurance Sector
Navigating Rising Premiums and Profit Challenges in Australia's Insurance Sector
30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian insurance industry is currently grappling with a complex landscape marked by escalating premiums and declining profits. This trend is largely attributed to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, coupled with rising operational costs. - read more
Resilience in Action: Australian Non-Life Insurers Report Robust Revenue Growth
Resilience in Action: Australian Non-Life Insurers Report Robust Revenue Growth
30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Despite facing a volatile risk environment, Australia's non-life insurance sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with leading insurers reporting substantial revenue growth. According to AM Best's recent analysis, the top 10 non-life insurers in Australia collectively achieved nearly $46 billion in insurance services revenue in the latest fiscal year, marking an 11.1% increase from the previous period. - read more
Budget Direct Triumphs as Australia's Insurer of the Year in 2026 Finder Awards
Budget Direct Triumphs as Australia's Insurer of the Year in 2026 Finder Awards
30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Budget Direct has been honored with the prestigious 'Insurer of the Year' title in the 2026 Finder Provider of the Year Awards, solidifying its position as a leading choice for Australian consumers seeking value and reliable coverage. This accolade is part of a broader recognition, with Budget Direct securing a total of five major awards, the highest number for any provider in this year's competition. - read more
Rising Professional Indemnity Claims in Australia's Financial Services Industry
Rising Professional Indemnity Claims in Australia's Financial Services Industry
30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian financial services sector is currently witnessing a significant increase in professional indemnity (PI) insurance claims. This trend is largely attributed to intensified regulatory scrutiny and recent legal actions initiated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). - read more
Sterling Insurance Enhances Professional Indemnity Offerings with New Lloyd's Binding Authority
Sterling Insurance Enhances Professional Indemnity Offerings with New Lloyd's Binding Authority
30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Sterling Insurance has recently secured a new professional indemnity (PI) binding authority with Lloyd's, a development that promises to provide Australian brokers with greater control over product offerings and pricing structures. This strategic move is part of Sterling's ongoing commitment to delivering tailored insurance solutions that meet the specific needs of niche and complex risk sectors. - read more
Mandatory Professional Indemnity Insurance for NSW Builders Effective July 2026
Mandatory Professional Indemnity Insurance for NSW Builders Effective July 2026
30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Starting 1 July 2026, builders in New South Wales (NSW) who engage in design-related activities will be required to hold professional indemnity (PI) insurance. This mandate is part of the Design and Building Practitioners Act (DBP Act), which aims to enhance accountability and quality within the construction industry. - read more
Navigating the Rise in Strata Insurance Premiums: Causes and Solutions
Navigating the Rise in Strata Insurance Premiums: Causes and Solutions
30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In recent years, many Australian strata property owners have faced significant increases in insurance premiums, with some experiencing hikes of 40-80% since 2022. Understanding the underlying causes of these increases is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage and mitigate costs. - read more

Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Farm Type:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.


Knowledgebase
Loss Ratio:
The ratio of claims paid by an insurer to the premiums earned, used as a measure of profitability.