FAQs

Policy Questions

What is the definition of Hail?
Hail is precipitation in the form of transparent or partially opaque balls or irregular lumps of concentric ice, and does not include sleet, snow and frozen or partly frozen rain.
When does my Hail Insurance take effect?
Hail Insurance becomes effective at 12 noon, the day following the date of application.
How much Hail Insurance can I buy?
CHA will provide up to $400 per acre coverage.  However, total insurance may be bought up to the ‘actual cash value’ of the crop.
My neighbor cash rents his land to my son. Can I purchase a hail insurance policy on my son’s crop?
Generally, no.  You must have an insurable interest in each and every crop you insure.  That means you must personally stand to lose money in the event your son’s crop is lost or damaged by hail.  If you don’t, then you do not have the right to purchase insurance.  The same holds true for the landlord.  The cash rent the landlord has collected is seen to remove any insurable interest he may have had in your son’s crop.
When does my Hail Insurance policy expire?

Your CHA policy will expire at 12 noon standard time on October 31st or when the crop has been harvested – whichever comes first.

Does my Hail Insurance Policy cover any other perils?
Yes.  CHA extends cover loss or damage by fire to your policy.  Coverage is paid only on the value of the crop to a maximum of the insurance per acre.  (Some restrictions apply)
How can I pay for my Hail Insurance?

All applications must be accompanied by either Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard), cheque, bank draft or money order.  Credit options approved by CHA may be discussed with your agent.

What Types of Hail Insurance Policy can I buy?
There are two types of hail coverage policies:

Full Cover– This policy covers your crops for a stated value and pays losses at the ascertained damage.

Deductible- This policy covers your crops for a stated value and pays losses at the ascertained damage less the deductible of choice.  Premiums are also less costly.  This type of insurance is similar to house or auto insurance deductibles.  How much risk are you willing to assume?  As a home or auto owner you are familiar with your deductible being quoted in dollars $100, $250 etc.  In the case of crop hail we use percentages 10%, 20% etc.  Please refer to the  “Deductibles” section for further payout details.

Why use deductibles?
  • Greater Protection for your Premium Dollar.
  • Larger Cash Awards on Heavier Losses.
  • Rates are lower because the cost of adjusting small losses is avoided.
  • The best value for your premium dollar.

Loss Questions

When do I get paid?
CHA prides itself in the prompt payment of its claims. Our average claim turn around is 30 days from the date of a loss.
How do I file a claim?
In all cases a written “NOTICE OF LOSS” must be signed by the insured and forwarded to our office by mail, fax, email or online submission within 72 hours of the storm. Please see ‘Submitting A Claim‘ for further details.
How much loss do I require to file a claim?
The company is liable for the full amount of loss provided the loss is 5% or more in the case of a non deductible (Full Cover) policy. In the case of a deductible policy, loss in excess of such percentage as endorsed on the policy by deductible.
What is a ‘Harvest Allowance’?
CHA pays a harvest allowance when your loss from hail reaches or exceeds 90% on the particular acre or acres of crop insured bringing the total award to 100%. (May be different on selected deductible policies)
Can I defer my loss payment?
As a courtesy, CHA will defer loss payments at the request of the insured. We recommend however, that you consult your accountant or Revenue Canada.