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Prescribed Fire Liability Insurance Options

November 2013

Prevalent fear of legal liability is inhibiting many private landowners and forestry consultants from engaging in prescribed burning practices.  One way to minimize the risks associated with prescribed fire liability is through the purchase of prescribed fire liability insurance.

Insurance coverage for prescribed burning is relatively new to the insurance market, but is available from several companies in the Southeast under an extended Forester’s policy or as a separate insurance policy specifically for prescribed burning.

Click here for a list of companies that provide prescribed fire insurance policies in the Southeast, and to find a potential range of prices. This document also provides some considerations you may want to keep in mind while searching for the best product for your needs.

What are the benefits of having insurance?

In addition to coverage associated with claims for things such as personal injury, property damage, medical expenses, or damage to rented premises, it would be very hard for a burner to be proven negligent for smoke damages incurred from a prescribed burn if he/she had prescribed burn insurance and if the burn was conducted properly. In addition, liability insurance can oftentimes be tax deductible.

Did You Know….?

Some insurance companies provide discounts or other benefits to members of certain organizations. Examples of these organizations include the Association of Consulting Foresters, Society of American Foresters, Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, National Wild Turkey Federation, and The Longleaf Alliance.

Do you know of a company or organization not shown on this list who provides a prescribed fire insurance product or offers discounts to members in the Southeast? Please e-mail Jennifer Evans at jlevans3@ncsu.edu.

Note: This information is provided for general information and educational purposes only, not to provide specific legal advice. It is not an endorsement of any organization or agency and is not considered inclusive. Individuals should consult directly with the insurance company, organization, or a licensed professional attorney to find out more information.