NAU County Insurance Company
Key Points
- NAU Crop Insurance refers to NAU Country Insurance Company, a federal crop insurance provider.
- They specialize in Multiple Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI), crop hail, and named peril insurance products.
- They are part of QBE Insurance Group Limited, operating in 48 states since 1981.
Overview
NAU Crop Insurance, NAU Country Insurance Company, focuses on helping farmers manage risks through various insurance products. They were founded in the 1980s and are now part of a larger insurance group, emphasizing customer service and innovative technology.
Services and Coverage
They offer a range of federal crop insurance options, including MPCI with types like Yield Protection and Revenue Protection, as well as crop-hail insurance. Interestingly, they also provide private products that enhance these coverages, which might be unexpected for users unfamiliar with additional layers of insurance.
Historical Context
Established in 1981, NAU Country has grown to employ over 1,200 staff and continues to provide financial security for farming communities, a detail that highlights their long-term commitment to agriculture.
Detailed Report
NAU Crop Insurance refers to NAU Country Insurance Company, a significant player in the federal crop insurance sector, specializing in Multiple Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI), crop hail, and named peril insurance products. This report provides a comprehensive overview, drawing from available online resources to ensure a thorough understanding for users seeking detailed information.
Company Background and History
NAU Country Insurance Company was founded in the early 1980s by the Deal family, with Jim Deal playing a pivotal role in establishing a partnership between the government and private sector. This initiative aimed to enhance the financial security of the nation’s farming community, making crop insurance a primary risk management tool for American farmers.
The company has since grown from a small business to an industry leader, becoming part of QBE Insurance Group Limited, which adds financial strength and economic stability. As of recent reports, NAU Country operates in 48 states and employs over 1,200 field and office staff, underscoring its extensive reach and commitment to the agricultural sector.
Their mission, as stated on their website, is “Insuring your crops. Ensuring your success.®,” reflecting a commitment to empowering agents and farmers with tools to navigate market fluctuations and maximize profitability. This focus on customer service and innovative technology positions them as a leader in the field, with a history dating back to 1981, making them America’s original MPCI company.
Insurance Products and Services
NAU Country offers a diverse portfolio of insurance products, catering to the varied needs of farmers. Their primary offering is Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI), which includes several sub-options such as:
- Yield Protection
- Revenue Protection
- Whole Farm Revenue Protection
- Margin Protection
- Livestock
- Nursery
- Rainfall Index
Additionally, they provide Crop-Hail insurance, which offers protection against hail damage at any time, integral for risk management. An interesting aspect is their private products, which enhance MPCI coverage and are evaluated to meet competitive risk management needs. For example, the Crop Insurance Bundle Policy provides coverage for common perils in one policy, offering a discount compared to separate purchases, and is available for crops like corn, soybeans, cotton, and rice, with availability varying by state.
Recent updates include the phasing out of the Nursery Field Grown and Container (FG&C) crop insurance program starting in 2026, with encouragement to explore the Nursery Value Select (NVS) program. They also offer Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) and Micro Farm insurance, available in all 50 states, covering revenue loss from commodities produced or purchased for resale during the insurance period.
Operational Scope and Resources
Operating in 48 states, NAU Country provides easy access to resources for both agents and farmers, including policyholder updates, commodity prices, and technical support. Their website, NAU Country, features sections like crop resources and policyholder updates, ensuring users have the latest industry support and information. For instance, they provide access to Risk Management Agency (RMA) bulletins and memorandums, keeping stakeholders informed about changes such as modifications to the Apple Tree Crop Insurance Program approved on August 22, 2024, effective from the 2026 crop year.
Customer and Agent Support
NAU Country emphasizes outstanding customer service, with tools like a 1099 FAQs website to assist in retrieving documents online and additional resources for agents and farmers. Their commitment is evident in their dedication to providing high-quality products, services, and advice, supported by a team of over 1,200 staff across the country.
Tables of Key Offerings
To organize the information effectively, here are tables detailing their insurance types and recent updates:
| Type of Insurance | Details |
|---|---|
| Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) | Includes Yield Protection, Revenue Protection, Whole Farm Revenue Protection, etc. |
| Crop-Hail | Protection against hail damage, integral for risk management |
| Private Products | Enhances MPCI coverage, evaluated for competitive risk management needs |
| Recent Updates | Details |
|---|---|
| Nursery FG&C Program | No longer available starting 2026 crop year, transition to Nursery Value Select (NVS) |
| Apple Tree Program Modifications | Approved August 22, 2024, effective 2026 crop year, details on NAU Country |
| WFRP and Micro Farm Insurance | Available in all 50 states, covers revenue loss from commodities |
This detailed report ensures a comprehensive understanding, covering historical context, product offerings, operational scope, and recent developments, all drawn from credible online sources as of April 1, 2025.
NAU Policy Coverage
NAU Country Insurance Co, a federal crop insurance provider, specializes in helping farmers manage risks through various insurance products. Their policies primarily cover agricultural risks, including crops and dairy, with different plans offering protection against revenue and yield losses.
Policy Coverage Details
- Area Plans: These include Area Revenue Protection (ARP) and Area Yield Protection (AYP), covering county-wide losses for crops like corn, cotton, and soybeans. Coverage levels range from 70-90%, with exclusions for individual losses, and include upside harvest price protection in some cases.
- Dairy Revenue Protection: This insures against unexpected declines in quarterly milk sales revenue, with coverage levels from 80-95% and a protection factor of 1.00-1.50, based on futures prices and state-level milk production. Exclusions include no indemnity if the state average does not decline.
- Other MPCI products, like Revenue Protection and Whole Farm Revenue Protection, are also offered, though specific details on risks and limits may vary by plan.
An unexpected detail is the inclusion of specific limits like the protection factor for dairy, which adds a layer of customization based on milk production and pricing options.
Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of NAU Country Insurance Co Policy Coverage
NAU Country Insurance Co, a federal crop insurance provider and part of QBE Insurance Group Limited, has been a significant player in the agricultural insurance sector since its founding in 1981. Operating in 48 states and employing over 1,200 staff, the company focuses on providing risk management solutions for farmers, emphasizing customer service and innovative technology. This report, as of April 1, 2025, provides a detailed examination of their policy coverages, drawing from official sources to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Company Background and Mission
Established by the Deal family, NAU Country Insurance Co aimed to enhance the financial security of the nation’s farming community through a partnership between government and private sectors. Their mission, “Insuring your crops. Ensuring your success.®,” reflects a commitment to empowering agents and farmers with tools to navigate market fluctuations and maximize profitability. This historical context underscores their long-term dedication to agriculture, with a proven track record of financial strength rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best, supported by parent company QBE Insurance Group Ltd.
Policy Coverage Overview
NAU Country offers a diverse portfolio of insurance products, primarily under Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) and additional coverages like Crop-Hail and private products. These policies are designed to protect against various agricultural risks, with specific details varying by plan type. Below, we detail the coverage for key products, including risks covered, exclusions, and limits, based on available information.
Area Plans Coverage
Area Plans, such as Area Revenue Protection (ARP), Area Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion (ARP-HPE), and Area Yield Protection (AYP), are insurance plans based on the experience of an entire area, generally a county. The detailed coverage information is as follows:
| Plan Type | Risks Covered | Exclusions | Coverage Levels | Price Protection | Limits/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area Revenue Protection (ARP) | County-wide revenue losses, yield losses, or both | Individual losses | 70-90% (5% increments) | 80-120% | Includes upside harvest price protection |
| Area Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion (ARP-HPE) | County-wide revenue losses, yield losses, or both | Individual losses, upside harvest price protection | 70-90% (5% increments) | 80-120% | – |
| Area Yield Protection (AYP) | County-wide yield loss | Individual losses | 70-90% (5% increments) | 80-120% | Only area plan offering CAT coverage; includes forage and peanuts |
Crops covered include corn, cotton, forage (only with AYP, including peanuts), grain sorghum, popcorn, rice (currently a pilot for all ARPI plans), soybeans, and wheat. Indemnities are paid only if the county average revenue or yield falls below the trigger, and these plans are continuous policies, emphasizing area-based protection rather than individual farm losses.
Dairy Revenue Protection Coverage
Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) is an area-based revenue product designed to insure against unexpected declines in quarterly revenue from milk sales relative to a guaranteed coverage level. The detailed coverage information is as follows:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Risks Covered | Unexpected declines in quarterly revenue from milk sales, based on futures prices for milk and dairy commodities, and covered milk production indexed to the state or region. |
| Exclusions | No indemnity if actual milk revenue is above the revenue guarantee, despite individual production issues; individual producer may not receive indemnity if state/region average does not decrease. |
| Limits | Coverage level: 80-95% (in 5% increments); Protection Factor: 1.00-1.50 (in 0.05 increments); Up to five quarters of coverage, with quarterly contracts; Covered milk production declared per endorsement, cannot overlap for same pounds of milk; Expected milk yields based on state-level NASS estimates; Pricing options: Class Pricing (Class III and IV) or Component Pricing (butterfat, protein, other solids fixed at 5.7 lbs.). |
DRP is approved for sale in all 50 states, with agents required to complete 3 hours of annual training and pass a competency exam every 3 years for the 2025 crop year, beginning July 1, 2024. Technology tools like quoting systems and mobile DRP QCE submissions with eSign enhance accessibility, and a brochure is available for download at the official website.
Other MPCI Products
While specific detailed coverage for other MPCI products like Yield Protection, Revenue Protection, Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP), Margin Protection, Livestock Protection, Nursery Insurance, and Rainfall Index was not fully detailed in the sources, general descriptions indicate they cover various agricultural risks. For instance, Revenue Protection insures against revenue loss due to yield and/or price changes, with the final revenue guarantee based on the higher of the projected price or harvest price, though exact risks, exclusions, and limits were not specified in the available data. WFRP and Micro Farm insurance, available in all 50 states, cover revenue loss from commodities produced or purchased for resale, with recent updates phasing out the Nursery Field Grown & Container (FG&C) program starting in 2026, transitioning to Nursery Value Select.
Crop-Hail and Private Products
Crop-Hail insurance offers protection against hail damage at any time, integral for risk management, though specific risks, exclusions, and limits were not detailed. Private products enhance MPCI coverage, such as the Crop Insurance Bundle Policy, which provides coverage for common perils in one policy with a discount, available for crops like corn, soybeans, cotton, and rice, with availability varying by state.
Operational Scope and Resources
NAU Country provides easy access to resources for both agents and farmers, including policyholder updates, commodity prices, and technical support at NAU Country. Recent updates include changes to the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) for the 2025 crop year, expanding coverage to additional crops and increasing premium support, announced by the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) on July 30, 2024, as noted in their news section at NAU Country News.
Customer and Agent Support
The company emphasizes outstanding customer service, with tools like a 1099 FAQs website and additional resources for agents and farmers, supported by over 1,200 staff across the country. Their commitment is evident in providing high-quality products, services, and advice, ensuring farmers have the necessary support for risk management.
Conclusion
NAU Country Insurance Co’s policy coverages are comprehensive, focusing on agricultural risks with detailed plans like Area Plans and Dairy Revenue Protection, offering specific coverage levels, exclusions, and limits. While some products lack detailed public specifications, the available information highlights their role in providing financial security for farming communities, with ongoing updates ensuring relevance as of April 1, 2025.
NAU Policy Cost
Key Points on NAU Policy Costs
- Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI): Costs are subsidized by the federal government, reducing the farmer’s out-of-pocket expense. Premiums vary by plan (e.g., Revenue Protection, Yield Protection), coverage level (50-85% typically), and crop/county risk factors.
- Area Plans: These (e.g., Area Revenue Protection) range from 70-90% coverage, with premiums influenced by county-wide risk data. Subsidies can cover 38-59% of the premium, depending on the coverage level.
- Dairy Revenue Protection: Premiums are based on quarterly milk revenue coverage (80-95%), with a protection factor (1.00-1.50) amplifying indemnity but increasing cost. Subsidies apply, but exact rates depend on market conditions and futures prices.
- Crop-Hail and Private Products: These are not federally subsidized, so costs are fully borne by the farmer, varying by hail risk and additional coverage options (e.g., Replant Option).
General Cost Factors
- Subsidies: For MPCI products, the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) subsidizes premiums, often covering 50-67% of the cost, depending on the plan and coverage level. Higher coverage levels (e.g., 85%) receive lower subsidies (e.g., 38%).
- Coverage Level: Higher coverage (e.g., 90% vs. 70%) increases premiums but offers more protection. For example, Area Plans at 90% have lower subsidies than at 70%.
- Crop and Region: High-risk crops or areas (e.g., drought-prone regions) have higher base premiums. Corn in Iowa might cost less than wheat in a less predictable climate.
- Protection Factors: Options like Dairy Revenue’s protection factor (up to 1.50) or Margin Protection’s (0.80-1.20) adjust indemnity and premium costs proportionally.
Example Insights
- Area Revenue Protection (ARP): For a county with average risk, a 75% coverage level might have a premium of $20-$30 per acre before subsidies, reduced to $10-$15 after a 55% subsidy. This is a rough estimate, as actual rates depend on historical yield/revenue data.
- Dairy Revenue Protection: Covering 95% of quarterly milk revenue might cost $0.05-$0.15 per hundredweight (cwt) pre-subsidy, with farmers paying a fraction after subsidies, adjusted by milk production and futures pricing.
- Crop-Hail: In hail-prone areas, costs might range from $5-$15 per $100 of coverage per acre, fully paid by the farmer, depending on hail frequency and desired liability.
Additional Considerations
- Bundling Discounts: NAU offers products like the Crop Insurance Bundle Policy, which can lower costs compared to separate policies, though availability varies by state and crop.
- Technology and Tools: NAU’s tools (e.g., Farmer Portal, mobile app) don’t directly affect policy cost but can streamline management, potentially reducing administrative overhead for farmers.
- Recent Updates: The Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) for 2025 expanded to more crops with increased premium support (e.g., 44-51% subsidy at 90-95% coverage), announced July 30, 2024, which could lower costs for eligible farmers.
Why Costs Aren’t Fixed
NAU Country doesn’t publish flat rates because costs are tailored to each farmer’s situation—yield history, acreage, commodity prices, and risk profile all play a role. The federal crop insurance program’s complexity, with its mix of subsidies and market-based pricing, further customizes costs.
For an accurate cost, reach out to an NAU Country agent or marketing representative via their website (naucountry.com) or call center (1-800-942-5448). They’ll use tools like EASYwriter Pro® to generate a quote based on your specifics.
NAU Policy Exclusions
Key Exclusions Across NAU Policies
- Individual Losses in Area Plans: Area-based plans (e.g., Area Revenue Protection) exclude losses specific to an individual farm if the county-wide average doesn’t trigger an indemnity.
- Non-Insured Causes: Damage or loss from causes not explicitly covered (e.g., neglect, mismanagement, or unlisted perils) is typically excluded across policies.
- Late Reporting or Non-Compliance: Failure to meet deadlines for acreage reporting, premium payment, or other procedural requirements can void coverage or indemnity.
- Upside Price Protection (Selective): Some plans, like Area Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion (ARP-HPE), exclude upside harvest price protection, unlike full ARP.
Specific Policy Exclusions
Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) – General
MPCI covers a broad range of perils (e.g., drought, flood, pests), but exclusions apply across its sub-plans (e.g., Yield Protection, Revenue Protection):
- Uninsurable Crops or Practices: Crops not planted according to USDA-approved methods or unlisted in the actuarial documents for the county.
- Pre-Existing Damage: Losses from damage occurring before insurance attachment (e.g., prior to planting or policy start date).
- Neglect or Mismanagement: Losses due to failure to follow recognized farming practices, like inadequate irrigation or pest control.
- Non-Natural Causes: Damage from theft, vandalism, or mechanical failure (unless explicitly added via private products).
- Late Planting: Reduced or no coverage if crops are planted after the final planting date, unless late planting coverage is elected (where available).
Area Plans (ARP, ARP-HPE, AYP)
Area Plans base indemnities on county-wide performance, leading to specific exclusions:
- Individual Farm Losses: No payout if your farm suffers a loss but the county average yield or revenue meets or exceeds the guarantee.
- Upside Harvest Price (ARP-HPE): Excludes increases in revenue due to higher harvest prices, unlike ARP, which includes this protection.
- Non-Covered Crops: Only specific crops (e.g., corn, soybeans, wheat) are eligible; others like specialty crops may not qualify unless explicitly listed.
- Catastrophic Events Not Affecting County: Localized events (e.g., a storm hitting only your farm) won’t trigger indemnity if county averages remain stable.
Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP)
DRP insures against quarterly revenue declines based on milk sales and futures prices, with these exclusions:
- Individual Production Drops: No indemnity if your milk production falls but the state or regional average doesn’t decline below the guarantee.
- Revenue Above Guarantee: No payout if actual milk revenue exceeds the guaranteed amount, even with production losses.
- Overlapping Coverage: Milk pounds covered in one endorsement cannot be insured under another overlapping endorsement for the same quarter.
- Non-Market Factors: Losses from farm-specific issues (e.g., equipment failure, disease not affecting state averages) aren’t covered.
- Pricing Option Limits: Coverage is tied to either Class Pricing (III/IV) or Component Pricing; losses outside these metrics (e.g., local market quirks) are excluded.
Crop-Hail Insurance
Crop-Hail focuses on hail-specific damage, with broader exclusions for other perils:
- Non-Hail Damage: Losses from drought, flood, wind (unless added via companion coverage), pests, or disease are excluded unless bundled with MPCI or private products.
- Pre-Existing Damage: Hail damage occurring before policy inception isn’t covered.
- Uninsured Acres: Only acres explicitly listed in the policy are covered; unreported or late-reported acres may be excluded.
- Negligent Harvesting: Losses exacerbated by delayed harvest or poor post-hail management may not qualify.
Private Products and Enhancements
NAU offers private products to supplement MPCI, like the Crop Insurance Bundle Policy, with exclusions such as:
- Non-Listed Perils: Only perils specified in the bundle (e.g., hail, wind) are covered; others (e.g., frost, unless added) are excluded.
- State/Crop Restrictions: Availability varies by state and crop (e.g., corn, soybeans, cotton, rice), excluding ineligible regions or crops.
- MPCI Dependency: Some enhancements require underlying MPCI coverage; standalone losses outside MPCI scope may not apply.
Broader Context and Notes
- Federal Guidelines: As an Approved Insurance Provider (AIP) under the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), NAU’s MPCI exclusions align with federal standards. For example, the RMA’s 2025 updates (e.g., Nursery FG&C phase-out by 2026) don’t list new exclusions but shift coverage options, indirectly affecting what’s excluded.
- Customizable Limits: Exclusions can sometimes be mitigated with add-ons (e.g., Replant Option for Crop-Hail), but these increase costs and must be elected before deadlines.
- Documentation Dependency: Claims denied due to missing records (e.g., yield history, acreage reports) are a practical exclusion across all policies.
Examples for Clarity
- Scenario 1: Your soybean field is flooded, but the county average yield is fine (Area Plan). Excluded: No indemnity due to individual loss exclusion.
- Scenario 2: Milk prices drop locally, but state averages hold steady (DRP). Excluded: No payout as state-level revenue didn’t decline.
- Scenario 3: Hail hits pre-policy, then more post-policy (Crop-Hail). Excluded: Pre-policy damage isn’t covered.
How to Confirm Exclusions
Since exact exclusions depend on policy wording, crop, and endorsements, review the policy summary from NAU or consult an agent via naucountry.com or 1-800-942-5448. The Farmer Portal and EASYwriter Pro® tools also help agents clarify coverage limits and exclusions for your specific situation.
