Ensuring Adequate Insurance Coverage for Shoot Trailers

While autumn may seem on the horizon, shooting season is fast approaching. Shoot trailers play a crucial role in the operations of farms that host shoots, and are often pivotal between an enjoyable day of shooting and a pretty demoralising experience.

These trailers are often implemented to carry people during shoots be it on a formal contractual basis, or for a bit of fun. Whether you refer to them as a shoot trailer, a beater truck or a gunbus the communal transport encourages friendly jokes, bragging rights and creates a sense of camaraderie.

However, there is growing concern that many farm owners overlook whether their farm insurance policy covers the carriage of people in these trailers. It is imperative to address the issue seriously and ensure the appropriate coverage given the potential risks involved and the legal requirements for trailer standards.

Speak to Your Insurer

Many farm and shoot organisers will assume that their farm insurance policy will automatically cover the carriage of people in shoot trailers. The reality is that the answer varies vastly depending on the insurer. We urge any of our customers to discuss their requirements with us, as our team of farm insurance specialists will discuss the specifics of insurance policies with our clients to ensure correct coverage.

There are legislations in place to ensure certain safety standards, and unfortunately, there are instances where farms fall short of meeting these requirements. Of course, the aim is not to have any accidents and the hope is that insurance isn’t required, but accidents can and do happen unexpectedly.

Cover all Bases

While shoots tend to take place on private land, there may be short periods of travel on the public highway, as such, trailers need to have indicators, and they may also require flashing warning lights or beacons for top speeds. The local police should be able to provide additional advice on the safety requirements for your vehicle.

Addressing the Risks:

1. Review your policy: Ensure your policy is thoroughly reviewed to specifically address the coverage for shoot trailers. If there is any concern, contact Farm and General and we can help identify gaps in coverage and make any necessary amendments.
2. Safety compliance: It’s imperative to comply with trailer safety standards to ensure the necessary measures are in place. This could include regular inspections, maintenance and adherence to safety protocols.
3. Risk assessment: Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment. This may seem obvious but here at Farm and General we can collaborate with you or shoot organisers to identify potential hazards associated with shoot trailers and develop risk mitigation strategies. Whether this is training programs, improved signage or the implementation of emergency response protocols.

Get in Touch 

Farm and General will address issues of coverage and help ensure the protection of farm owners, shoot organisations and their guests ahead of shoot season. By proactively addressing the potential gaps in coverage and developing solutions to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in transporting guests in a shoot trailer, you can help mitigate risks should the worst happen. Get in touch with us today to find out more.