Liability

[9973720wb19]

Just looking out the window as see a tractor going down the road...and wondering. If that tractor (or me and my tractor) collides with a car (let's say), I know the car has insurance and is taged, but my tractor is not taged and does not carry specfic and direct insurance. If it's the tractor's fault, would homeowners cover this? Also, are tractors "really" allowed on the road if it's the cars' fault? Is the car not liable because the tractor should not be on a public road in the first place?

 

[ultrarunner]

Farmers I know are covered under their farm liability policy as long as the use is farm related.

Some non-farmers purchase a rider for their home owner policies that provide liability...

 

[rjkobbeman]

A lot of people get away with driving their tractors down the road because farmers are allowed... but is it really legal for the non-farmer? I would think not. (I am guilty of this by the way.) I imagine one of the things farmers have, that the average joe tractorin' away down the road doesn't have, is liability insurance.

 

[MF 1532]

These are all good questions , and your reputable agent is who to ask . 15 years I have been in business and every incident has different stipulations . I want the peace of mind , but it seems like you can be "insurance poor". Something you might check on is a umberella policy , it is very cheap per million dollars. It will cover anything over and beyond your other policies limits. I always have personal , business , fleet , workmans comp with the same company , my reasoning , I have had a situation that they would not cover it on one policy , but they did on another . This probably didn't answer your question ,but I do hope it helps .

 

[TripleR]

I can only speak for Missouri, but Missouri statutes allow for the use of tractors on public roadways for specific purposes such as travel from one farm or field to another, going to or from a repair facility etc., but they are not to be used as transportation.

As to insurance, check with your carrier. Mine said that under my policy as long as our tractors are going from one farm to another, our liability insurance will cover it. We have farms in every direction, so you can bet if anything happens, I am on my way to or from one of them, of course I usually am.

Living in the heart of farm country, tractors are as common almost as cars at times, so no one really bothers to check on them or they wouldn't get anything else done.

 

[sweettractors]

We have a few fellows in our county that can't get a drivers license because they are legally blind or lost the drivers license. They drive tractors to where ever they need to go in county. No official has ever stopped them. Ken Sweet

 

[jk96]

I have a tractor specific policy through American Family Insurance. It covers damage, repair, theft, etc on the tractor itself as well as liability for any damage/accident I may cause during the operation of the tractor. Runs me about $600/year.

 

[tessiers]

In Maine to drive on the road a tractor is supposed to be registered with tractor plates, which requires liability insurance. I looked into doing roadside mowing and in order to get a contract with the state you need insurance and registration paperwork. There is an exemption for agricultural equipment during ag related duties, for the registration, not sure about the insurance. We have a farm umbrella policy so I am covered but for years I didn't, and I have never registered a tractor, never got stopped either.

 

[Soundguy]

i'm sure it varies by state.. but in florida, a non tagged farm implement with a smv plaque moving at 24mph or less, fully occupying it's lane is legal on most roads other than limited access roadways.

as for insurance.. I'd check your homeowners policy. I know my policy covers liability for my tractor if I'm drving between my home and other property doing work for myself.. not for hire.. etc.

check your state dmv and HO policy.

soundguy

A lot of people get away with driving their tractors down the road because farmers are allowed... but is it really legal for the non-farmer? I would think not. (I am guilty of this by the way.) I imagine one of the things farmers have, that the average joe tractorin' away down the road doesn't have, is liability insurance.

 

[rilesdav]

Good question, anyone know the rules in Massachusetts????