Identification

• Farm trucks and vehicles are classified as vehicles reserve solely for farm use. To classify as a farm truck or vehicle, it must be used in the vicinity of the farm land. It can only be used for farm-related tasks, such as transporting such items as animal feed, fertilizers, or grass seeds, and it can be used for deliveries and transport for machinery repairs.
  
  Farm truck insurance is reserved solely for farm vehicles. Some insurance companies may require insured vehicles to have farm plates, though it is not commonly required to register farm vehicles with the Department of Motor Vehicles in various states.
  
  

History

• Heavy-Duty Farm Equipment
  
  In the early 2000s, many states changed insurance standards for farm vehicles. In prior years, farm vehicles where routinely covered under farm liability insurance plans. New insurance guidelines put into effective separate insurance policies for farm vehicles. Farmers can exercise the option of buying an insurance plan specifically designed for their farm vehicles. The insurance laws and regulations also apply to farm vehicles that are not registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Farm vehicles are not always exempt from motor vehicle regulations. In many states, it is an increasing requirement to purchase farm truck insurance for vehicles that will use roads and highways traveled by standard vehicles. Accidents do occur with slow-moving farm vehicles, and insurance coverage is an increasing concern to farmers and general motorists, alike.
  
  

Benefits

• Farm vehicles that are registered and insured can be used for extended personal use. Also called F-tagged vehicles, these vehicles can be used for shopping, family care and other routine activities. All farm vehicles, whether insured or not, have to be titled. However, registering farm trucks and other vehicles allows farm families to get the most out of their investment, for both business and personal needs. It then becomes a priority to insure farm vehicles commonly used for off-farm tasks.
  
  

Considerations

• Consider the benefits of insuring farm trucks and vehicles. These vehicles are major expenses and are vital to the total farm operation, and accidents or damage can severely hinder farm production. Additionally, people drive and ride in farm vehicles. Farm vehicles traveling on public roads may encounter incidences of irresponsible road handling of other drivers, or they may pose a hazard to others.
  
  There is also the possibility of mishaps with farm product and supply transport that can disturb normal traffic, if not properly secured. Farm vehicles can cause accidents or be the no-fault subject in an accident. All of the possibilities are good reasons to protect the investments of farm trucks, and to protect the lives and health of the people responsible for making farm businesses a success.