Backed by a long history and strong regional presence, Elders Insurance continues to support Australian farmers
For more than a century, Elders Insurance has worked alongside Australian farmers, helping protect their livelihoods through changing seasons, market conditions and risk environments.
Today, that long standing rural heritage is reinforced by the global strength of QBE Insurance, combining deep local insight with strong underwriting capability to support modern farming businesses.
According to Craig Clarke, Elders Insurance Head of Underwriting, that balance between local relationships and long term backing remains central to the business’ role in regional Australia.
“Our job is to provide insurance that works in practice for farmers – cover that reflects how farms actually operate, supported by the stability and technical depth needed to stand behind customers for the long term,” Clarke says.
Elders Insurance offers a broad suite of general insurance solutions for Australian farmers and agribusinesses, including cover for farm and station property, machinery and plant, livestock, crops, vehicles, public and product liability, and business interruption, as well as specialised rural risks.
Clarke says underwriting decisions are guided by the realities of farming, rather than standardised assumptions.
“Farming operations vary widely depending on scale, geography and exposure,” he says.
“We work closely with agents and customers to understand relevant risk environments and inform our approach to coverage design, rather than adopting a one‑size‑fits‑all approach.”
For many customers, this approach is delivered through Elders Insurance Farm Pack products, which allow multiple covers to be combined into a single, streamlined policy.
Designed to evolve as operations change, Farm Packs provide flexibility while simplifying administration.
“Farms don’t stand still,” Clarke says.
“Insurance needs to adapt as machinery changes, cropping programs shift or businesses diversify.”
A defining feature of Elders Insurance is its local agency model, with agents embedded in the communities they serve.
“Agents don’t just operate in regional towns, they live there,” Clarke says.
“That means they understand seasonal pressures, local weather patterns, supply chain challenges and the day to day realities of farming life.
“Importantly, relationships are built over years, not transactions.”
That local presence is particularly important when something goes wrong.
“Local claims handling allows for informed, practical decisions and faster responses, because agents understand the context of the loss,” Clarke says.
“That makes a real difference during what is often a highly stressful time for customers.”
Australian farmers are also operating amid increasing uncertainty, as more frequent and severe weather events, rising input costs, biosecurity threats, supply chain disruption and market volatility continue to reshape risk profiles across the sector.
“Insurance plays a critical role in helping farmers manage that uncertainty,” Clarke says.
“But it’s only effective when cover is well understood, fit-for-purpose and supported by responsive service.”
Elders Insurance agents work closely with farmers to identify risks, explain cover and ensure protection keeps pace with changing operations.
When claims arise, local knowledge helps guide responses grounded in how farms actually operate.
Elders Insurance continues to invest in strengthening its service model at the local level.
Since 2023, the business has been undertaking a large scale Enterprise Transformation Program focused on modernising technology, enhancing data capability and simplifying interactions for agents and customers.
This includes upgraded digital infrastructure across more than 160 locations, improving connectivity, mobility and operational efficiency.
“For farmers navigating increasing complexity, our focus remains simple,” Clarke says.
“Trusted relationships, local knowledge and consistency all backed by the strength to be there for the long term.”
Elders Insurance (Underwriting Agency) Pty Ltd, (ABN 56 138 879 026, AFSL 340965), acting under its own AFSL, distributes Elders Insurance products on behalf of QBE Insurance (Australia) Ltd (ABN 78 003 191 035, AFSL 239545), the product issuer. Any advice provide is general only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and may not be right for you. Please visit www.eldersinsurance.com.au to consider the relevant Policy Wording or Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination to decide if a product is right for you.
