Vacant Land

Owning vacant and undeveloped land can expose you to various risks and liabilities. To safeguard both yourself and your investment, it's advisable to consider vacant land insurance. The American Hunting Lease Association has put together this guide to help simplify your search for the right insurance coverage.

Understanding the Essentials

• While purchasing land insurance is not a legal requirement, having this protection can be crucial if you are held responsible for injuries sustained by visitors or trespassers on your property.
• If you haven't fully paid off your land, your lender may require you to obtain vacant land insurance.
• Additionally, if your property includes existing structures like barns or sheds, the policy from the American Hunting Lease Association covers these as well.
• If you have a hunting lease for your land, securing Hunting Lease Insurance is also essential.

What is Vacant Land Insurance?

Vacant Land Insurance is an independent, additional liability coverage for property. It is distinct from both Hunting Lease Insurance and Homeowner’s Insurance. This type of insurance provides protection against claims of injury or property damage due to negligence by the landowner, offering legal and financial safeguards in the event of a lawsuit.

While Hunting Lease Insurance protects you in cases of injury to a lessee, Vacant Land Insurance extends coverage to:

• Licensees: Individuals invited by the landowner without any expectation of benefit, such as family or friends who are allowed on the property for hunting or recreational activities at no charge.
• Invitees: Individuals invited by the landowner for the landowner's benefit, such as foresters, land managers, or loggers.
• Trespassers: Any unauthorized individuals on the property.

Through The American Hunting Lease Association’s Vacant Land Insurance policy, there is no premium and no deductible in case of a claim, it is a once a year purchase for year round coverage to put your mind at ease.

Vacant Land Insurance VS. Hunting Land Insurance

If you're considering allowing hunters onto your vacant land, there are several factors to weigh when determining the type of insurance you'll need. If you plan to receive payment for permitting hunters on your property, such as through a traditional hunting lease, you can choose from different insurance options.

The key distinction lies in whether the hunters will be protected from liability or if you will be safeguarded against claims from other guests, whether invited or not. A Hunting Lease Insurance policy would provide mutual liability coverage for both you and the hunters, but it wouldn't protect against trespassers or other visitors. Conversely, a Vacant Land Insurance policy would shield you from all guests, including the hunters leasing your land, but it wouldn't extend liability protection to the hunters themselves.

To ensure comprehensive coverage against all potential risks, it's advisable to obtain a Vacant Land Policy for yourself while also requiring the leasing hunters to secure their own Hunting Lease Insurance policy, which would offer additional protection for you as well.

Frequently asked questions