Comparing PRF quotes: What to look for before committing

With more producers turning to pasture, rangeland, and forage (PRF) insurance to protect against lack of rainfall, “shopping around” for quotes has become common. 

Comparing options may seem like a manageable process, but there are many ways to slice the PRF policy pie. A quote that looks good on paper may not be the best fit for your operation.

So, how do you know if a quote is truly aligned with your goals?

Redd Summit Advisors account manager Brad Beck says PRF policies are built using a combination of grids (geographic locations), intervals (two-month periods), and coverage levels — and quotes from different agents are rarely identical by default. 

“Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples, not apples to oranges,” he says. “When you’re comparing quotes, check that your acreages are similar, the grids the coverage is placed in are comparable, and the timeline of what they’re showing is aligned.” 

Next, Beck recommends questioning the structure of the quote itself.

“It’s important to understand how that quote was put together,” he says. “Did the agent take time to understand the land you operate on? Did they explain why they’re recommending those months and intervals?”

Some other red flags he sees often:

• A quote with coverage in only one grid, even if the ranch spans multiple grids.
• Lack of explanation from the agent about why the coverage was structured the way it was.

Above all, Beck says to look for transparency, not just numbers. Ask how the intervals were chosen. Ask what data backs up the coverage strategy. And most of all — ask whether it’s built for your operation, or if it could’ve been given to anyone.

“If they can answer those questions, to me it would solidify they know what they’re talking about,” Beck says. “If they can’t answer the ‘why,’ that’s a huge red flag.” 

At Redd Summit Advisors, the process starts with a conversation. Agents learn about your ranch — the grazing schedule, key rainfall months, and land distribution — and then run customized simulations. Their proprietary software can test millions of combinations to find a structure that offers real, targeted protection.

And then? They walk you through it. Not just the quote, but the reasoning behind every choice.

“We’re not just giving someone a spreadsheet,” Beck says. “We’re showing them why this structure works for their specific land and goals. And we’re making sure they’re comfortable with how the policy responds.”