What type of damage is covered by a crop hail policy while the crop is still in the harvester?

A crop hail policy is designed to protect farmers from financial losses due to hail damage that occurs before the crop is harvested. While the policy primarily focuses on hail, it also typically includes coverage for certain other perils that may directly affect the crop during the harvesting process.

Fire and lightning damage is covered under a crop hail policy, as these events can lead to significant loss of the crop in the field or while it is being stored. This coverage recognizes the unpredictability and potential severity of such occurrences, ensuring that a farmer is financially safeguarded against these risks, which can devastate harvests.

On the other hand, water damage, wind damage, and pest damage are generally not covered under a standard crop hail policy. Water damage often falls under other types of insurance policies like flood insurance, wind damage can be addressed through different coverage options, and pest damage typically relates to regular agricultural risks rather than those specifically covered by hail policies.

Thus, fire and lightning damage is the correct answer as it aligns with the types of peril covered during the harvest process by the crop hail insurance policy.