Insuring your horse - advice on choosing equine insurance

Horse insurance is a specialised type of policy that covers equestrian insurance for horses, riders, horseboxes and trailers for accidents, 3rd party claims, vets fees, theft and other options

With equine insurance, as with many things in life, you tend to get what you pay for. Choosing a cheap insurance policy may not be the best option. A reputable equine insurance company will pay out quickly and not find some small print to avoid paying out on your claim.

When choosing a policy ask several people for their advice and personal experience with their horse insurers.

Having a good equestrian insurance policy will give you the peace of mind to know that if your horse falls ill or has an accident you will be able to make decisions on what is right for your horse or pony with advice from your vet and not on what you can afford.

In addition insuring your horse protects you against third party claims where your horse is involved in any property damage or injury to a person.

Some insurance companies will provide cover for legal advice in the event of a claim.

Top 10 claims for horse insurance policies

Veterinary fees for illness
Vet fees due to an accident
Death caused by an illness
Death due to an accident
Damaged or stolen saddlery, rugs and tack
Permanent incapacity or loss of use
Public liability
Theft or straying
Dental cover - horse or rider
Personal accident to rider

What events equine insurance policies can cover

Loss of horse or pony - death or destruction of your horse or pony on humane grounds due to an accident or illness.
Loss by theft or Straying
Permanent Loss of Use
Payment of Veterinary Fees arising from accidental injury or illness
Personal Liability
Third Party Legal Liability
Theft or damage to Tack, Saddles and Horse-drawn vehicles
Personal accident

Questions to ask about Vet Fees Cover

What excess has to be paid - is it a percentage of the claim or a fixed amount?
Up to what age is my horse covered for illness?
Does the veterinary fee limit apply to each illness or is it a total limit ?
Does the policy cover alternative or complementary treatments for my horse such as homeopathy or physiotherapy?
Is there a maximum amount that I can claim for complentary treatments?
Is there a limit to the amount that I can claim for diagnostic investigation?

Veterinary horse care articles

Respiratory Problems in Horses
Treating bruised soles with Arnica
Homeopathic Colic Remedies for Horses
Bone Spavins

Horses can be insured for top level showjumping

How to choose a good equine insurance policy

Ask other horse owners for advice about their experience with horse insurance companies - were they easy to deal with, were they sympathetic, did they offer good advice, did they pay out within a reasonable time etc?

You could also ask your veterinary practice for advice on choosing a company that they have a good opinion of.

Decide exactly what equine insurance cover you require. Get and carefully compare several quotes from different specialist equine insurance companies.

Check for exclusions and limits on payouts.

Don't make your decision on price alone.

Activities Covered

Most equine insurance companies will have policies tailored to cover different classes of use - make sure that you get the correct cover.

Usual activities that your horse can be insured for included: Breeding, Gymkhanas, Showing, Show jumping (Insurance premiums vary according to the level the horse is competing at), Dressage (at different levels), Pony Club and Riding Club Events, Hunter Trials, Driving (Competitive and non-competitive, Novice to Advanced Eventing, Team Chasing, Long Distance riding, Racing, Polo, Arab Racing, Hunting, Open Hunter Trials

Remember to inform your insurance company and upgrade your policy if you start to compete at a higher level or take up a new activity with your horse.

Making a claim

Phone your insurance company as soon as possible to alert them to a possible claim and explain what has happened. They will send you a claim form.

If claiming for veterinary fees you vet will also need to fill out part of the form.

Your vet may charge you a fee for completing a claim form. Your policy does not usually cover this cost

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