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FAQ Index

Horse Insurance

Why insure your horse?
After buying a home or a car, a horse can be one of the most expensive purchases that many people make. Many of us protect our homes and cars with insurance so why should a horse be any different? According to Neal King, former president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, vet's fees are increasing at around 11% year on year. Could you afford to pay your horse's vet's bill if it ran into hundreds, or even thousands of pounds? Many of us couldn't, which is why it makes sense to protect yourself should the unexpected happen, with good quality horse insurance.
What insurance do you need?
For most owners, insurance for death, theft and legal liability is important. And now, with an increase in the thefts and the rising cost of veterinary fees many owners choose comprehensive policies which cover all of the above.
What is the difference between market value, sum insured and purchase price?
Market value is the price generally paid for a horse of the same age, breed, bloodline, sex and ability. Sum insured is the amount you choose to insure your horse for, this value will be agreed between you and your insurer. Purchase price is the amount you actually paid for your horse. In the event of a claim under death, theft and straying or loss of use, an insurer will always pay the lower amount of the sum insured or market value.
What am I insured for?
This will depend on the benefits you choose when you take out your insurance cover. These will be detailed in your insurance documents. The documents should be read in conjunction with your policy terms and conditions to give you the full details.
Is my horse too old or too young to insure?
Our horse policy covers a foal from 30 days old onwards. However there is no cover for illness or disease in horses over the age of 15.
What vet certificates do I need to take out insurance for my horse?
This depends on the sum insured value of the horse and the level of cover you choose. We do reserve the right to request sight of a vetting certificate at any value, should we feel this is necessary.
I only require cover for public liability and vets fees. Is this possible?
We do offer a tailored policy called Choice Horse. This policy includes death/slaughter, theft/straying and public liability as standard. You can then choose which (if any) additional sections of cover you would like to add, i.e. vet's fees or saddlery and tack. For some people this is a preferable option if they do no require all of the aspects covered in our standard horse policy.
Do I need to get the insurance company’s agreement before my horse is destroyed?
Many owners and vets assume that the insurance company must be contacted to give their permission before a horse is destroyed by a vet. This is not always necessary. Strict guidelines are issued to vets by a governing body, the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA). A statement issued by BEVA in July 2006, with regard to the destruction of horses, offers vets the following advice on when immediate destruction is justified and when an insurance company should be notified.

For immediate destruction they state: "That the insured horse sustains an injury or manifests an illness or disease that is so severe as to warrant immediate destruction to relieve incurable and excessive pain and that no other options of treatment are available to that horse at that time. If immediate destruction cannot be justified then the attending veterinary surgeon should provide effective first aid treatment before: i) Requesting that the insurance company be contacted or, failing that ii) Arranging for a second opinion from another veterinary surgeon."

This means that if a vet feels that a horse should be destroyed on immediate humane grounds, they should not delay proceedings by contacting the insurance company. If, however, effective first aid treatment can be given, your vet must notify the insurer that destruction may be necessary.
Are there any time limits on when I can make a death claim?
(1) Any claim as a result of an injury that happened or illness that first showed clinical signs before your horse’s insurance started. (2)Any claim as a result of an illness that initially shows clinical signs within the first 14 days of your horse’s insurance starting. (3) Any claim for the loss of the horse over 365 days from the onset of the condition.
What if my horse were to die under anaesthesia?
You will be covered for claims should your horse die under anaesthesia as long as the anaesthesia was necessary and your insurance company was notified unless the surgery was an emergency.
Will the insurance company want to see the body?
No. We will, however, require a post-mortem examination to be conducted to confirm the cause of death.
What do I have to do if my horse is missing?
You must tell the police as soon as you discover your horse has been stolen or is missing and obtain a Crime Reference Number. Once this has been done the crime reference number and details need passing to the insurance company. You must do all possible to recover your horse.
What does permanent loss of use actually mean?
'Permanent' means forever. Permanent loss of use therefore means the insured horse can never again be used for any one of the activities you have insured it for.
Within what period must I claim?
We ask for claim forms to be returned to us within 90 days of the onset of the loss or condition.
Why can it take so long to pay a permanent loss of use claim?
Assessing a claim for permanent loss of use can be a lengthy process as it is not always obvious if the horse will be able to compete or participate in the disciplines it was insured for. Discussion will take place between your vet and the insurance company in this regard. In addition to this the insurance company may wish to appoint their consultant vet for their advice.
How long can I claim for?
Claims for treatment given for an injury or illness provide cover for up to 12 months from the onset of the claimed condition or up to the maximum recoverable.
What is a third party?
The first party is the policyholder, the second party is the insurance company and the third party is anyone else who has been injured or whose property has been damaged as the result of the acts or omissions of the insured.
What should I do if anything happens that could result in a third party claim against me?
Most importantly you should not admit any responsibility, agree to pay a claim or negotiate with any other person after any incident. You should contact your insurance company and allow them to take charge of your claim. You must send them any writ, summons or legal documents you receive and allow them to act and reply on your behalf.
Will the insurance company pay if my horse is ridden by someone else?
As long as you have given permission to the person riding the horse and they are aged between 5-65 years, cover will be provided.
I have an existing medical condition. Will this affect my ability to claim?
You are obliged to advise the insurance company of any physical or mental conditions that you have which might affect your policy. The insurer will advise you at the time you take out your policy how your condition might affect a claim.
How do I need to protect my saddlery and tack?
When not in use, saddlery and tack must be kept in a locked building that is totally enclosed and secure. It must be a permanent, substantial structure of brick, stone or timber, with doors secured by 5-lever mortise deadlocks and windows secured by patent window locks. Your saddlery and tack can be stored either at your home address or at the stables, provided the room has the correct security.
Will an insurance company pay for wear and tear?
No, wear and tear will not be covered.
What is an excess?
An excess is the first part of a claim that you pay yourself.

All schemes are underwritten by Equine & Livestock Insurance Co Ltd (E&L®) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) (registration number: 202748). This can be checked by visiting the FSA website at www.fsa.gov.uk, by calling the FSA on 0207 676 1000, or by writing to: The Financial Services Authority (FSA), 25 The North Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HS.

Some schemes are brought to you via its appointed representatives who are Entertainment & Leisure Insurance Services (FSA registered number: 402234) and Entertainment & Leisure Insurance Services Ltd (FSA registered number: 402233). E&L® is a registered trademark.