What insurance do I need or what should I have? Read below to find out.
Equine Public Liability Insurance
What is this and why do I need it?
Public liability insurance protects you should an incident occur with your equine, which results in an injury to a third party or causes damage to their property. If a member of the public makes a successful claim against you, the policy would pay any damages awarded, should you be found legally liable, and associated legal costs. It is advisable to research the different insurances available and choose a reputable equine insurance.
Why do I need public liability insurance?
As a horse rider, it is your responsibility to be aware of those around you. It is recommended by many equine industry professionals that you take out public liability insurance, as your own personal assets could be at risk.
It is recommended to have public liability cover which extends to cover the legal costs incurred by defending an action brought against you by a third party. Equines use their natural flight and fight instinct when in unsure situations and they are frightened. Also, never assume that drivers and pedestrians will be respectful and understanding to you and your horse.
Due to the recent changes in UK law, the cost of liability claims has increased over the last few years. This means it’s more critical and crucial to have public liability cover. Without public liability insurance, your assets and reputation as a rider could be at risk should you be found liable for an incident involving your horse.
Public liability horse rider insurance is recommended if you’re riding someone else’s horse, whether it’s a friend’s or you’re loaning a horse. An accident can still happen, and you want to make sure that you, the rider, is still covered should you injure a member of the public. Never assume that you’ll be covered by the horse’s owner insurance, as it’s you riding the horse, therefore, you may be held responsible.
Personal accident cover
This type of policy is designed for all horse riders, even if you don’t own your own horse, you could still take out this insurance. If you are a horse owner, you need to look at what is covered as this may already be a part of your insurance. If you ride someone else horse this could be a stand-alone insurance, we are all aware that riding horses is a high-risk sport, therefore having the correct insurance for any accidents is highly beneficial.
This type of insurance normally covers you if you sustain a bodily injury through riding, handling, mounting or dismounting. Most cover, accidental bodily injuries that can cause, death, loss of sight, loss of limbs, loss of speech or hearing, permanent disablement. This can also include loss of earnings due to the injuries sustained.
Most insurance companies require you to be between 5-75 years of age.
Rider insurance cover
If you do not own or loan a horse you could take out horse rider insurance. This is advertised as a combination of several policies, personal accident cover, vet fees, tuition fees if you are unable to attend lessons, damage or loss of riding equipment, payment for every day in hospital and more depending on the policy provider.
Custodial Liability (Care, Custody or Control) insurance
This provides cover against the death or accidental injury to equines that are in your care, custody, or control. An example of this would be if you had assisted, part, full or working liveries, or a horse that may have been sent to a rider for schooling. This insurance covers you if an owner made a claim against you.
CCC insurance is most commonly found combined with Transporters Insurance or Livery Yard Insurance.
A benefit would be paid for veterinary fees / or the current market value, up to the indemnity limit, in the event of an accident, sickness, disease or death of the horses.
Livery Yard Insurance
If you are a livery yard owner this insurance can cover all of your needs. Protecting you while you are busy working on a variety of tasks that running a business can include.
An example of some of the cover offered by insurance companies.
- Public liability, worked out by the number of horses on your yard, this can include your privately owned horses.
- Care, custody and control insurance.
- Equestrian land liability
- Employers liability depending on the number of employees, including casual staff.
- Extra cover is available if required such as the activities below.
If you hold small, unaffiliated shows, hire out your facilities, have guest accommodation or staff accommodation, have a café or tack shop, hold clinics or camps, offer freelance instruction, offer schooling or breaking services and more.
Equine Insurance
As a responsible horse owner, it is advisable to insure your equines. There are numerous different providers and policies on the market, you will need to consider what type of cover you require. It can differ due to the age, use, medical condition, and amount of cover that you would like.
It can include cover for veterinary fees, loss of use, death of an equine. Some policies also cover cancellation of holidays due to immediate surgery requirements for your horse. Livery costs covered if you are hospitalised, competition costs, tack and equipment damaged or stolen and equine transportation.
It is advisable to choose a reputable provider and consider what is included in the policy and what you need covering.
What is it going to Cost?
One of the most competitive Insurance quotes to be covered for third party liability is by becoming a Gold member of the British Horse Society – £85 direct debit annually. (Subject to Change)
BHS Gold Membership: Benefits & Options | The British Horse Society
A typical cover for your equine insurance is around £40 per month, depending on the policy and contents covered. Please ensure you make time to research the correct insurance for you and compare the policy details.