How to Purchase Horse and Stable Insurance

Sadly, we are aware that our animals rarely outlive us and that some losses can be greater than others; however, there are a large variety of insurance policies available to help recoup the loss and to help keep our pets and work animals healthy. There are also policies to help pay for damages and the loss of property associated with animals.

1. Decide what types of insurance you will need. There are horse mortality insurance plans, as well as those that cover medical and damages, or liability. Mortality insurance will cover the death of the animal but if that death occurred due to an accident—the horse was hit by a vehicle—then you may also need to have liability insurance. Liability and damage insurance covers damage your horse or someone else horse might do to your property. Liability might also be required if your horse bites or kicks a person on your property. Either way, they are good policies to have.


2. Decide based on known or possible conditions what insurance you want on your buildings and equipment.  Weather and weather related destruction such as fire, tornado and floods can be a high consideration when raising animals and ensuring their safety. Many equine insurers will insure most property, animals and incidentals such as tractors, horse trailers and equipment used while training, breeding or farming. There are also policies that cover theft, major medical, surgical infertility, loss of use and restricted peril coverage that are offered with farm and building insurance.


3. Fill out the forms. There are forms for every consideration such as value of property or the horse. There are forms that ask for verification of value on the horse. There are also forms that ask for veterinary records. Other forms include commercial general liability, horse show liability and renewal questionnaires.


4. Choose the policies that best suit your needs as there are a wide variety of policies available. You can choose from insurance that will cover guided trail rides, personal ownership liability, pony rides, trainers insurance and breeders insurance. For breeders and trainers, insurance policies covering damages and liability are a must. However, when considering insurance for horses and related equipment, make sure that you are dealing with an agency that understands your needs and can provide the right policies to meet any contingency.