Equine Insurance

>the insured's professional equine activities.
Mortality
Whether you are the owner of a single horse, theThis is the type of insurance that can be most
proprietor of a boarding stable, or a horse trainer,confusing to the horse owner. Whether or not to
chances are you should be protected by equineinsure your horse, and for how much, basically boils
insurance. The question is, what type of insurance dodown to how much you need the horse, whether you
you need, and how much? We've outlined severalcan afford to replace him, and your risk tolerance. If
different types of equine insurance below. Beforeyour horse is a source of revenue to you, chances
making any final decisions, always consult with yourare you will want to insure him for his full value. In
insurance agent and/or your lawyer to determine thecontrast, you may be able to afford to replace your
type and amount of coverage you need.beloved family pleasure horse (we're talking money
Individual Horse Owner's Liabilityhere, not emotionally!) and insuring this horse might not
If you are an individual horse owner, it is important tobe worth the premiums. A mortality policy pays the
be covered for any property or bodily damage thatactual value of the horse at the time of the accident or
you horse might cause. Sometimes your homeowner'sillness causing the horse's death, not to exceed the
policy will cover damages caused by your horse, sovalue specified in the policy.
check your policy carefully. If your policy does notMajor Medical
cover these things, contact an equine insurer toThis type of insurance is available to horses insured
determine what types of additional coverage youfor mortality. Major medical insurance reimburses the
need. How much do you need? That depends on yourveterinarian's fees for surgery, major illness, and
situation and your agent, or a lawyer, can help you. Adisease. Because these things can be quite expensive,
good rule of thumb is the more personal assets youmajor medical is worth it to the horse owner without a
have, the more coverage you need. Coverage shouldlot of cash on hand. Deductible and per year limits vary
include the promise to pay all sums you are legallyby policy.
obligated to pay for bodily injury and property damageLoss of Use
arising from horse ownership, plus the cost to defendThis is an important type of insurance for those who
you.use their horses for livelihood. It covers you in the case
Commercial Equine Liabilitythat your horse becomes totally and permanently
Commercial liability is needed by those who performincapable of fulfilling the functions for which it is used.
any commercial equine activities such as boarding,Most policies pay a percentage of the horse's value
instruction, training, and breeding. This coveragewhen it has been determined that it can not be used in
protects you in the case you are sued by a third partythe way stated on the policy. Many policies reserve
who is injured or whose property is damaged. As anythe right to take the animal upon payment. Other
damage that exceeds your policy limits will come outpolicies pay a percentage but still allow you to keep
of your personal assets. Again, the more personalyour horse.
assets you have, the more coverage you need.These are some of the more common types of
Equine Professional Liability Coverageinsurance available to horse owners. For insurance
If you derive any income from horses, this type oftailored to your specific individual or business needs,
insurance provides coverage and defense feescontact an equine insurance specialist.
resulting from any negligent act, error, or omission by