Working with horses can be an extremely rewarding career, but it doesn’t come without risks.
Horses are unpredictable by nature and can fall ill, or suffer injuries, without warning.
If you, or someone you employ, suffers an injury caused by a horse, the associated costs can quickly add up and become overwhelming.
An equestrian insurance policy can provide peace of mind and financial security if something unexpected happens.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about equine insurance, including answers to questions like; “What does equine insurance cover?” and “Which factors affect the price of equine insurance?”
Do you need insurance to ride a horse?
While there’s no legal requirement for you to have insurance to ride a horse, the British Horse Society strongly advises that you do!
That goes for anyone who owns, rides, or works with horses.
Why? Because if a horse causes injury or damage to a third party, or their property, and you’re not insured, you could find yourself liable to pay compensation and legal costs.
Depending on the severity of the injury, personal compensation claims can run into millions of pounds – so it’s always better to be safe than sorry, particularly if you ride horses in public or on the roads.
There are various types of insurance for riding a horse; in addition to public liability insurance, you should also consider rider insurance.
Each type of insurance covers slightly different expenses.
Public liability insurance protects you if the horse you’re riding causes damage to a person or their property.
Personal accident insurance covers medical expenses and loss of income if you have an accident and are injured while riding the horse.
If you’re riding your own horse, then you will need to take out the insurance yourself.
However, if you’re riding someone else’s horse, or working for them, you should check if they’re insured and if it will cover you.
What is equine insurance?
Equine insurance is a type of insurance designed to protect equine businesses and professional riders from financial risk.
Equine insurance policies can be customised to fit a wide variety of circumstances. For example, a competition yard will need a different level of cover and policy than a freelance rider.
Some key expenses that an equine insurance policy is commonly used to cover include public liability, personal accident, employers’ liability, legal expenses, and building and contents.
Who needs equine insurance?
Equine insurance provides protection and peace of mind to equine businesses and professionals who work with horses, including professional riders, livery yards, equestrian centres, and freelance grooms.
Working with horses carries risks, and equine insurance can provide financial security and peace of mind that you’re covered if anything unexpected happens.
What does equine insurance cover?
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to equine insurance.
This is why it’s so important to choose a specialist broker like JCL Insurance Brokers. We always take the time to understand your situation and create a tailored policy that perfectly fits your needs.
The details, and what you’re covered for, will vary depending on a huge number of factors, including the type of business you run.
For example, comprehensive equine insurance may include cover for any of the following:
- Public (third-party) liability: Covers legal costs and compensation if your horse causes injury to a person or their property
- Personal accident: Provides cover if you’re injured while riding or handling the horse. It may include cover for medical expenses and loss of income
- Building and contents: Covers buildings such as stables, barns, or arenas and their contents against risks like fire, theft, or storm damage
- Care, custody, and control: Protects against claims arising from injury or damage caused to horses that are in your care but do not belong to you
- Legal expenses: Provides financial support for legal disputes, such as ownership issues, sale agreements, or liability claims
- Employers’ liability: Covers claims made by employees or workers who are injured while handling or working with horses in your employment
- Property owners: Insurance designed for property owners where equine activities take place, covering liability and risk specific to the premises
- Tack and equipment cover: Insures against loss or damage to items like saddles, bridles, and rugs
- Horsebox and trailer: Covers damage to or theft of vehicles used to transport the horse
- Emergency boarding or stables: Covers costs for temporary boarding if you are unable to care for your horse due to illness, injury, or emergency
- Business or commercial: Insurance cover designed specifically for businesses like equestrian centres and livery yards
No matter whether you need insurance for a small freelance groom business or a large equestrian centre, we can tailor your equine insurance policy to reflect the specific risks you face.
How much is equine insurance in the UK?
As we’ve learned, every equine insurance policy is different and tailored to your needs.
Many factors are considered when determining the cost of equine insurance, which we’ll explore in more detail next.
Because each policy differs, there’s no standard price for equine insurance.
Speak to the friendly team at JCL Insurance Brokers to receive a free equine insurance cost quote.
What factors impact the cost of my equine insurance?
Your insurance broker will consider many different factors when working out what coverage you require and the cost of your insurance.
Here are the main factors that impact the cost of equine insurance.
- Coverage level: The price of your insurance will depend on whether you choose a basic or comprehensive policy. The price will also increase if you add optional extras to your policy, like trailer or equipment cover
- Risk factors: If you are an experienced rider or handler, this may reduce the perceived risk and, therefore, your premium. Implementing good safety measures like secure fencing and well-maintained equipment can also help to lower costs
- Insurance claims history: If you have a history of no claims, you may receive a no-claims discount on your policy. If you recently claimed on your insurance, then this could increase the cost
- Policy features: Opting for a higher excess could lower your premiums
- Business-specific factors: Factors like business type, size of business, and the number of people you employ will affect the price
Can I reduce my insurance premium while remaining protected?
The best way to ensure that you are paying a competitive price for equine insurance is to take out insurance with a trusted, reputable, and experienced insurance broker like JCL Insurance Brokers.
We will work closely with you to learn more about you and the risks you face to ensure that we tailor your policy to match your needs perfectly.
By understanding your circumstances and providing a bespoke policy, we can help you to avoid paying for unnecessary coverage and keep the cost down.
It’s also smart to review your insurance policy periodically.
Over time, your needs may change, and regularly reviewing your policy helps to ensure that you’re only paying for what you need and have adequate coverage.
Another effective way to reduce premiums is by proactively managing risk.
Implementing robust safety protocols and maintaining best practices helps prevent accidents.
Not only does this provide peace of mind and protect your business, but it can also prevent your premiums from rising due to claims.
Why choose JCL Insurance Brokers for equine cover?
With more than 50 years’ experience and specialist knowledge in equine insurance, we provide tailored coverage for equestrian businesses.
We take the time to understand your unique requirements, creating a customised policy that ensures maximum protection at a cost-effective price.
As proud Broker Network members, we have access to a wide marketplace, enabling us to find the best options for your needs.
We don’t operate a call centre; instead, you can contact our friendly team directly by calling us at 01948 820 000 or by completing our online contact form.