Noddys' Guide

HORSE INSURANCE - this covers a multitude of sections - death of horse, theft, public liability, permanent loss of use, vet fees, personal accident to rider, saddlery & tack, trailer & or horse drawn vehicle. Where to begin - There are usually 2 types of policy: 1. The SELECTIVE cover where you take out the minimum cover of death & theft and then have the option to add any other section you need. 2. The COMPREHENSIVE cover where you buy a complete package. Let us deal with the SELECTIVE type first. DEATH OF HORSE - this covers all mortality risks from accident, illness & disease and should also cover in transit. There may be an excess of £85 or £95 should you have a claim on this section. The only time you should have a "carcass salvage" deducted is if the horse goes to the slaughter house to be put down and you receive payment for it, this will then be deducted from your insurance claim. THEFT & STRAYING - If the horse is lost, strayed or stolen, you are able to claim the sum insured after the horse has been gone for 30 days - having also informed the Police. PUBLIC LIABILITY - This section is needed if you are not a member of the British Horse Society, British Show Jumping Association or if Public Liability is covered on your house insurance. Public Liability is there to protect from claims by other people for which you are LEGALLY liable in the eyes of the law. Most companies have a £100  - £250 excess on this section if there is property damage.

DISCOUNTS - Available on selected policies for the following: Dressage use only, Multi-horse policies, Multi-Pet policies and  Freeze marking. Email Julie for details. LOSS OF USE - This will cover you if your horse has an accident BUT does not have to be put down because it is suffering. The insurance company will pay either 60%, 75% or 100% of the sum insured - depending on the company, cover bought and individual situation. Some companies now require a 5 Stage Vets Certificate if Loss Of Use is taken out regardless of the value of the horse. VET FEES - You are insuring yourself against large vet bills. The limit per claim can be between £2000  to £3,500 with unlimited number of claim per year, depending on the company. An excess of between £75 - £100  is normal. Some companies also limit the vet cover to the sum insured if the horse is valued under £1000. PERSONAL ACCIDENT - This covers you and any one who is riding the horse with your permission. Some policies also cover you and your immediate family for dental treatment following a riding accident. TRAILERS & HORSE DRAWN VEHICLES - This will only cover damage to your trailer. It will not cover third party road risks & damage to other vehicles/property, which should be added to your towing vehicles insurance. THE COMPREHENSIVE POLICY -  will give you all the above and usually save you money. THE PIT FALLS - in obtaining horse insurance are only there if you do not ask questions - some are as follows:- What sections have an excess and how much is it? Can I be put on cover immediately? When does full cover start? Do I need a Vets certificate? If you ask questions you should be fine - there is nothing worse than buying something that you do not fully understand! The same basics apply to Public Liability insurance for Private Stables, Livery Yards, Studs, Riding  Establishments, Instructors and Riding Clubs.  The secret is to ALWAYS ASK.