Horse Insurance - Jump Right In and Find Yourself A Thoroughbred Insurance Policy

With many of us wanting to change our lifestyle to escape the rat-race, a more traditional rural life can be attractive. What is more traditional and rural than owning a stable full of horses? However, many people do not realise that owning a horse can be a far bigger task than a cat or dog, so insurance may be important.

As with felines or canines, one of the biggest reasons for arranging this can be to help with vet bills and immunisation. Horses can be delicate animals especially if they are racing. Every year after the Grand National Race at Aintree controversy arises due to the number of injuries and fatalities suffered by participating horses.

The reasons for owning your own Black Beauty or Mr Ed can be far more wide ranging than those for other animals – and have an effect on the cover you choose.  For example, you may own one for riding or racing purposes – meaning the policy will need to be tailored.

Public liabilities cover may be especially pertinent – a bolted horse could cause far more damage than a smaller, housebound creature. This type of insurance deals with civil wrongs and claims are usually based around negligence and/or damages.

Theft can also be an issue – horses are an expensive commodity and could be a target for criminals. In the famous case of the kidnapping of racehorse Shergar, there was some legal wrangling around the insurance claim of the syndicate which owned the horse because his body was never found. And so it is very important to read the policy carefully to understand what is covered in the case of theft.

It may also be worth looking at the insurance of the place where your horse lives – typically, a stable – to see what is covered.

As with any type of specialised insurance policy it is worth doing thorough research. The details of a policy can vary between firms, with some charging different rates depending on age – foals may be cheaper to buy a policy for.

And, of course, it is worth shopping round each year for the best renewal deal.

If you have any questions about horsese and horse insurance why not post a question in AnswerBank Animals & Nature.