You Own A Horse – Now What?

A horse is a big-ticket purchase which should be protected just as you would protect your home, auto or life from injuries and accidents. Here are some tips for purchasing the right equine insurance for your horses needs and some measures manage your insurance costs.

Before You Buy Equine Insurance

  • See an independent veterinarian well before you purchase horse insurance so you can verify the previous owners vet certificate and catch any potential problems
  • Get a copy of the horse’s veterinary and physio treatment history
  • Ask the previous owner if you can speak with their vet about the horse’s records
  • See if there have been any claims made on the horse by previous insurers
  • Consider purchasing coverage for a horse on a trial basis, which can be cancelled

Typical Equine Insurance Policies May Cover:

  • Veterinary Expenses –  Typically covers non-routine veterinary bills for injuries and illnesses during the policy term
  • All Risks Mortality (ARM) – For reimbursement on all or part of the value of your horse if he dies
  • Loss-of-Use – To insure against permanent inability to use your horse for specified task or activity due to accident or illness
  • Additional Insurance Options – Stable liability, personal accident, and property  protection against theft or damage to tack or horsebox/trailers.

Get The RIGHT Equine Insurance Policy

Purchase the right kind of insurance by working with your agent to craft a policy which reflects your financial ability and your horses specific purposes.

  • Find an insurer with experience in writing equine insurance, their knowledge will save you more over the long run.  Atlas Plus Insurance team of professional agents have years of combined experience working with California horse owners.
  • Target your horse insurance for the best value.  Don’t purchase insurance for activities they don’t do – If your horse is being used for trail riding, don’t purchase coverage for a riding school horse.
  • Review your homeowner’s insurance policy for redundancies and opportunities for combined coverage with extra savings.

Get the Most Out of Affordable Equine Insurance

There are a few ways you can cut down on costly insurance premiums, expensive claims and long-term problems.  Be sure that any discounts you take still bring you excellent service and long-term savings in the best interest of your horse’s well-being.

  • Consider taking a higher excess to reduce the size your premium payment.
  • Maintain communication with your insurer on matters affecting your liability.  If you are going to use your horse for something other than its previously intended purpose, be sure to contact your agent to reflect changes and claims.
  • Maintain a complete record of all of your horse’s vet bills, medications, physio treatments and dietary supplements.
  • If an accident occurs leaving your animal or another person sick/injured, notify your insurer immediately for the smoothest claim process possible

For more informatioin about purchasing a customized equine insurance policy with the experience team of agents at Atlas Plus Insurance, click here.