This is the first part of our comprehensive blog series on equine insurance. In this installment, we will delve into equine medical, loss of use, and mortality insurance, crucial aspects that ensure your horses receive the care they need when unexpected medical issues or tragic losses occur. As any horse owner knows, the equine industry demands unwavering dedication and extensive care. Unfortunately, accidents and emergencies can strike at any moment, making it essential to have the right insurance coverage. We’ll guide you through the various plans available and advise on combining them to fully protect your horse. Additionally, stay tuned for our next post, where we will explore equine owner liability policies, which safeguard you against damages your horses might cause to persons or property. Please note that we strongly advise contacting an experienced equine attorney and equine insurance team so they can help you find the best coverage for your horse.
Selecting the Right Equine Insurance
There are four main types of equine insurance policies, and it is up to you to decide what coverage best fits your situation. These decisions can seem daunting, but don’t worry; we are here to help you navigate which plan is right for your horse. It is also important to consult with an experienced equine law firm, so you know you’re fully covered.
The four main insurance policy options for equine liability insurance are:
- Equine Mortality Insurance and Theft Insurance- Much like life insurance for humans, this policy covers the cost of your horse if they pass or get stolen. Valuation of your horse is dependent on a variety of factors. Age may prohibit the ability to obtain mortality insurance.
- Major Medical and Surgical Insurance- Are you ready to pay out of pocket for all medical fees? Most people are not. This insurance covers or helps cover unforeseen medical or surgical care costs resulting from illnesses or accidents.
- Accident, Sickness, and Disease Insurance (Stallion Infertility)- This policy is only available for breeding stallions. It compensates your stallion’s current value if they should lose the ability to breed.
- Loss of Use Insurance- This equine insurance is only available for performance horses. It covers various permanent disabilities if your horse is unable to perform after an accident, injury, or sickness which does not result in total loss.
Assessing How Your Horse is Valued
When seeking equine-related insurances as described above, assessing your horse’s value can be difficult, but generally, horses are valued at their original purchase price and may also include all of or portions of additional costs that went into purchasing the horse such as commissions and import fees. Insurance companies use two main policies to decide how much your horse is worth. Some insurance policies are based on an agreed value, which is the amount you and the equine insurance company agree the horse is worth when the insurance policy begins. This agreed value is established before any unfortunate events occur and is the amount you will be paid if something were to happen to your horse. Alternatively, some insurance policies are based on fair market value, which is assessed at the time of your horse’s death and is based on what it is currently worth. However, factors such as training and breeding can increase your horse’s value in either situation, provided you have the proper paperwork.
Consulting Clayborne & Wagner for Equine Insurance Policies and Coverage Disputes
Thinking about the what-ifs and worst-case scenarios can be painful for a horse owner, but accidents and illnesses do happen, and it’s essential to be prepared for them. Equine insurance policies are complex, and it’s okay if you do not understand the intricacies of them. That’s where we step in. Our team of expert equine attorneys will help you every step of the way and provide all the clarification and legal advice you need for your equine needs. Contact us today, and let us help you with your equine legal assistance needs.