Why Do Horse Owners Need Insurance?

Newsdate: Fri, 21 Sep 2012 - 07:50 am
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Markel is a proven innovator when it comes to horse farm insurance, and since they brought their first insurance package to the market nearly four decades ago, they have enhanced their products and services to meet the changing needs of horse owners.

Insurance - Peace of Mind for horse owners

Insurance - Peace of Mind for horse owners

Markel Insurance can give horse owners not only peace of mind, but also the tools to make sure their hard work is not lost when a tragedy or disaster strikes.
© 2012 by Debra Krall

On the Markel website, they reveal their understanding of the situations horse owners face and show how Markel Insurance can give horse owners not only peace of mind, but also the tools to make sure their hard work is not lost when a tragedy or disaster strikes.

"You know that owning a horse is both an emotional and a financial commitment. Expenses for food, tack, boarding, and vet care can really add up. But you also know they're all essential for protecting your horse. The same is true for equine insurance. If your horse were stolen, became seriously ill, or even worse, how would you handle that loss?

Horse owners place themselves and their assets at risk every time their horse comes in contact with people or property. Equine-related lawsuits occur more frequently than one may expect, and many homeowners' policies limit equine liability coverage, or many exclude it altogether.

So many times horse owners are not adequately protected from these types of situations, and may not even be aware of their risk until an accident happens. That's why we've developed the following list of questions to help you determine your basic equine insurance protection needs.

Q: Have you invested time or money in your American Quarter horse?

A: The financial investment in your horse is too important to go unprotected. Markel's All Risk Mortality and Theft coverage will reimburse you for the death, theft or human destruction of a covered horse.  Our mortality coverage is simple, affordable and easy to obtain. For more frequently asked questions regarding Markel's horse mortality policy, click here.

  • The optional Medical/Surgical plan pays up to $8,000/year/horse for covered medical expenses or surgical procedures. 
  • You can also add liability coverage should someone claim your horse caused their physical injury or damaged their property. (Not available in all states.)
  • Agreed value settlement (except for racehorses.)
  • Guaranteed Renewal
  • Purchase coverage online 24-hours a day by clicking on the blue button!

Q: Could your horse kick someone or cause property damage to others?

A: If you own horses but don't operate a commercial horse business, our Private Horse Owner Liability policy can protect you against legal claims that your horse caused bodily injury or property damage to someone on or off your premises. For example, if your horse got loose in the road and caused an accident or injured someone at a show, you could be held liable.

  • Up to $1,000,000 limit of liability available.
  • Coverage applies on or off premises anywhere in the U.S., Canada and U.S. territories.
  • International Liability coverage is available.
  • Can be added to your Mortality policy.

Q: Do you give riding lessons or board, breed, race or train horses?

A: If you perform any of these activities on rented or owned premises, you need a Commercial Equine Liability policy, even if you have other coverage that protects you for general liability exposures. This coverage is designed specifically for all types of horse-related businesses such as: boarding, breeding, racing, sales, riding instruction, clinics, and team roping/penning practices.

  • Up to $1,000,000 limit of liability available.
  • Coverage applies on and off premises in the U.S., Canada, and U.S. territories.
  • Fire legal liability and medical payments are provided in all states.
  • International Liability coverage is available.

Q: Do you own a horse farm, and need to protect buildings and a home as well as cover your equine liability?

A: Our Horse Farm Package (Equi-Farm) provides complete coverage for a horse farm including:

  • Property coverage - protects your house and its contents, barns and sheds, owned machinery and equipment, tack, and livestock.
  • Liability coverage - protects your home and horse operation, on and off premises, including operations such as boarding, breeding, racing, training, horse shows, and riding instruction.
  • Up to $1,000,000 limit of liability available.
  • Basic, Broad, or Special options for all property.
  • Various property deductibles are available.
  • Available replacement cost on buildings and household contents.
  • Package credit is available.
  • Mechanical Breakdown??

Q: Do you care for anyone else's horse in return for fees?

A: If you take care of someone else's horse, you need the protection of Care, Custody and Control (CC&C) policy. This coverage will reimburse you if a covered horse in your care is injured, becomes ill, or dies, and you are found negligent. Most general liability policies exclude this coverage.

  • Available as an endorsement to our Commercial Equine Liability and Farm Package policy.
  • No deductible!
  • Various limits are available to meet your needs.
  • Includes coverage for non-owned tack up to $10,000.

Q: Do you belong to a riding or hunt club?

A: Club liability policy can provide the protection your club may need for owned or leased premises, public event days, and various club functions.

  • All members defended if a suit arises from a club activity.
  • Coverage provided for all club activities on owned or leased premises.
  • Liability limits available up to $1,000,000
  • Volunteers included as additional insureds for liability.
  • Spectator liability.
  • Fire legal liability and medical payments available.
  • We can write a farm package for clubs which own property.

Q: Do you have an outdoor recreational business, such as a dude ranch, outfitter and guide or fly fishing operation?

A: Markel offers custom coverage specifically designed for these types of operations.We've been insuring these facilities for over 20 years and understand their unique needs.

  • General liability limits up to $1,000,000
  • Custom-fit mortality coverages
  • Business interruption, fire legal & medical payments
  • Care, Custody & Control of non-owned horses
  • Policy can be packaged to include property, inland marine and liability.
  • Visit www.MarkelOutdoors.com for applications and product information.

Q: Do you need limits of liability higher than $1 million to protect your personal or business assets, or your club?

A: An umbrella policy might be the answer if $1 million worth of protection isn't enough to protect your assets. Markel's Commercial Umbrella Liability coverage provides up to $10 million in additional liability protection over your Markel Insurance Company general liability, business auto, and employer's liability policies."

Content for this news article is taken from the Markel Insurance Company website.

About the Author

Flossie Sellers

Author picture

As an animal lover since childhood, Flossie was delighted when Mark, the CEO and developer of EquiMed asked her to join his team of contributors.

She enrolled in My Horse University at Michigan State and completed a number of courses in everything related to horse health, nutrition, diseases and conditions, medications, hoof and dental care, barn safety, and first aid.

Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in horse care and equine health is now a habit, and she enjoys sharing a wealth of information with horse owners everywhere.

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