Cost of Horse Insurance

Is there anything more loveable than pets? I don’t think so!

But the world just does not end with cats and dogs. There’s more to it than that.

It’s no secret that when we hear the word pet, the first thing that comes to mind is cats and dogs. There are a lot more pet animals, too; horses are just one example.

Horses are majestic creatures often associated with nature, freedom, and beauty.

For those lucky enough to own a horse, there is nothing more important than making sure its health and safety are taken care of. And horse insurance is the best way to do this.

But, did you ever wonder what is the cost of horse insurance?

Let’s have a look at the detailed answer.

What Is The Cost Of Horse Insurance

Well, a lot.

Just kidding…

The thing is, the cost of horse insurance depends on a lot of factors, such as the type of insurance coverage you are looking for, your horse’s age and health history, and its breed.

But let me give you a general estimate.

On average, you can expect to pay for horse insurance anywhere between $150 and $400 per year.

Note: This is just an estimate, and the actual cost may vary.

I recommend talking to an independent equine insurance provider and getting precise quotes. You can also use a few online tools to get an idea of the cost of horse insurance.

How Can You Save on Horse Insurance?

It’s no secret that horse insurance is a basic necessity if you have horses as a pet.

But just as everything comes with a cost, so does horse insurance.

As I mentioned above, it costs you an arm and a leg to insure your horse properly. But don’t worry! There are ways you can save on the cost of horse insurance.

Here are a few tips you can use:

1.Shop around for the best rates:

We all go to one shop and buy the first thing that catches our eye. But is this a good idea when it comes to horse insurance?

A Big No!!! 

You need to shop around, compare prices, and select the best one for your needs.

Always consider factors like the coverage amount, the type of coverage offered, and the exclusions and limitations of the policy.

2.Take care of your horse’s health: 

What’s best than a healthy horse? Nothing.

A horse in good health is less likely to become ill, which can help keep your insurance costs down.

You should make sure to provide your horse with regular vet checkups and take steps to keep it in top physical condition, such as by providing a healthy diet and plenty of exercises.

3.Be selective about the coverage you need: 

It’s a common mistake for most people to add coverages that are not required.

Always think twice before adding on anything extra. Make sure you go through all the coverage options and decide whether or not they are necessary.

By removing unnecessary coverages, you can reduce the cost of your premiums.

4.Consider a higher deductible: 

Although a higher deductible can increase your out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an emergency, it can reduce your overall premium cost.

It’s a good idea to weigh the cost of your premium against the risk you’re taking with a higher deductible.

Pro tip: Just be sure to choose a deductible you can afford if the worst happens.

5.Look for discounts: 

Who does not love discounts?

Many horse insurance providers offer discounts for things like multiple horses on the same policy, annual payments, and more.

So, never forget to ask about any available discounts before committing to a policy.

6.Work with an experienced insurance agent:

Last but not least, an experienced insurance agent can help you find the best value for your money. They know the ropes and can provide valuable advice on how to save on horse insurance.

Pro Tip: This tip works for any kind of insurance, whether for your car, home, or horse.

What Factors Affect The Cost Of Horse Insurance?

A lot of factors come into play when calculating a horse insurance premium, such as the age, breed, use of the horse, the type and amount of coverage you want, and a lot more.

Let’s discuss them one by one.

1.Type of Coverage: 

The type of coverage you choose for your horse can greatly affect the cost of your insurance. For example, basic mortality coverage will typically be less expensive than a comprehensive policy that includes mortality, major medical, and surgical coverage.

2.Age Of Horse: 

The age of your horse can also play a role in determining the cost of your insurance. Generally speaking, older horses are considered to be at a higher risk for accidents or illnesses, and therefore their insurance may cost more.

3.Use of Horse: 

The intended use of your horse can also affect the cost of insurance. For example, if your horse is used for show jumping or eventing, it may be considered at higher risk for injury, and therefore the insurance cost may be higher.

But if you have a pleasure horse primarily used for riding around the ranch, it may be less expensive to insure.

4.Insurance Company: 

Last but not least, the insurance company you choose to purchase your policy from can also affect the cost of your insurance.

This factor is often overlooked, but it plays a major role in the cost of your premium.

Each company will have its own underwriting guidelines, which can affect the cost of the policy. And if you want the best for yourself, It’s important to shop around for quotes from different companies and compare the coverage and costs.

What Does Horse Insurance Cover?

Just like any other insurance policy, horse insurance is designed to protect horse owners from financial losses in the event of an accident, injury, or illness to their horse.

And, just as not all fingers are equal, not all horse insurance policies are equal.

What I mean to say is…

The coverage provided by horse insurance policies can vary, but generally speaking, it covers the following types of events:

1.Mortality: 

One of the most common coverages that you will find in horse insurance policies is mortality coverage.

This type of coverage will pay out if your horse dies due to an accident, injury, or illness.

The amount of coverage will vary depending on the policy, but it typically ranges from 50% to 100% of the horse’s value.

2.Major Medical: 

Another common type of coverage is major medical, which will cover the cost of medical treatments due to an injury or illness.

This can include things like surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation. The coverage amount will vary depending on the policy, but it typically ranges from $5,000 to $25,000 or even more.

3.Liability: 

This coverage will protect you if someone is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your horse. It will also cover legal fees if you are taken to court due to an incident involving your horse.

5.Emergency Colic Surgery:

Colic is a potentially fatal and common condition in horses that can be expensive to treat.

Some equine insurance policies will provide coverage for emergency colic surgery, so you can sit peacefully so that your horse will get the best possible treatment if something bad happens.

Note: Not all policies may cover colic, so it’s a must to read through your policy carefully before purchasing.

6.Equine Mortality and Theft: 

Theft is something that is unfortunately common in the horse industry.

I was surprised to know that nearly 40,000 horses are stolen each year.

If you want to protect your horse from theft, some equine insurance policies will offer coverage for equine mortality and theft.

This coverage will pay out if your horse is stolen or dies because of theft.

But…

It’s worth noting that not all policies will offer all of these types of coverage. Some policies will also have exclusions and limitations on what they cover, so it is important to read through the policy carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.

Is Horse Insurance Worth The Cost?

A million dollar question indeed!

To be very honest, this decision really depends on your situation. 

For those who can afford it, horse insurance is worth the cost as it provides financial protection in case of an emergency.

But for some, it may not be worth the cost.

For example, if you have a young horse that isn’t doing anything risky or dangerous, then the likelihood of needing to use the insurance is much lower, so it likely won’t be worth the cost.

On the other hand, if your horse is involved in any risky activities, such as show jumping or eventing, or is old, then it could be worth the cost to have the added protection of horse insurance in case of an unforeseen event.

Overall, the decision is truly yours.

Wrapping Up

To sum it up, horse insurance can cost anywhere from $150 to $400 each year, depending on the coverage and the horse.

It is worth it if you can afford it and want financial protection in case of an accident, injury, or illness.

However, it is important to remember that not all policies are created equal and to read the policy carefully before committing to it.