Working with horses is a thrilling and rewarding activity, whether it’s for pleasure, competition, or professional purposes. However, it’s essential to recognise the inherent risks involved with horses. Accidents can happen, and injuries can occur, affecting riders, carriage drivers, back-steppers and grooms. That’s where our horse rider & carriage driver insurance can help you. In this article, we will explore the benefits and reasons why horse riders, carriage drivers and grooms should consider taking out horse rider insurance.
Horse Rider & Driver Personal Accident Coverage
Horse riding poses inherent risks, including falls, kicks, and other accidents that can lead to injuries. One of the primary benefits of personal accident cover is that there is no need to prove negligence against a third party in order to claim. Put simply, you need to provide evidence that you have had a horse-related accident, which has resulted in an injury that can be claimable under your policy. Thus, this type of insurance provides a level of financial protection in the event of an accident resulting in you suffering either a permanent or, in some cases, a significant temporary bodily injury.
There are a number of ways of obtaining cover for horse-related injuries:
- Your own policy-specific personal accident, illness and sickness policy. This will be tailored for you depending on your occupation, income and activities and is available from specialist providers. The premiums are high as these policies provide 24/7 coverage and are not just limited to when you are around horses.
- A very basic level of personal accident cover can be obtained under membership schemes provided for certain societies such as the BHS, BD, BE etc.
- Horse insurance policies also cover personal accidents and these usually provide a basic lump sum (often £10,000 or £15,000 for adults) when a horse-related incident results in permanent disability such as loss of use of limb, loss of sight or death. The amount of benefit may vary depending on the injury. Some policies also pay a weekly allowance for a period of time, usually a year, following an accident that results in a temporary injury, which prevents you from working in your pre-accident occupation. Most policies will also cover you for private dental work if a horse-related accident results in you needing private dental care. Often these policies only apply when you are working with the named insured horse rather than any horse and if you are covered for competitions, then this cover will apply when you are taking part in those competitions.
- Even if you don’t own or loan a horse, but ride or drive there are specific policies, such as our Rider and Driver Personal Accident Policy, that provide cover for horse riders, drivers or grooms who don’t have their own horses but are actively involved with horses and competitions. Carriage-driving backsteppers can also be covered by this policy. All the benefits of this policy can apply when you are competing, as well as at home. This policy can provide Legal Liability (Third Party) cover when riding horses that aren’t owned by you or in your permanent care.
It is important to be aware that personal accident coverage is different from liability insurance and does not encompass legal liability for your own horses or those on loan to you. For your own horses, liability cover can be arranged separately within our specialist Horse & Carriage, or Horse & Pony Insurance policies.
Public Liability Coverage
Possibly the most important type of insurance for anyone is a third-party liability, also known as public or legal liability. This insurance protects riders, drivers and grooms in case they are held responsible for causing injury to a third party or damage to their property. Accidents can happen, even when riders and grooms take the utmost care. Incidents such as a spooked horse could result in a collision with a pedestrian or accidental property damage e.g. a car or a wall, are examples of situations where public liability coverage can prove invaluable. You can’t budget for these types of claims as they are usually costly and time-consuming to defend. When the Insurers assist you with a legal liability claim, this cover includes the cost of defence legal expenses and any compensation awarded, thus providing you with financial protection and peace of mind. For your own horses or those on permanent loan with you, we can arrange liability cover within our specialist Horse & Carriage, or Horse & Pony Insurance policies.
Professional Coverage for Freelance Grooms
For grooms and those involved in professional horse care, professional indemnity coverage is essential. Grooms are responsible for the well-being of horses, and mistakes or errors in their care can lead to accidents or injury. Professional indemnity coverage protects grooms in case they are sued for negligence or professional misconduct. It covers legal expenses and compensation claims arising from allegations of inadequate horse care, mismanagement, or errors in treatment. Having this coverage safeguards the reputation and financial stability of grooms, providing protection against potential lawsuits.
Peace of Mind and Financial Security
Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of horse rider and carriage driver insurance is the peace of mind it provides. Horse riding involves inherent risks, and accidents can have far-reaching consequences. By having the right insurance coverage, riders, drivers and grooms can enjoy their passion for horses without constant worry about potential financial hardships. Horse rider insurance offers a safety net, ensuring that they can focus on their riding, training, and caring for horses, knowing that they are protected financially in case of unfortunate events.
In summary
Insurance is a crucial investment for riders and grooms alike. It provides essential coverage for personal accidents, public liability, and professional indemnity. By taking out insurance, riders and grooms can enjoy their equestrian pursuits with peace of mind, knowing that they are protected financially in case of accidents, injuries, or other unforeseen circumstances. Prioritising horse rider insurance is a responsible choice that demonstrates a commitment to personal well-being, financial security, and the welfare of horses.
If you have any questions about our insurance offerings or would like a personalised quote, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to talk through any questions you may have and provide you with a unique quote suitable for you and your horse.