Buying Horse Riding Insurance

Horse riding is classed as a high risk sport, with national figures showing high numbers of horse riding accidents every year. Whether you ride occasionally or regularly, it is advisable to take out riding insurance to adequately cover yourself in the event of a horse riding accident.

Rider only insurance is particularly valuable for riders who don’t own the horse they ride. For example, riders who loan a horse will only be insured if they take out rider cover for themselves or if the owner of the horse adds them to their own insurance policy. Most riding insurance policies will cover the rider whilst:

• Riding,
• Mounting and dismounting,
• Handling the horse,
• Driving the horse / horses,
• Being a passenger in a horse drawn vehicle.

It is advisable to carefully check the policy terms before you sign the insurance contract or pay the insurer's premium. Here is a breakdown of what you need to consider when choosing a riding insurance policy:

Age of Rider
The age of the rider will determine the cost of the policy, the junior policies tend to cost less than the adult policies. This will also depend on the amount of cover included and the riding activities the policy holder participates in.

Vets Fees
Riding Insurance also helps to prevent the rider paying expensive vets fees which may occur in the event of a riding accident. Most riding insurance policies cover the rider to a certain level of emergency vets fees for the horse being ridden by the policy holder.

Rider Dental
The insurance policy should also cover the rider for any medical treatment they may need due to a riding incident. Riding Insurance should cover dental costs for the rider, which can save a lot of high dental bills.

Death of Rider
In the tragic event of a rider's death, the riding insurance should provide the rider's family with a lump sum to help with funeral costs etc.

Disablement
If the rider is deemed as permanently disabled due to a riding accident, the insurer should pay the rider a lump sum. Insurers have varying terms and conditions regarding this cover, which you should check carefully. The average riding policy will only pay out after 365 days, once the permanent disablement due to the riding incident has been certified by a doctor. Most insurers will only pay out if the rider is unable to work within any occupation due to their disablement, caused solely by the riding incident.

Public Liability
The policy should cover the rider if they are legally liable to pay any claims made by third parties against the rider for injury, disease or damage to property. For example, if you are riding on the road and your horse spooks and causes a traffic accident, the rider could be sued by a driver for damages and or injury incurred. It would be highly recommended that riders ensure that their riding insurance policy covers them for public liability. The policy should cover you for claims and legal fees, which can run into high numbers. Do check the limitations of the cover with the insurer.

Personal Accident
The insurer should cover the rider if they are accidentally injured whilst handling, riding or driving a horse. This will only provide cover up to the amount shown on your policy schedule.

Custodial Liability
This covers the rider if the horse they are riding is accidentally injured while they are riding it and then has to be destroyed due to the injuries. The insurer should cover the market value of the horse and any compensation claims the owner makes against the rider.

Saddlery & Tack
If the rider's tack is damaged, lost or stolen the insurer should cover either the original cost of the tack (less depreciation) or the market value of the tack, usually whichever is less. The insurer will either provide the rider with a lump sum or will repair or replace the tack.

School Fees
If the rider is a junior policy holder, the insurer can pay for the rider's private tuition fees if due to a riding accident they are unable to attend school. Check with the insurer regarding time and cover limitations.

You can use Equine Compare to easily compare insurers and their policies side by side. The Equine Compare comparison table allows you to see which of the basic insurance criteria is included, any extra covered included and the premium price. Do take a good look at the insurer profile and ratings to judge the reputation of the insurer. The value and quality of the policy should be compared rather than comparing solely on price.

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