Equine Insurance in Texas

What insurance coverages are available to horse owners?

Horse insurance policies can come with many coverages, which can be customized for a policyholder’s specific needs. Some coverages that policies may include are:

• Full Mortality Coverage: May cover the death of a horse due to accident, illness, or injury. May also cover the theft of the horse.
• Limited Mortality Coverage: May cover the death of a horse due to specific causes, such as theft, injury or natural disaster.
• Surgical and Major Medical Coverage: May cover veterinary expenses for surgeries and treatments related to injuries or illnesses.
• Care, Custody, and Control Liability Coverage: Might cover damages to non-owned horses in your care, such as boarding or training situations.
• Liability Coverage: May cover accidents for which the horse is deemed to have caused injury, death or property damage.
• Equestrian Property Contents Coverage: May cover equipment, tools, machinery, tack, feed, and other non-personal possessions.
• Barn and Outbuilding Coverage: May cover barns, stables, sheds, and similar non-residential structures.

An insurance agent who specializes in equine policies can help individuals and businesses decide which coverages are right for their horses and situation.

What’s the difference between full mortality coverage and limited mortality coverage?

Both full mortality coverage and limited mortality coverage normally protect against the total loss of a horse, but they can differ in how many causes of loss are covered. Horse owners usually only carry either full or limited coverage.

Full mortality coverage normally protects against most causes of death, often including illness, injury, natural disaster and other causes. The coverage also usually includes protection against loss when the horse isn’t recovered.

Because full mortality coverage extends to most causes of death, it’s common for this coverage to require that surgical and major medical coverage be in place. This helps ensure that a horse won’t pass away because of insufficient access to veterinary care.

Limited mortality coverage normally protects against specific causes of death or loss. Coverage may extend to injury, theft, natural disaster or another cause, but won’t necessarily cover all of these causes. It’s less likely for limited mortality to require surgical and major medical coverage. 

Full mortality coverage might be a good choice when owners want to insure their horse against almost any cause of death. Limited mortality coverage might be preferable when a horse is at an increased risk of a specific peril, such as an increased risk of injury. In either case, a knowledgeable insurance agent can help owners decide which of these options is best for their horses.

How much does horse insurance cost?

Premiums for equine insurance policies vary significantly, as they’re based on numerous criteria. A horse’s breed, age, value, and use are just some of the factors that can influence cost. Chosen coverages obviously impact premiums, as do other details. The most straightforward way to determine the cost of insuring a specific equestrian operation is to consult an independent insurance agent.