Insuring Yourself as well as Your Horse

Most people recognise the importance of horse insurance and the benefits that the cover provides to the horse owner. It is just as important however to make sure that you have the right cover for yourself, whether or not you own your own horse.

 

Personal Accident cover is essential for anyone riding or handling horses, and taking out such cover is not as expensive as you might think. For instance when added onto a horse policy it will only increase your premium by around £15, depending on the level of cover you choose to take out.

 

What is Personal Accident Cover?

 

When taken out with a horse insurance policy, personal accident insurance is related specifically to the horse named on the policy. It will cover the policyholder, and any person whom the policyholder has given permission to ride or handle the horse. It will provide cover if that person then sustains a bodily injury through riding, handling, mounting or dismounting the insured horse. The cover is specific to a set of benefits set out in the policy and can vary by insurer but normally includes cover for death, loss of limbs, sight, hearing and permanent total disability. It will also cover any dental work. A higher level of benefit is often available at extra cost.

                       

Personal accident cover can also be taken out as standalone policy, where it is specifically related to the policyholder, as oppose to the rider or handler of the insured horse. Standalone policies are often more comprehensive, providing ‘all off life’ cover which means you are insured for much more than just horse riding or handling.  They also include extra cover for Temporary Total Disability as a result of either injury or illness. This cover provides a weekly benefit in case you are unable to perform your normal occupation as a result of injury or illness.

 

You should always make sure that the cover provided is sufficient to cover the activities you take part in. Personal Accident policies are available from many different insurers, so as an equestrian it is essential that your insurer is happy to cover you whilst horse riding. Similarly, if you take part in winter sports it is worthwhile making sure that you have the necessary cover or that your policy can be extended to include winter sports.

 

 

How do I choose the Cover I need?

 

As with all insurance it is important to get the right cover for your needs, and this will alter according to whether you own your own horse or ride for other people, instruct, run a livery yard, are self employed or employed. It will also be dependant upon your personal finances and how much you can afford to pay in premium.

 

You can find out more about a KBIS Personal Accident policy by viewing the Policy Key Facts on our Download page. You can also read more about Personal Accident cover as part of a horse policy or as a standalone policy on our Guide to Insurance page.