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Homeowner Insurance vs. Commercial Equine Insurance: What’s Covered?

Equine insurance specialist and US Equestrian sponsor Markel Insurance suggests three factors to consider.

by USEF Communications and Markel Insurance | Jul 7, 2017, 6:04 PM

Does your homeowner policy protect you as a horse owner? Probably not. Here's why: many homeowner policies have exclusions that could affect a horse owner. Review your current policy and have a conversation with your insurance agent to be sure you are adequately covered when owning a horse. If you take your horse to shows; breed, train, or board horses as a business on your property; or have horses on your premises for personal use, read on for three factors to consider.

Have horses on your property for personal use? Ask your insurance agent to compare your homeowner policy against a farm package policy or consider a private horse owner liability policy. (Ian Thornton Photo)

1. Do you take your horse to a show? If yes, your horse could bite, kick, or cause third-party property damage. There may be an exclusion in your homeowner policy for accidents or injuries caused by your horse that occur off your premises. Markel's Private Horse Owner Liability was created to fill this gap in coverage.

2. Do you breed, train, or board horses on your property as a business? 

Some homeowner policies exclude business pursuits or commercial equine operations. Markel's Commercial Equine Liability will protect your horse-related business whether on your own premises or at a leased premises. Don't forget to add care, custody, and control liability if you manage horses you do not own.

3. Do you have horses on premises for personal use?

Some homeowner policies exclude any accident or injury caused by personally owned horses or cattle kept on your premises, or limit the number of animals you can have on premises. Ask your agent to compare your homeowner policy against a farm package policy or consider a private horse owner liability policy.

Please note that the information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. For more information about Markel, visit markelinsurance.com or facebook/MarkelHorse or call 800-794-6773.

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