If horses are a part of your business, you need a commercial equine liability policy, even if you have other coverage that protects you against general liability exposures. Homeowners and standard farm owners’ insurance policies completely exclude your equine business pursuits. This coverage is designed specifically for horse-related businesses such as the following:
- Arenas and stadiums
- Auctions and sales
- Boarding, breeding and training stables
- Horse shows and clinics
- Polo grounds
- Pony rides
- Racing stables
- Riding instruction
- Therapeutic riding
Commercial equine liability policies are designed to protect you if you are sued by a third party who is injured or whose property is damaged. The policy covers defense costs and pays claims for which you are legally liable, up to the policy limits. Without adequate liability coverage, you could have to pay damages and defense costs yourself, which could be high enough to cause you serious financial hardship or bankruptcy.
Coverage Inclusions
Common commercial equine liability policies cover the following:
- Up to $10 million liability
- $50,000 fire legal liability
- $5,000 medical payments (for the person injured)
- Employees named as Additional Insureds on the policy, extending them coverage
There are several additional options for coverage, including products/completed operations coverage, personal injury and advertising liability, professional liability and additional insured status for independent contractors.
Equestrian Liability Limitation Laws by State
In some states, you may be protected by equine liability laws, which will provide a defense in the event of an incident. However, these laws do not prevent you from being sued. Check your state legislation to understand what limitations apply to you and to what extent you are protected from liability in the event of an incident.
Care, Custody and Control Exclusion
All commercial general liability policies contain an exclusion for property damage to property in the insured’s care, custody and control, which includes boarders’ horses. You can see about protection in the event of damage to horses in your care, that you don’t own, for which you are legally liable by adding a Care, Custody and Control endorsement to your Commercial equine liability policy.
Equine Mortality
Equine mortality coverage is essentially life insurance for your horse. Some policies include limited coverage for colic surgery, and treatment for injuries and illnesses can be covered by the medical and surgical coverage add-on. For an emailed Mortality quote for your horse or for more information on Equire Insurance coverages, click for Insurance for Equine, Farm, Ranch | Marshall+Sterling.
Contact Us
To start the quoting process for Commercial Equine Liability coverage, click for Insurance for Equine, Farm, Ranch | Marshall+Sterling. For more information on Equine Liability coverages click for Insurance for Equine, Farm, Ranch | Marshall+Sterling. And to reach our offices, call (844) 320-8060.
This piece is intended for general information purposes and is not an example of coverage.
