Frequently Asked Questions
*Answers below are generalizations and are not legally binding. Please read your policy thoroughly, and ask your Equine Insurance agent about specific questions you may have.
Working with Parker Equine Insurance Agency
I need to report a claim after hours, who do I contact?
Please contact the 24-hour number on the two claim card you received with your policy. The purpose of the 24-hour number is to be utilized in the event of an emergency. We advise you to give one to your horses barn or trainer, & to carry one with you. You must notify the carrier prior to surgery, or in the event that euthanasia is recommended. Failure to notify the us and the carrier can result in void of your coverage.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim please call our offices during business hours. In the event of an emergency you can contact your carrier via the 24-hour phone number on the back of your claim card. For non-emergency claims, we highly suggest you call our office so we may advise you of any exclusions or time limitations that may apply. Surprises can be fun but not during a claim, there is enough to worry about!
How am I paid for major medical claims?
Claims are paid out on a reimbursement basis. You are responsible for paying the veterinarian directly and then promptly submitting the invoices to us for reimbursement.
Is there a time limit for reporting a claim under my policy?
We request immediate notification of a claim, or within 24 hours at most. In a non-emergency situations; it best to call us within that 24-hour window, or even prior to a potential claim. If it is dire enough for the vet to come out you should call us immediately.
How do I make a change to my current policy?
You can email us at jo@equine-ins.com or fax a written request for any changes. Please contact our offices if you wish to fax your change(s). Changes to current policies are required to be made in writing. Call or email us if you have any questions.
How do I renew my policy?
Please answer the questions on your renewal application and return the application prior to your renewal date. You should receive your renewal application 30-60 days prior to your renewal. Applications may be emailed or mailed to our Glendora address. Unfortunately grace periods are not offered, therefore the application must be returned and received by us prior to the expiration date. If for some reason you do not receive the renewal application please contact us.
Why should I use an agent to purchase insurance?
Obtaining insurance can be tough. We know you are very busy and do not have the time to research carriers, coverage offered, and reach out to them. By using one of our agents to obtain insurance they can use their extensive knowledge & resources to help you select the carrier & the coverage that best fits your needs.
What kind of questions should I expect to answer when applying for an insurance policy?
Questions vary based on the type of insurance you’re applying for.
Mortality Policies: Your horse’s age, breed, use and value.
Liability Policies: The number of horses for each type of exposure (number boarded, number in training, number of school horses, number of students, etc.) You will usually need the receipts generated for each exposure.
Farm Policies: A list of dwellings, barns & other structures. Type of construction, age of buildings, square footage, type and age of roof. List of tractors, tack, tools and other equipment. For equipment you will need year, make, model and serial numbers (Usually not needed to obtain a quote). You will also need to provide the liability information as well. REMEMBER: If it not listed on the policy, it is not covered!
Auto Policies: A list of vehicles, VINs, limits needed, deductibles, a list of drivers & their drivers license and DOB.
By Equine Owners
I got a great deal when purchased my horse. Now that I have put some training into them how do I determine my horse’s present value?
In order to increase your horse’s value, you would need to submit show & training records to your carrier to review along with the new proposed value. Values are based on fair market value. If you need our help or advice please do not hesitate to contact us. It is important to always supply you insurance agent with your most up-to-date Justification of Value so there is no issue with value should you have a loss.
How do I get immediate insurance coverage for my horse?
You will need to fill out an application with a signed statement of health. If your horse is valued over $100,000 a veterinary exam & certificate of examination will be required. Value can vary depending on the carrier.
Are there any uses/disciplines, that do not qualify for coverage?
Usually Loss of Use is only eligible for Hunter/Jumper, Dressage and sometimes Reining. It is not available for all disciplines.
How does Loss of Use coverage work?
When a horse becomes permanently disabled & unable to perform the use described on your policy (at any level), the carrier will pay a percentage of the insured value. This percentage is usually 50 to 70%. A veterinarian must advise the claim department that the horse is disabled. Carriers may have their veterinarian examine the horse to confirm the diagnosis. If the 2 vets are not in agreement, a third vet may be called in for mediation. This coverage does not apply to horses that are laid up due to injury for an extended amount of time, and then return to work.
Can I get Major Medical/Surgical, Surgical Only, or Loss of Use coverages a la carte?
Unfortunately, no. These types of coverage are only available as added endorsements to a Mortality Policy.
I’m concerned with my ability to pay vet bills if my horse becomes ill or injured. What types of coverage do I need for this?
Major Medical and Surgical endorsements can be added to a Mortality Policy to take the worry out of looming financial hardships when your horse becomes ill.
My horse has been treated for colic, can it be insured?
Yes, but it is dependent of the type of colic and how many episodes have occurred. Your horse can also still be insured if it has required colic surgery as long as there was no bowel resection (removal of intestine), or repeated episodes. Please note, exclusions may apply to mortality and other coverage as a result.
Is my horse covered during transport?
Yes, as long as they do not leave the US or Canada. Transport coverage can be extended for travel to select other countries, but your policy carrier must be notified and fee’s apply.
What is the oldest age at which I can insure my horse?
Your horse may be insured up to 20 years of age.
At what age can my horse be insured?
Your horse can be insured as early as 24 hours old for Mortality, and as soon as 30 days old for Major Medical & other coverages. Please note that minimum age for coverage outside of Mortality varies from carrier to carrier.
How much will it cost to insure my horse?
Cost varies as it is dependent on many factors: age, breed, use and value. Contact us at jo@equine-ins.com or 1-800-321-5723 and we will work to find you the best coverage at the best price to fit your needs.
Why should I insure my horse?
Although there are many reasons to insure, financial security is number one.
Financial protection is incredibly important. If you purchase a horse, Mortality insurance allows you to replace that horse with a horse of equal quality should your initial horse perish. If you began with a young or green horse, you have probably increased the value of the horse as you added training or show experience. Insurance allows you to replace the animal at the current level and not have to start over.
Major Medical and Surgical Coverage, assist in the financial concern of being able to provide colic surgery, hospitalization, or lameness treatment for the horse should they need it.
Do I really need insurance?
If you want to protects your financial investments, yes. This may be a home, barn, financial assets, or a horse.
By Equine Businesses
All of the horses at my barn are insured by their owners? Do I still need Care, Custody & Control coverage?
If they are not your horses, then absolutely. Care, Custody & Control coverage is for boarding non-owned horses, and provides coverage if the any of horses become sick or die due to your or your employee’s negligence.
I operate a boarding facility, what liability insurance should I consider?
Equine Commercial Liability, Care, Custody & Control, and possibly an excess liability policy. You should also consider Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
I am providing riding instruction on my farm, what additional insurance coverage should I consider?
As the owner of the farm you should have a liability policy for the farm. Once and if this is already in place, you just need to make sure your insurance agent has that exposure listed on your policy.
Why should I consider replacing my Homeowner’s policy with a Farm/Ranch Owner’s policy?
A Farm/Ranch Owner’s policy is a Homeowners & Commercial Liability policy combined. The benefits are that they often provide the same coverage as a sole Homeowner’s policy and has discounts applied for packaging the two policies. Another benefit of having your Personal and Commercial Liability packaged is less friction. In the event of making a claim you will not have the added worry of two carriers arguing about which liability policy it falls under, whether it be Homeowner’s or Farm/Ranch.
For example, say a friend of yours came over for dinner and wanted to see the horses. While you all are out in the barn your friend gets bit while feeding a horse a carrot. Carriers might argue whether it should be covered under the Personal Liability (Homeowner’s) or under the Commercial Liability (Farm/ Ranch Owner’s).
Our local riding club puts on several shows each year. Are the participants covered under our club’s liability policy?
While the club would need to declare the show on their policy as a public event day, most liability policies exclude participants while they are in competition. Officers and directors are not covered either. A separate policy would have to be applied.
I own a boarding stable. some of my boarders trade their labor for Discounted stall rent. Does this pose an issue for my coverage?
Yes, this creates a Worker’s Compensation issue. In order to be properly insured, the boarding stable would need to have Workman’s Compensation. Even though there is no money being exchanged, the trade has a value and would be considered remuneration. The same would be true for a person receiving a place to live for cleaning stalls, or doing other jobs around the ranch. You would need to declare the value of the board or rent on your payroll reports.