Equine insurance for horse owners in Georgia.

Equine insurance is specialty coverage for horse owners and equestrian operations. The four main products are mortality (pays the owner if the horse dies from accident or illness, similar to life insurance), major medical and surgical (covers vet bills above a deductible), loss of use (pays if the horse can no longer perform its intended use), and equine liability (covers bodily injury or property damage caused by the horse, including riding instruction and boarding operations). Coverage is sold based on the horse's appraised value, age, and use.

Standard homeowners insurance generally provides only personal liability for a horse kept as a pet on the residence, with low limits and often an exclusion for horse-related activities. Anything that makes the horse income-producing (boarding fees, lessons, training, showing for prize money) is excluded under a homeowners policy. For active horse owners, a dedicated equine liability policy, a farm and ranch policy with an equine endorsement, or a commercial equine policy is required. The choice depends on whether the horses generate any income.

Five common equine insurance products. Mortality covers death from accident or named illness. Major medical (sometimes called colic and surgical) covers veterinary expenses above a deductible. Surgical-only is a stripped-down version covering only operations. Loss of use pays if the horse can no longer be used for its insured purpose (jumping, racing, showing). Equine liability covers bodily injury and property damage caused by the horse, and care, custody, and control covers liability for horses owned by others while in your care (essential for boarding and training operations).

Mortality coverage typically costs 3.5 to 5 percent of the horse's insured value per year (a $25,000 horse runs $875 to $1,250 in mortality premium). Major medical and surgical adds $200 to $700 per year, depending on coverage limit and deductible. Equine liability for a single private owner is typically $300 to $800 per year. Commercial equine liability for a boarding or training operation is priced based on number of horses and revenue, typically $1,500 to $5,000 per year for a small barn. Premiums increase with horse age, breed, and intended use.

Equine liability insurance covers third-party bodily injury or property damage caused by your horse. Common claim scenarios include a horse bolting and injuring a passerby, a horse damaging a neighbor's fence, a student getting thrown during a lesson, or a horse escaping a pasture and causing an auto accident. For private owners, a basic equine liability policy starts around $300 per year. For commercial operations (boarding, training, riding instruction), care custody and control coverage is added so the horses you board are covered while in your barn.