Horse trailer insurance: ensure comprehensive protection for transport and animals
07.05.25
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Transporting your horse carries risks that specialist horse trailer insurance can help minimise. Many horse owners underestimate the need for, or the extent of, the cover required. Find out how to insure your horse trailer properly and avoid costly surprises.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A separate horse trailer insurance policy is often not mandatory for private sports use (green number plate), but it is usually highly recommended, especially for damage to the uncoupled trailer or for more flexible use.
The choice between third-party liability, partial comprehensive and fully comprehensive cover depends on the value of the trailer, how frequently it is used and your individual need for security; costs vary significantly.
Pay attention to details such as cover limits, excesses and exclusions; comparing options and seeking expert advice will help you find the optimal, cost-effective cover.
Quick Facts: The most important things about horse trailer insurance at a glance
For horse owners, the safety of their animal is the top priority, including during transport. Horse trailer insurance is a key building block. Here are the key points summarised:
Insurance requirement: Privately used horse trailers for sporting purposes often do not require separate insurance if they are registered with a green number plate and transport horses only. Commercially used trailers always need their own insurance.
Third-party liability is the basis: The motor liability insurance of the towing vehicle covers damage that the attached trailer causes to third parties. A separate trailer liability policy covers damage caused by the unhitched trailer.
Comprehensive cover optional: Partial comprehensive cover (e.g. theft, fire, hail) and fully comprehensive cover (also vandalism, accidental damage caused by the owner) are voluntary, but often sensible additions.
Cost factors: The premium depends on the scope of cover, the trailer's value and the excess; annual costs can start at under one hundred euros.
Green vs black number plate: Green number plates are exempt from tax, but tied to strict conditions (horse transport for sporting purposes only). Black number plates allow more flexible use, but require tax and separate insurance.
This overview is intended as an initial guide. The exact conditions and requirements depend heavily on your individual usage situation.
Practical guide: mastering compulsory insurance and licence plate selection
The question of compulsory insurance for horse trailers often causes confusion. In principle, a horse trailer that is used exclusively privately for sporting purposes can, under certain circumstances, be co-insured under the motor vehicle liability insurance of the towing vehicle. This is usually linked to a green number plate. The important point here is the strict limitation of use: as soon as you transport hay bales or moving goods, for example, this cover often lapses. Transporting riding equipment may already be problematic with some insurers.
For registration with a green number plate, the trailer must be used exclusively for transporting horses for sporting purposes. This comes with a tax exemption. The registration authority requires proof and an EU type approval or individual operating permit for this. If you opt for a black number plate, the trailer is normally subject to tax and insurance, but offers greater flexibility in use. The annual vehicle tax for a trailer with, for example, seven hundred and fifty kilograms of permitted gross weight is around twenty-nine euro.
An uncoupled trailer that causes damage is never insured via the towing vehicle. In this case, only separate trailer third-party liability insurance applies. This often costs only a few euro per month, for example from around three euro and forty-five cents. The decision for or against separate insurance and the right number plate should therefore be carefully considered in order to avoid gaps in cover.
Third-party liability, partial cover, comprehensive cover: Defining the optimal level of cover
The basic cover for every horse trailer that requires its own insurance is third-party liability insurance. It covers personal injury, property damage and financial losses that you cause to third parties with your trailer. The cover limits should be set sufficiently high; one hundred million euros for property damage and financial losses and up to fifteen million euros per injured person are often standard. But what about damage to your own trailer? This is where comprehensive insurance comes into play.
The partial comprehensive insurance for the horse trailer provides protection in the following events:
Theft of the trailer or permanently installed parts
Fire and explosion
Damage caused by storm, hail, lightning strike or flooding
Broken glass
Collision with game animals (note: pay attention to the exact definition!)
Damage caused by marten bites to cables and hoses
Partial comprehensive cover is often available for just a few euros more per month and is particularly recommended for newer or well-maintained trailers. The cost of partial comprehensive cover starts at around seventy-five euros per year.
Comprehensive insurance goes one step further. It includes all the benefits of partial comprehensive cover and also covers damage to your own horse trailer caused by self-inflicted accidents or vandalism (wilful or malicious acts by third parties). Comprehensive cover is particularly worthwhile for new and high-value horse trailers, as repairs here can quickly cost several thousand euros. Annual costs for comprehensive cover start at around one hundred euros. Bear in mind that some leasing providers or financing banks even require comprehensive insurance. The choice of the right comprehensive cover depends on the value of your trailer, your individual need for security and your budget.
Cost analysis: What contributions and fees to expect
The Costs of horse trailer insurance vary considerably. They depend on several factors: the level of cover selected (third-party liability, partial cover, comprehensive cover), the new value or current value of the trailer, the amount of the excess in the event of a comprehensive claim, and the provider. Stand-alone third-party liability insurance for a horse trailer can already be available from around twelve to fifty euros per year. For a trailer up to seven hundred and fifty kilograms gross weight, the cost of third-party liability is between fifteen and forty-five euros per year.
If you opt for partial cover insurance, the annual costs increase. These often start at around seventy-five euros. Comprehensive insurance is the most expensive option; premiums start at around one hundred euros per year. An excess, for example one hundred and fifty euros for partial cover and three hundred euros for comprehensive cover, can reduce the premium.
In addition to the pure insurance costs, there may also be other fees. For registration of a horse trailer at the licensing office, you should expect costs of around thirty euros. If your trailer is subject to tax (black number plate), annual vehicle tax is also payable. This is calculated according to the permissible gross weight of the trailer. Seven euros and forty-six cents are due for every commenced two hundred kilograms of gross weight. A trailer with a permissible gross weight of two tonnes would therefore cost approximately seventy-five euros in tax per year. Always compare several quotes to find the most suitable and cost-effective horse trailer insurance for you.
Expert depth: Understanding legal fundamentals and current rulings
Insurance for horse trailers is anchored in German law, in particular the Compulsory Insurance Act (PflVG) and the Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV). Under Section 1 of the PflVG, trailers used on public roads or in public places must be covered by third-party liability insurance. Exceptions apply to special trailers for transporting sports equipment or animals for sporting purposes, if they are used exclusively for that purpose (Section 3(2) FZV). This is the basis for the regulation with green number plates.
A key aspect is strict liability under Section 7(1) of the Road Traffic Act (StVG). Accordingly, the keeper of a trailer is liable for damage caused in the operation of the trailer, even without personal fault. This applies regardless of whether the trailer is registered or insured. Particularly relevant here are borrowed trailers: if a fellow rider causes an accident with your borrowed trailer, claims for damages can also be made against you as the keeper of the trailer (joint and several liability).
Our expert tip: Always clarify insurance cover in advance if you lend your trailer or use someone else’s trailer. Your own trailer third-party liability insurance is also strongly recommended for trailers with green number plates, as it covers damage caused by the uncoupled trailer or damage not covered by the designated use. The costs for this are often low, usually under one hundred euros per year. Recent court rulings repeatedly confirm the need for clear rules and sufficient insurance so that you are not left with high costs in the event of a claim. Also find out about the General Conditions for Motor Vehicle Insurance (AKB), the contractual basis of your policy.
Claims from practice: assessing risks correctly
To illustrate the importance of good horse trailer insurance, concrete examples help. Imagine your uncoupled horse trailer starts rolling on its own in a sloping competition car park and collides with another vehicle. Without your own trailer third-party liability insurance, you would have to cover the damage yourself, which could amount to several hundred or even a thousand euros.
Another common scenario is theft. Horse trailers are a sought-after target for thieves. If your unsecured trailer is stolen, partial cover reimburses its current market value. Without comprehensive cover, this means a total loss, which can quickly amount to five thousand euros or more. Weather damage should not be underestimated either: a severe hailstorm can cause dents and damage to the roof and walls, the repair of which can also run into the thousands. Partial cover would pay out here.
Here are some typical claims and which insurance applies:
Accident with the towing combination: If you cause an accident with your car and attached horse trailer, in which third parties are injured, the motor vehicle liability insurance of the towing vehicle pays out. Damage to your own trailer is covered by comprehensive insurance.
Horse damages trailer: If your horse kicks the inner wall during transport and damages it, this is often a case for fully comprehensive insurance. Horse owner's liability insurance can be relevant if the horse damages someone else's trailer.
Manoeuvring damage: If you damage your trailer yourself while manoeuvring, fully comprehensive insurance steps in.
Arson: If your trailer is set on fire through vandalism, partial cover (fire) or fully comprehensive insurance (vandalism) covers the damage.
Check the terms of your policy carefully, especially exclusions or special provisions for transporting animals. Good trailer insurance is worth its weight in gold when it matters.
A tailored horse trailer insurance policy does not have to be expensive. With a few tips, you can optimise your cover while also saving on premiums. An annual insurance comparison for your horse trailer is the first step. The premium differences between providers can be considerable, often up to fifty per cent for comparable benefits.
Think carefully about what cover you really need. For an older trailer with a low residual value, third-party liability insurance may be sufficient, possibly supplemented by partial comprehensive cover with a higher excess. An excess of, for example, one hundred and fifty euros in partial comprehensive cover or three hundred to five hundred euros in comprehensive cover can noticeably reduce the annual premium. Weigh up which risk you can and want to bear yourself.
Further savings potential can come from:
Annual payment: Many insurers grant a discount of up to five per cent for annual rather than monthly or quarterly payment.
Seasonal registration plate: If you use your horse trailer only a few months a year, a seasonal registration plate can save costs (although this is not relevant for green plates).
No-claims bonus: Some insurers also offer no-claims discounts for trailer insurance, similar to the no-claims bonus classes table for motor vehicles.
Bundle discounts: If you bundle several insurance policies (e.g. motor insurance, horse owner liability insurance) with one provider, discounts of ten per cent or more are often possible.
Our expert tip: Don't just look at the price, but also at the cover. A cheap policy with many exclusions or low sums insured can become expensive in the event of a claim. Good advice helps avoid pitfalls and find the right cover. Also think about the type class rating, which is less relevant for trailers than for cars, but can still have an impact.
Your next step towards comprehensive protection
The right horse trailer insurance offers security and protects you against unexpected costs. From clarifying whether insurance is mandatory to choosing the right registration plate and deciding on the most suitable comprehensive cover – there are many aspects to consider. With the information in this guide, you are well equipped to make an informed decision about protecting your horse trailer. Remember that careful selection and regular review of your insurance cover are essential. nextsure is happy to support you as a digital insurance portal in finding the right niche insurance for your needs.
Request your personalised risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific recommendations for optimisation.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides comprehensive information on the topic of horse trailers.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides statistics on new vehicle registrations.
Information on the Central Vehicle Register (ZFZR) can be found on the website of the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).
The full Animal Welfare Transport Ordinance is available on the "Gesetze im Internet" portal.
The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) offers a comprehensive manual on animal transport.
Systematic directories and other data from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) can be viewed here.
FAQ
Do I need an eVB number for my horse trailer?
Yes, if you want to register your horse trailer and it needs its own insurance (e.g. with a black licence plate or if you take out separate comprehensive insurance), you will need an electronic insurance confirmation (eVB number) from your insurer.
Is my horse also covered while in the trailer?
Horse trailer insurance (liability, comprehensive) covers damage to the trailer itself or damage caused by the trailer to third parties. The horse itself is generally not insured under this policy. For this, there are separate horse transport insurance policies or extended horse surgery and health insurance policies.
What happens if I have an accident abroad with my horse trailer?
The insurance cover for your horse trailer insurance generally applies within the geographical limits of Europe and the non-European territories that fall within the scope of the European Union. Check the exact terms in your policy or ask your insurer, especially when travelling outside the EU.
Can I claim horse trailer insurance as a tax deduction?
If the horse trailer is used for business purposes (e.g. by a riding stable or professional trainer), the insurance costs can be claimed for tax purposes as business expenses. For purely private use, this is generally not possible.
How fast am I allowed to drive with a horse trailer?
In Germany, you may generally drive at eighty kilometres per hour with a combination (car with trailer) outside built-up areas and on motorways. Under certain conditions (including the technical equipment of the trailer and towing vehicle, as well as the tyres), a special permit for one hundred kilometres per hour can be issued (the so-called 100 km/h sticker).
What if my trailer is stolen while it is parked at a tournament venue?
If you have taken out partial cover or fully comprehensive insurance for your horse trailer, theft of the trailer is usually covered. Report the theft to the police and your insurer immediately.
