Horse Liability Insurance for an Import Horse from Dubai: Your Guide
20 Oct 2025
10
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
The dream of owning a noble horse from Dubai has come true, but the responsibility weighs heavily. A careless moment of your animal can cause millions worth of damages in Germany, for which you are fully liable.
The topic in brief and concise terms
As a horse owner in Germany, you are liable under § 833 BGB with unlimited liability using your personal assets, even without personal fault (strict liability).
A horse imported from Dubai poses an increased and unpredictable liability risk due to stress and the new environment.
A coverage amount of at least ten million euros is essential to protect against existential threats from claims for personal or property damage.
Understanding the Legal Basis of Liability for Horse Owners in Germany
As the owner of a horse, you are subject to strict liability under Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB). This means you are liable for damages caused by your animal, even without your own fault. An example: Your horse gets frightened and damages a parked car worth 25,000 euros. You must fully compensate for the damage, even if you are not at fault. This regulation applies because horses are legally classified as "luxury animals" that pose an unpredictable danger. A private liability insurance does not cover such damages, which is why a special policy is indispensable. The unlimited liability with private assets is a risk that no horse owner should take.
Analyse special risks associated with importing horses from Dubai
A horse from Dubai is accustomed to a completely different climate and environmental stimuli. The transport and new surroundings mean enormous stress for the animal, which can increase the likelihood of unpredictable behaviour by up to 30 percent. Imagine your horse hearing the loud noise of a German combine harvester for the first time. A panic reaction leading to a leap onto a busy road can cause an accident with personal injury worth over one million euros. Insurers carefully assess such import risks and adjust premiums accordingly. The acclimatisation phase of at least three months carries the highest incalculable risk. A specialised horse owner's liability insurance is therefore crucial from day one.
Calculate the right cover amount for your import horse
The choice of the sum insured is one of the most important decisions when it comes to horse liability insurance. Experts recommend an insurance amount of at least ten million euros for personal injury, property damage, and financial losses. A serious riding accident resulting in permanent injuries for a third party can quickly exceed costs of five million euros. This sum comprises treatment costs, compensation for pain and suffering, and lifelong pension payments. A sum insured that is too low, such as only three million euros, could ruin your financial existence in such a case. Bear in mind that particularly expensive imported horses are often kept in boarding stables with a high potential for property value. A fire, caused by a knocked-over lamp, can quickly result in six-figure damage.
Review important clauses in the equine liability insurance policy
A good policy is characterised by specific inclusions that go beyond basic cover. When considering your horse liability insurance for an import horse from Dubai, look out for the following four to eight points:
Third-party rider risk: Ensures that damages caused by a riding partner or trainer are also covered.
Rental damage: Covers damage to rented items such as the horse box, paddock, or a horse trailer, often exceeding 1,500 euros.
Overseas stays: Provides cover for temporary trips abroad, for example, for tournaments or holidays, for at least twelve months.
Default cover: Steps in if your horse is injured and the perpetrator is unable to pay for the damage.
Unintentional mating: Covers costs if your stallion covers another mare, which can result in consequential costs exceeding 5,000 euros.
Crop damage: Insures against damage your horse may cause on someone else's meadows or fields.
These clauses define the difference between basic protection and cover that truly suits you.
Avoid Pitfalls in the Fine Print When Importing Horses
When it comes to imported horses, insurers pay particularly close attention, which can lead to specific clauses in the contract. Often, there are waiting periods or exclusions for illnesses that may be related to the transport. A horse surgery insurance can be a sensible addition here. Our expert tip: Have a veterinary health certificate issued immediately upon arrival in Germany. This document can prove in the event of a claim that certain conditions did not already exist before the insurance commenced, and protects you from reductions in benefits. Also, ensure that the sum insured corresponds to the actual value of the horse to avoid underinsurance. Any increase in value due to training should be reported to the insurer.
Assess the financial implications of current court rulings
Court judgments repeatedly highlight the enormous financial risks of liability for animal owners. In a case from the Higher Regional Court of Hamm, a motorist who suffered damages was awarded compensation of over 80,000 euros after a horse escaped and ran onto the road. The owner was held fully liable, even though the gate was opened by third parties. Such judgments confirm that strict liability allows few exceptions. Imagine the accident had resulted in the driver being paralysed. The claims would have amounted to over seven million euros. Without a strong horse owner's liability insurance, this would have meant financial ruin for the horse owner. The right coverage is therefore not an option, but a necessity.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
The Bund der Versicherten offers comprehensive information about horse owner's liability insurance and what horse owners should be aware of.
Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) provides information on general customs and import regulations for the United Arab Emirates.
Specific import regulations for animals, plants, and food products into the United Arab Emirates are also provided by Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI).
The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) offers a detailed manual for animal transport containing important guidelines and information.
The Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis) provides comprehensive statistics and data on animals and animal production in Germany.
Detailed tables on livestock in organic farming are also available from the Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis).
The Swiss Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV) provides an article from the Swiss Archive for Veterinary Medicine on African Horse Sickness.
FAQ
Why is liability for horses so strictly regulated?
The law assumes an 'animal risk' - a horse can react unpredictably due to its size, strength, and flight instinct, and cause serious damage. Therefore, the owner is strictly liable under § 833 of the German Civil Code.
What types of damages are typically not covered by equine liability insurance?
Typically, damage to one's own horse, intentionally caused damage, as well as damage resulting from professional races or commercial use, are not covered. For this, special policies like equine surgery or pet health insurance are necessary.
What is the difference between equine liability insurance and equine surgery insurance?
The horse liability insurance covers damages caused by your horse to third parties. The <a href="/blog/pferde-op-versicherung-ohne-wartezeit">horse surgery insurance</a>, on the other hand, covers the costs for operations on your own horse, for instance after colic or an accident.
Do I need to declare the import from Dubai to the insurance company?
Yes, absolutely. The import is a significant piece of information that the insurer requires for risk assessment. Incorrect or incomplete information can lead to the loss of insurance coverage.
How quickly should I arrange insurance for my imported horse?
Ideally, the insurance coverage should be in place from the moment the risk is transferred, i.e., from the time of purchase. At the latest, a valid policy must be in place when the horse arrives in Germany, as liability takes effect immediately.
Does the insurance also cover damage to a rented horse trailer?
Yes, if the clause "Rental property damage to trailers and carriages" is included in the contract. Pay attention to the amount of coverage for this part, as repairs to trailers can quickly cost several thousand euros.
