Horse transport insurance: Comprehensive protection for your horse while travelling
12.04.25
9
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Transporting a horse involves many risks, from injuries to total loss. Horse transport insurance provides financial protection and peace of mind for horse owners. Find out how to insure your horse in the best possible way.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Horse transport insurance covers financial losses incurred during transport, such as death, emergency euthanasia or injuries, often with reimbursements of up to 80 per cent of the horse’s value.
The costs vary depending on the insured sum (e.g. €2,500 to €15,000), scope of cover and level of benefits, with base premiums potentially amounting to around 1.85 per cent of the insured sum.
Legal regulations such as EU Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 and the Animal Welfare Transport Ordinance (TierSchTrV) must be complied with; the horse passport must always be carried, and a certificate of competence is required for commercial transport over 65 kilometres.
Understanding the basics of horse transport insurance
Horse transport insurance is a specialised policy that covers financial losses that can arise during the transportation of a horse. This applies to journeys to the vet, to competitions or when changing stables, often over distances of more than 50 kilometres. Many policies already offer basic cover from an annual premium of around €100. The insurance cover can include death, emergency slaughter or injuries to the animal directly attributable to the transport. Some insurers reimburse up to 80 per cent of the horse’s value. This protection is an important component alongside horse owner's liability insurance. The exact terms and insured sums, which can amount to €15,000 or more, vary depending on the provider and the chosen tariff. A careful comparison of offers is therefore essential in order to find the right cover for your horse.
Minimise and mitigate risks when transporting horses
Horse transport carries a wide range of risks, even on short journeys of under 50 kilometres. A sudden braking manoeuvre, an accident involving the transport vehicle or stress during loading can lead to serious injury to the horse. Statistics show that transport stress leads to health problems in around 15 per cent of horses. The cost of veterinary treatment can quickly run into several thousand euros. Without horse surgery insurance or transport insurance, you are left to cover these costs yourself. Transport insurance steps in if your horse is injured during transport, while being loaded or unloaded, or in the worst case dies. Damage to the trailer caused by the horse may also be covered, depending on the policy. Good preparation for transport and calm handling of the animal can reduce the risk, but not eliminate it entirely.
Scope of cover for horse transport insurance in detail
The scope of cover for horse transport insurance can vary considerably, but it usually provides cover for several scenarios. Typically, death or emergency euthanasia of the horse as a result of a vehicle accident or another insured event during transport is covered. Many policies also cover the cost of necessary veterinary treatment following a transport accident, often up to a certain amount, for example €10,000. Some insurers also offer cover for theft of the horse during transport. It is important to check the exact terms, especially whether loading and unloading are explicitly included, as statistically around 30 per cent of transport-related injuries occur there. Here is an overview of possible benefits:
Death or emergency euthanasia of the horse
Veterinary costs following a transport accident (often up to 100 per cent of the sum insured)
Recovery costs for the horse
Partial reimbursement in the event of permanent unfitness after a transport accident
Cover for theft during transport (optional)
Area of validity often Germany and neighbouring EU countries
Also check whether a trailer insurance policy covers separate risks. The exact details are always set out in the respective insurance terms and conditions.
Knowing the exclusions and limitations of horse transport insurance
Not every claim is automatically covered by horse transport insurance. There are typical exclusions that horse owners should be aware of. These often include damage caused by illnesses that already existed before the transport and were not caused or aggravated by the transport itself. Damage caused by gross negligence on the part of the person in charge of transport or the owner, such as insufficient securing of the horse or overloading the trailer, can also lead to a refusal of benefits. Many policies do not pay if the horse is older than, for example, 14 years. War-like events, civil unrest or nuclear energy are standard exclusions in almost all insurance contracts. Some insurers also exclude transports that are not carried out with suitable transport boots on all four legs. It is therefore important to read the insurance terms and conditions carefully to avoid any nasty surprises in the event of a claim.
Cost factors and premium structure of the insurance
The cost of transport insurance for horses depends on several factors. One key aspect is the chosen sum insured, which ideally corresponds to the value of the horse and often ranges between 2,500 and 15,000 euros. The base premium can, for example, amount to 1.85 per cent of the sum insured. Other factors include the territorial scope (e.g. only Germany or across Europe), the term of the contract (one, five or ten years) and the scope of the cover desired. Short-term insurance for individual transports is often more expensive than annual policies, but can be worthwhile if transport is only occasional. A horse worth 5,000 euros could be insured for an annual premium from around 90 euros. Comparing different providers, as with pet health insurance, is recommended in order to find the best value for money.
Legal framework and obligations for horse transport
When transporting horses, various legal requirements must be observed, which primarily serve animal welfare. The EU Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 and the national Animal Transport Ordinance (TierSchTrV) form the basis here. For transports over 65 kilometres as part of an economic activity, a certificate of competence for the driver is required. Private individuals transporting their own horse for non-commercial purposes generally do not need this certificate. Horses must be secured during transport and have sufficient space; the maximum transport duration for horses is 24 hours, with water provided every eight hours. The horse passport must be carried on every transport. Breaches of these regulations can not only result in fines, but also jeopardise insurance cover. Vehicle recovery insurance can provide additional protection in the event of a breakdown.
Choosing the right transport insurance requires a precise analysis of your own needs and the tariffs on offer. Pay attention not only to the price, but above all to the scope of cover and the exclusions. Our expert tip: Clarify whether loading and unloading are explicitly covered as well, as many accidents happen here. Check the amount of the excess in the event of a claim; some tariffs provide for 20 per cent. For horses that are transported internationally on a frequent basis, Europe-wide cover is important. Also clarify whether a horse surgery insurance policy may already cover certain transport risks or whether a combination is sensible. Document your horse’s value well (purchase contract, competition successes) so that you can prove the insured sum in the event of a claim. Obtain at least three quotes and compare them in detail. Advice from specialists can help to avoid pitfalls and ensure the optimum protection.
Conclusion and recommendations for horse owners
Horse transport insurance offers important financial protection against the many risks associated with transporting horses. The costs of veterinary treatment or the loss of a horse can be existentially threatening. Basic cover can be obtained for an annual premium of under 100 euros. By carefully selecting the policy, taking individual needs into account and complying with the statutory transport regulations, horse owners can increase the safety of their animal and protect themselves against unforeseen financial burdens. Please also remember that good horse owner's liability insurance is essential. Invest in your horse's safety - it will be worth it. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive concrete suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
Gesetze im Internet provides the full version of the Animal Transport Protection Ordinance, the legal basis for transporting animals in Germany.
Pferd-Aktuell, the official portal of the German Equestrian Federation (FN), provides comprehensive information on animal welfare topics, especially in the area of horse keeping and transport.
Statista provides current statistics on horse ownership in Germany, offering insights into the prevalence and significance of horse keeping.
Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) provides official statistics on livestock numbers in Germany, including relevant data on horse keeping.
German Federal Association for Animal Health (BfT) offers valuable information and guidelines for responsible horse keeping, which also touch on aspects of transport.
Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) provides a detailed manual on animal transport, summarising important guidelines and regulations.
Wikipedia provides a general overview of horse transport vehicles, their types and the associated aspects.
FAQ
Do I need a new insurance policy for every transport?
No, you can take out an ongoing horse transport insurance policy that covers all transports within the policy term (e.g. one year). Alternatively, there are also short-term policies for individual, planned transports.
Is the insurance also valid abroad?
Many horse transport insurance policies provide cover in Germany and neighbouring EU countries. For transport outside this area of validity, or for worldwide transport, the insurance cover often has to be extended or a specialist policy taken out. Check the terms and conditions carefully.
What happens if my horse damages the trailer?
Damage caused by your horse to the trailer is not automatically covered by every horse transport insurance policy. This is often covered by horse owners' liability insurance, which covers damage to rented or borrowed property. However, some transport insurance policies may include this as an additional benefit.
How much should the insurance coverage amount be?
The sum insured should correspond to your horse’s current market value. Take into account the purchase price, training costs and any competition successes. An insurance sum that is too low will result in underinsurance in the event of a claim.
Are transport boots mandatory for insurance cover?
Some insurers make the wearing of shipping boots on all four legs a شرط? No, translate properly: "Some insurers make the use of shipping boots on all four legs a condition for full insurance cover. Please read the specific clauses in your insurance policy carefully."
What to do in the event of damage?
Report the claim to your insurer immediately. Document the incident carefully (photos, witnesses, veterinary reports). Follow the insurer's instructions regarding any further steps to ensure a smooth process.
