Insurance cover for horse transport in a trailer: A guide
28.09.2025
7
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
The journey to the tournament or to the clinic carries financial risks that many riders underestimate. A moment of carelessness can cause damage worth tens of thousands of euros. Understand in just seven minutes how motor third-party liability insurance, horse owners' liability insurance and special transport insurance work together.
The topic in brief and concise terms
In practice, registration of a horse trailer almost always requires separate trailer liability insurance, even for private use.
Damage caused by the horse to the trailer is only covered by horse owners’ liability insurance with the additional module for damage to rented property.
Injuries to the horse during transport are not covered by either motor vehicle insurance or the horse owner’s liability insurance; a special horse transport insurance policy is required for this.
The foundation: The right insurance for the towing vehicle and trailer
The basis for any transport is the third-party liability insurance of the towing vehicle. It covers damage caused by the combination in moving traffic, for example in a rear-end collision with property damage of 5,000 euros. Special rules, however, apply to the trailer itself. Although privately used sports trailers are theoretically insured through the towing vehicle, licensing authorities almost always require separate electronic proof of insurance (eVB). A separate trailer insurance policy is therefore essential in practice for registration. The cost of third-party liability cover alone often starts at less than 50 euros per year. This policy applies if the parked trailer rolls away and damages another vehicle, for example. For newer trailers worth more than 10,000 euros, partial or fully comprehensive insurance is also recommended. Distinguishing between private and commercial use is crucial for insurance cover. As soon as you charge a fee for transport, commercial trailer third-party liability insurance becomes a legal requirement. The complex regulations on motor vehicle insurance therefore form only the first building block of cover.
The risk posed by animals: When the horse itself becomes the cause of damage
A horse remains unpredictable even in a trailer and is subject to the so-called animal liability under Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB). Damage caused by your horse to the trailer is not covered by motor vehicle or trailer insurance. A typical case is a kick against the partition wall of a borrowed trailer, causing damage of €1,200. This is covered by a comprehensive horse owner liability insurance. Make sure that damage to hired property on transport trailers is explicitly included in the policy. Good policies cover such damage up to a sum of €50,000, often even without an excess. Another example is when your horse breaks loose during a break and scratches the paintwork of someone else’s car, causing damage of €2,500. Without suitable horse liability insurance, you would have to bear these costs in full yourself. The cover limit should be at least ten million euros so that you are also protected in the event of serious personal injury. This policy is therefore the direct complement to motor insurance.
Protecting the animal: Special policies for injuries during travel
Neither the vehicle nor the owner’s liability insurance covers injuries your own horse sustains during transport. If your horse falls in the trailer and breaks a leg, surgery costs of over 8,000 euros can arise. For such cases, there is horse transport insurance. This covers injury, emergency slaughter or death of the horse as a result of a transport accident. The sum insured is based on the value of the horse, for example 15,000 euros. The premium for a single journey is often only a small percentage of the horse’s value. Such a policy is a sensible addition to the horse surgery insurance, which covers medical procedures but not the animal’s loss in value. Comprehensive cover through a horse health insurance can further minimise the risk. Transport insurance closes a critical gap that many horse owners only notice when a claim occurs.
Clarifying liability issues: transport as a favour and other people's horses
If you transport a friend's horse free of charge, an implied exclusion of liability often applies. If you cause a minor road accident in which the other person's horse is injured, you are generally not liable for the damage to the animal. Motor vehicle third-party liability insurance excludes damage to the „cargo“ – which includes the horse – in any case. The position is different if the other person's horse damages your trailer. In this case, the respective owner's horse owner liability insurance must cover the damage. Before every transport, make sure that the owner of the horse being transported can provide proof of valid liability insurance. A quick check of the policy can prevent disputes and costs of several thousand euros. Stricter rules apply to commercial transporters, as carrier liability applies here. These legal nuances show how important clear arrangements are.
Expert tips for safe horse transport
Good preparation minimises risks and ensures a smooth process. Our expert tip: carry out a brief routine check before every journey. Check the trailer tyre pressure, lights and brakes, as more than 40 per cent of all trailer accidents are due to technical defects. Document the condition of a borrowed trailer with photos to avoid later disputes about pre-existing damage. A checklist helps ensure no important point is overlooked. Here are the key points for your transport preparations:
Is there valid third-party liability insurance for the trailer?
Does your horse owner's liability insurance cover damage to hired trailers?
Is the insurance cover sufficient for journeys abroad?
Do you have emergency equipment, including a first-aid kit for horse and rider, with you?
Are all important documents such as the horse passport and proof of insurance to hand?
Is the horse travelling with you also covered by owner's liability insurance?
This careful planning is the key to avoiding complications.
Risk analysis: How to find the right insurance cover
The right insurance cover for transporting horses in a trailer is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It depends on several factors, such as the value of your horse, how often you transport it and the value of the trailer. A competition horse worth €25,000 requires different cover from a leisure horse. Analyse your personal risk: Do you only drive to the vet twice a year, or do you travel to competitions every week, even abroad? Do you often borrow trailers, or do you own an expensive model of your own? A detailed needs analysis helps to avoid overinsurance or underinsurance and can save up to 30 per cent of annual costs. At nextsure, we help you combine the individual building blocks – from horse liability insurance to comprehensive cover – into a sensible overall package. Request your individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
On the platform Gesetze im Internet, you will find the Animal Transport Ordinance (TierSchTrV) of 2009, which forms the legal basis for animal transport in Germany.
The German Equestrian Federation (FN) offers comprehensive information and guidelines on safe, animal welfare-compliant horse transport.
On the website of the German Equestrian Federation (FN), you will find current figures and facts on horse keeping in Germany.
The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) provides a detailed handbook on animal transport, containing important information and guidelines.
FAQ
Do I need special insurance for private horse transport?
Yes, at least three types of insurance are relevant: third-party motor insurance for the towing vehicle, separate third-party liability insurance for the trailer (practically always required for registration) and equine owner’s liability insurance. Horse transport insurance for the animal itself is optional, but highly recommended.
What does horse owner's liability insurance cover during transport?
It covers damage your horse causes to third parties. This includes damage to a (borrowed) trailer, to other horses or to someone else’s property if your horse, for example, breaks loose. Check your policy to see whether damage to rented property is included.
Is my horse also insured abroad?
The insurance cover for motor vehicle and trailer insurance generally applies throughout Europe (please note the green card). For horse owner and transport insurance, you must check the policy terms and conditions to see whether the area of cover is restricted to certain countries.
What is the difference between horse surgery insurance and transport insurance?
The transport insurance specifically covers accidents that happen during transport, loading or unloading. It covers injury, death or emergency euthanasia. The horse surgery insurance covers the costs of operations, regardless of the cause, including illness or an accident in the paddock.
How much does insurance for a horse trailer cost?
A basic third-party liability insurance policy for a horse trailer is often available for under €50 a year. A partial comprehensive insurance policy with an excess of €150 costs between €80 and €200 annually, depending on the value of the trailer.
Does the comprehensive insurance of the towing vehicle cover damage to the trailer?
No, the car’s fully comprehensive insurance covers only damage to the towing vehicle itself. For damage to the trailer, you need separate comprehensive insurance for the trailer.
