Insurance coverage for horse transport in a trailer: A guide
28 Sept 2025
7
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
The journey to the tournament or clinic carries financial risks that many riders underestimate. A careless moment can cause damage amounting to tens of thousands of euros. Learn in just seven minutes how motor third-party liability, horse owner liability, and special transport insurances work together.
The topic in brief and concise terms
For registering a horse trailer, a separate trailer liability insurance is almost always required in practice, even for private use.
Damage caused by the horse to the trailer is only covered by horse owner's liability insurance with the additional module for rented property damage.
Injuries to the horse during transport are not covered by either automotive insurance or liability insurance; a special horse transport insurance is necessary for this.
The Foundation: The right insurance for towing vehicle and trailer
The foundation of any transport is the liability insurance of the towing vehicle. This covers damage caused by the towing combination in flowing traffic, for example, in a rear-end collision causing €5,000 in material damage. However, specific rules apply to the trailer itself. Although privately used sports trailers are theoretically insured through the towing vehicle, registration authorities almost always require a separate electronic insurance confirmation (eVB). Therefore, a separate trailer insurance is practically indispensable for registration. The costs for a pure liability insurance often start at under €50 per year. This policy provides coverage if the parked trailer, for example, rolls away and damages another vehicle. For newer trailers worth over €10,000, taking out additional partial or comprehensive insurance is advisable. The distinction between private and commercial use is crucial for insurance coverage. As soon as you charge a fee for transport, a commercial trailer liability insurance becomes a legal requirement. The complex regulations on vehicle insurance thus form only the first building block of protection.
The Animal Hazard: When the Horse Becomes the Cause of Damage
A horse remains unpredictable even while in the trailer and is subject to the so-called animal risk according to § 833 BGB. Damages your horse causes to the trailer are 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 euros. For this, a comprehensive horse owner's liability insurance is responsible. Ensure that damage to rented transport trailers is explicitly included in the contract. Good policies cover such damage up to an amount of 50,000 euros, often even without an excess. Another example is if your horse escapes during a break and scratches the paint of another car, incurring costs of 2,500 euros. Without appropriate horse liability insurance, you would have to bear these costs entirely yourself. The coverage amount should be at least ten million euros to ensure protection even in the event of serious personal injuries. This policy is thus the direct complement to vehicle insurance.
The protection of animals: Special policies for injuries during travel
Neither vehicle liability nor owner liability insurance cover injuries that your own horse sustains during transport. If your horse falls in the trailer and breaks a leg, surgical costs of over 8,000 euros can arise. For such cases, there is transport insurance for horses. This provides coverage in the event of injury, euthanasia, 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 just a small percentage of the horse's value. Such a policy is a sensible addition to horse surgery insurance, which covers medical procedures but not the loss in value of the animal. Comprehensive protection through horse health insurance can further minimise the risk. Transport insurance fills a critical gap that many horse owners only realise in the event of damage.
Liability issues clarified: Transport as a courtesy and foreign horses
If you are transporting a friend's horse free of charge, there is often an implied liability waiver. If you cause a minor traffic accident in which the other person's horse is injured, you are usually not liable for the damage to the animal. The motor vehicle liability insurance excludes damage to the "cargo"—which includes the horse—anyway. It is different if the other person's horse damages your trailer. Here, the horse owner's liability insurance of the respective owner must cover the damage. Before each transport, ensure that the owner of the horse being transported can present valid liability insurance. A quick check of the policy can prevent disputes and costs running into several thousand euros. Stricter rules apply to professional transporters, as carrier liability exists in this case. These legal subtleties show how important clear agreements are.
Expert tips for safe horse transport
Good preparation minimizes risks and ensures a smooth process. Our expert tip: Conduct a brief routine check before each journey. Check the trailer's tyre pressure, lighting, and brakes, as over 40 per cent of all trailer accidents are due to technical faults. Document the condition of a borrowed trailer with photos to avoid later discussions about pre-existing damage. A checklist helps to ensure that no important point is forgotten. Here are the key points for your transport preparation:
Is there a valid third-party liability insurance for the trailer?
Does your horse owner's liability insurance cover rental property damage to trailers?
Is the insurance coverage sufficient for trips abroad?
Do you have emergency equipment including a first aid kit for horse and human?
Are all important documents such as the equine passport and insurance certificate readily accessible?
Is the accompanying horse also insured through an owner's liability?
This careful planning is the key to avoiding complications.
Risk Analysis: How to Find the Right Insurance Coverage
The right insurance cover for horse transport in a trailer is not a standard solution. It depends on several factors, such as the value of your horse, the frequency of transports, and the value of the trailer. A competition horse worth 25,000 euros requires different coverage compared to a leisure horse. Analyze your personal risk: Do you only travel to the vet twice a year or weekly to tournaments, even abroad? Do you frequently borrow trailers or own an expensive model yourself? A thorough needs analysis helps to avoid over- or under-insurance and can save up to 30 percent of annual costs. At nextsure, we support you in combining the individual components – from equine liability insurance to comprehensive cover – into a sensible overall package. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive concrete optimization suggestions.
More useful links
On the platform Gesetze im Internet, you will find the Animal Transport Regulation (TierSchTrV) from 2009, which forms the legal basis for animal transport in Germany.
The German Equestrian Federation (FN) offers comprehensive information and guidelines on safe and animal-friendly horse transport.
On the website of the German Equestrian Federation (FN), you will find the latest figures and facts on horse keeping in Germany.
The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) provides a detailed handbook on animal transport, containing important information and guidelines.
FAQ
Do I need special insurance for private horse transportation?
Yes, at least three types of insurance are relevant: the vehicle liability insurance for the towing vehicle, a separate liability insurance for the trailer (practically always necessary for registration), and equestrian liability insurance. Horse transport insurance for the animal itself is optional, but highly recommended.
What does the horse owner's liability insurance cover during transport?
It covers damages caused by your horse to third parties. This includes damage to (borrowed) trailers, other horses, or third-party property if your horse, for example, escapes. Check your policy for the inclusion of rental property damages.
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 contract conditions to see if the coverage area is limited to certain countries.
What is the difference between equine surgery insurance and transport insurance?
The transport insurance specifically covers accidents that occur during travel, loading, or unloading. It covers injury, death, or emergency euthanasia. The equine surgery insurance covers the costs of operations, regardless of the cause, including illness or an accident in the pasture.
How much does insurance for a horse trailer cost?
A liability-only insurance for a horse trailer is often available for under 50 euros a year. A partial comprehensive insurance with a deductible of 150 euros costs between 80 and 200 euros annually, depending on the value of the trailer.
Does the comprehensive cover of the towing vehicle include damage to the trailer?
No, the car's comprehensive insurance only covers damage to the towing vehicle itself. For damage to the trailer, you need separate comprehensive insurance for the trailer.
