Does equine liability insurance cover damages at a rental stable? Here's how to protect yourself.
21 Sept 2025
4
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
A kick against the stable wall, a chewed wooden beam – damages in rented stables happen quickly. But does your equine liability insurance really cover these costs? Find out here how to close expensive liability gaps and protect yourself against claims in the four-figure range.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The standard horse liability insurance often does not cover damage to rented stables; a specific clause for rented property damage is required.
The coverage amounts for rental property damages are usually lower than the main insurance sum and may include a deductible.
Damage caused by normal wear and tear is generally excluded from insurance coverage.
The Liability Gap: Why Rental Property Damages Often Remain Uncovered
As a horse owner, you are subject to animal owner liability under § 833 BGB, which makes you responsible for almost all damages caused by your horse. However, many standard policies explicitly exclude damage to rented properties, known as rental property damage. A single strong kick to the stable wall can already incur repair costs of over €500. Without the appropriate additional coverage, you will be left bearing these costs. A good Equine Liability Insurance in Detail specifically addresses this risk. This coverage gap poses an incalculable financial risk for nine out of ten boarders.
Knowing about this gap is the first step towards proper protection.
The solution: The crucial clause for rental property damage
The solution is an explicit extension of your contract that includes rental property damage to immovable objects. This clause typically covers damage your horse causes to permanently installed parts of the stable. For instance, if your horse bites into the wooden door of the box causing damage worth 400 euros, the insurance steps in. Make sure that this service is provided without a high deductible. You can find a suitable horse owner's liability insurance by carefully comparing the contract details. The following objects are typically covered:
Stable boxes and their partitions
Permanently installed water troughs and feed troughs
Doors, gates, and grids of the stables
Pasture fences and shelters on the leased paddock
Walls of the riding arena
With this clause, you turn an incalculable risk into a fixed, planned insurance contribution.
Avoid cost traps: Review coverage limits and deductibles
The inclusion of rental property damage is often associated with its own conditions that differ from the main policy. The coverage amount for rental property damage is often limited to amounts between 10,000 and 50,000 euros, while the general coverage amount is ten million euros or more. Additionally, a deductible of, for example, 150 euros per claim may be agreed upon. Carefully check these two figures in your contract. To choose the optimal coverage amount, you should realistically assess the value of the rented equipment. Damage to a high-quality aluminium box can quickly exceed 3,000 euros.
These details determine the extent of your financial burden in the event of an incident.
Practice Check: When the insurance pays – and when it doesn't
Not every damage to the rented stable is automatically covered by equine liability insurance, even if rental property damage is insured. A typical case is when a horse escapes and damages the pasture fence; in this instance, the insurance applies. It’s different with purely wear and tear marks that develop over years – these are almost always excluded. The distinction between sudden damage and wear is often crucial. The precise conditions for liability in case of escape are also specified in the contract. Here are four common scenarios that often lead to questions:
Slow wear: Daily rubbing against the wall over three years is considered wear and is not insured.
Intent: Damage that you as the owner intentionally cause is, of course, excluded from coverage.
Damage to movable property: A loaned horse trailer often does not fall under the clause for stables and requires separate coverage.
Exceeding the coverage limit: A major fire, caused by a short circuit in a cable damaged by the horse, can exceed the coverage limit of 50,000 euros.
Understanding these differences helps you set the right expectations for your policy.
Expert Knowledge: Understanding Legal Foundations and Contract Details
Liability for animal owners obliges you as the owner to cover damages caused by your horse. This strict liability applies regardless of your personal fault. Stable operators sometimes try to extend this liability in the boarding contract through their own clauses. However, such clauses are not always legally tenable if they unfairly disadvantage the tenant. A good insurance policy also protects you against unjustified claims. Our expert tip: Photograph the condition of the box and pasture in detail when moving in. This documentation with at least ten images can be crucial in proving pre-existing damage in the event of a claim. A comprehensive equine protection is achieved by combining several insurance modules.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Get your insurance situation checked for free and receive specific suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
Das Statistische Bundesamt (Destatis) provides comprehensive information on animals and animal production in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
Das Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft (BMEL) provides statistics on livestock numbers in Germany.
Die Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung (FN) provides figures and facts around the topics of horses and riding.
Der Deutsche Tierschutzbund provides information on horses as pets from an animal welfare perspective.
Die GHV Versicherung explains important aspects of liability protection in equestrian businesses.
FAQ
What should the coverage amount for rental property damage be?
A minimum coverage amount of €30,000 is recommended. Keep in mind that completely refitting a box or repairing an arena barrier can quickly amount to five-figure sums.
Does my personal liability insurance cover damages in the rented stable?
No, personal liability insurance generally excludes damage caused by horses and other large animals. You will definitely need a separate animal owner's or horse liability insurance.
What is the difference between wear and damage?
Damage is a sudden, unforeseen event (e.g., a kick against the wall). Wear and tear is a gradual deterioration from normal use (e.g., scratch marks that develop over months). Insurance only covers damage, not wear and tear.
Does the insurance also cover damage to the stable operator's equipment?
Damage to movable items such as wheelbarrows, forks, or other inventory is usually not covered by the property damage clause for real estate. Special extensions are often necessary for this.
