Does horse liability insurance cover damage to a rented stable? Here's how to protect yourself.
21.09.2025
4
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
A kick against the stable wall, a gnawed wooden beam – damage in a rented stable can happen quickly. But does your horse liability insurance really cover these costs? Find out here how to close costly liability gaps and protect yourself against claims in the four-figure range.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Standard horse liability insurance often does not cover damage to a rented stable; a specific clause for damage to rented property is required.
The coverage limits for damage to rented property are usually lower than the main sum insured and may include an excess.
Damage caused by normal wear and tear is generally excluded from insurance cover.
The liability gap: Why damage to rented property often remains uncovered
As a horse owner, you are subject to animal keeper liability under Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB), which makes you liable for almost all damage caused by your horse. However, many standard policies explicitly exclude damage to rented property, known as rental damage. A single powerful kick against the stable wall can already lead to repair costs of more than 500 euros. Without the right additional cover, you will be left to foot the bill. A good horse liability insurance policy in detail takes this risk into account specifically. For nine out of ten livery clients, this cover gap represents an incalculable financial risk.
Knowing about this gap is the first step towards the right cover.
The solution: The crucial clause for damage to rented property
The solution is an explicit extension to your policy that includes damage to immovable rented property. This clause typically covers damage caused by your horse to permanently installed parts of the stable. If your horse, for example, bites into the wooden door of the box and causes damage of €400, the insurer will cover it. Make sure this cover is provided without a high excess. You can find suitable horse owner's liability insurance by carefully comparing the policy details. The following items are typically covered:
Stable boxes and their partitions
Fixed drinking troughs and feed troughs
Doors, gates and grills of the stables
Paddock fences and shelters on the leased paddock
Walls of the riding arena
With this clause, you turn an unquantifiable risk into a fixed, predictable insurance premium.
Avoid cost traps: check cover limits and excesses
Including cover for damage to rented property often comes with its own terms and conditions, which differ from the main policy. The sum insured for damage to rented property is often limited to amounts between €10,000 and €50,000, whereas the overall sum insured is ten million euros or more. In addition, an excess of, for example, €150 per claim may be agreed. Check these two figures carefully in your policy. To be able to choose the optimal sum insured, you should realistically assess the value of the rented equipment. Damage to a high-quality aluminium box can quickly exceed €3,000.
These details will determine the extent of your financial burden in the event of a claim.
Practical check: When the insurer pays – and when it doesn't
Not every loss at the rented stable is automatically covered by horse liability insurance, even if damage to rented property is insured. A typical claim is when a horse breaks out and damages the paddock fence; in this case, the insurance applies. Things are different in the case of pure signs of wear that develop over years – these are almost always excluded. The distinction between sudden damage and wear and tear is often crucial. The exact terms for liability in the event of escape are also set out in the contract. Here are four typical scenarios that often give rise to questions:
Gradual wear: Daily rubbing against the wall over three years counts as wear and tear and is not covered.
Intent: Damage that you, as the keeper, deliberately cause is of course excluded from cover.
Damage to movable property: A borrowed horse trailer often does not fall under the clause for stables and requires separate cover.
Exceeding the sum insured: A major fire, triggered by a short circuit in a cable damaged by the horse, can exceed the sum insured of 50,000 euros.
Understanding these differences helps you have the right expectations of your policy.
Expert knowledge: understanding legal foundations and contract details
Animal owner’s liability obliges you, as the owner, to compensate for damage caused by your horse. This strict liability applies regardless of your personal fault. Stable operators sometimes try to extend this liability in the boarding agreement with their own clauses. However, such clauses are not always legally enforceable if they place the tenant at an unreasonable disadvantage. A good insurance policy also defends you against unjustified claims. Our expert tip: take detailed photos of the condition of the box and the pasture when you move in. This documentation, with at least ten pictures, can be crucial in the event of a claim to prove pre-existing damage. You can obtain comprehensive horse cover by combining several insurance components.
Request your personalised risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides comprehensive information on animals and animal production in agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) provides statistics on livestock in Germany.
The German Equestrian Federation (FN) supplies figures and facts on the subject of horses and riding.
The German Animal Welfare Federation provides information on horses as pets from an animal welfare perspective.
GHV Versicherung explains important aspects of liability cover in horse businesses.
FAQ
How much cover should there be for damage to rented property?
A cover amount of at least 30,000 euros is recommended. Bear in mind that the complete refitting of a stall or the repair of an indoor arena kickboard can quickly reach five-figure sums.
Does my private liability insurance cover damage at a boarding stable?
No, private liability insurance generally excludes damage caused by horses and other large animals. You will definitely need separate animal owner's liability insurance 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 gradual deterioration through normal use (e.g. scratch marks that develop over months). Insurance covers damage only, 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 equipment is usually not covered by the rental property damage clause for buildings. Special extensions are often required for this.
