What is public liability insurance, and why do horse owners need it?

Many equine insurance policies include public liability insurance for horses, which is an important backstop for horse owners.

Francis Martin, CEO of The Insurance Emporium, says public liability insurance is also referred to as third-party liability insurance. “They both cover your legal responsibilities to other people should your horse damage their property or cause them injury.”

These legal responsibilities include costs paid out to someone who makes an injury or damage claim against you, the cost of which can run into anything from hundreds to millions.

While many horse insurance products include public liability, you can also take out standalone or bolt-on policies for your horse or yourself. Lisa Ripley, head of customer operations at Harry Hall says: “You typically find this type of liability cover within horse insurance policies, and those provided by membership organisations.”

The cost of these policies varies depending on factors such as voluntary excess and limit of cover.

Lisa adds, “the limit of indemnity can vary with policies starting from £1m up to £30m.”

Do I need public liability insurance for my horse?

Public or third-party liability insurance for horses is not a legal requirement, but it does provide vital protection against damage or injury claims.

“A piece of legislation called the Animals Act 1971 applies strict liability to horse owners,” explains Lawrence Gill, executive director of KBIS. “This means that a claim against a horse owner can still be successful even if the owner didn’t do anything negligent.”

As with any insurance policy, it’s important to be clear on the wording and schedule. This will clearly describe the scope of your policy, and the conditions of cover.

“It is always worth checking your individual policy to ensure you have the right cover in place,” says Rosie Pope of SEIB’s equestrian department. “Do not assume automatic inclusion. Often, ‘off-the-shelf’ third-party liability policies can exclude equine activities.

“It is important to seek cover that is appropriate for the activities you carry out,” she adds. “Bear in mind there may be differences in cover for those who ride recreationally, compared to an equestrian business. For example, a riding school or freelance instructor would require a specific commercial policy.”

What does public liability insurance for horses cover?

Public liability insurance for horses covers their owner should a claim be brought against them for injury or damage to a third party. Some policies also extend to anyone consensually riding, handling or interacting with your horse.

“Even the best-trained horses can do something unexpected,” says Francis. “Imagine a plastic bag flapping in a bush causes your horse to spook and bump a passing car. You then have a litigious motorist with a horse-shaped dent in their car to deal with.

“Your public liability insurance covers the driver’s car repair claim against you.”

Lisa cites the example that your horse bolts and injures a pedestrian. “Claims can easily reach hundreds of thousands of pounds and might cover, for instance, the claimant’s injuries, loss of earnings, long-term rehabilitation and legal defence.”

What are the limits of cover?

“An obvious limitation to this cover is that the third party is a member of the public, not someone known to you,” explains Francis. “It excludes any claims from people with whom you have a contractual relationship, like a livery yard owner.”

Rosie Pope adds that there may be additional conditions to comply with. “For example, wearing a riding hat that is up to date with current regulations.

“Exclusions may also apply. For example, some policies may exclude stunt riding, racing, or similar activities.”

She continues to explain that third-party liability cover would not extend to any volunteers or employees who may assist you. “By law, you’d require separate employers’ liability cover in this instance.”

What insurance do I need to ride other people’s horses?

As discussed above, some owners’ policies might extend cover to those riding their horses with their consent. Be very clear on this before you get on if you have concerns.

However, as Lisa states: “If you ride loan, share, school, or hack out horses you don’t own, you can still be held liable for injuries you cause while in control of the horse and damage the horse causes to third parties while you are riding or handling. We strongly recommend having your own liability policy .”

If you are a freelancer, Lisa has this advice. “If you’re considering becoming a freelance groom or instructor, or you are a professional rider, you require specific public liability insurance that covers you for commercial activities.”

This is because they are providing paid services and may be held liable for:

• injury to clients
• damage to property
• injury or damage caused by horses in their care

“In addition to public liability, freelancers often need care, custody and control [CCC] insurance for any horses they handle and professional indemnity cover if they provide advice or instruction.”

Specific horse rider insurance might work for you provided the policy includes public liability cover (many of them do) and relevant professional cover if required.

My horse is non-ridden, do I still need public liability insurance?

It’s worthwhile considering public liability insurance for horses out of or not yet in ridden work, says Francis.

“What if, one day, your horse escaped his paddock, got out on a road and caused an accident?”

It’s also wise to purchase a policy if others will be caring for your horse.

“Our public liability insurance is an optional benefit to our standard benefit,” Francis adds. “It not only covers your horse, but extends cover to anyone riding, handling, or interacting with your horse with your permission or consent if they have an accident of their own with a third party.”

Peace of mind

Lawrence Gill of KBIS explains that some owners find it hard to justify the cost of public liability insurance because, in most cases, they will never need to use it.

“It can feel to some like money thrown away,” he says. “Really, it’s the opposite. In the event of a claim against you, the insurer can sweep away financial burden.

“Third-party insurance gives policyholders the comfort to confidently go out and do the activities they want to. They know that if the worst does happen, they’re protected.”

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