Do I need to go through a broker for equine insurance??

[Gorgonzola]

I’ve now called my insurance broker twice in the last week, with no response. She’s had my older horse insured through her for 11 years, but isn’t returning my calls when I say "Hey, I have a new horse coming in, I need insurance (read: I WANT TO GIVE YOU MONEY, LET ME DO IT). Call me back, and I list my number twice, just for clarity.

Do I have to go through a broker to get insurance? Can I go direct to the company? Do I just call up Great American?

While we’re on the topic, anyone have any great insurance companies? I’ve only ever used GA, never had an issue with them, but there must be some new policies/players in the game now!

[Bluey]

No, you can call Merkel or any other such yourself and see if what they have to sell fits what you want.

[ryansgirl]

No - I’ve never used a broker. You can call anyone to get quotes - that’s what I’ve always done.

[Simkie]

For some–yes. You’re going to have to go through a broker. I think I did call Great American directly when I wanted to purchase a policy from them several year ago…no can do. They sent me to Blue Bridle (who I loved, BTW–can you call them?)

Same deal when I wanted to purchase AEIG.

Markel underwrites and brokers their own policies, IIRC.

[Gorgonzola]

Thanks for all the info- thanks!!

[ZELLA]

Markel is the only equine mortality insurer in this country that deals with policyholders directly; all the others us networks of independent brokers. The brokers might represent one or several insurance companies. One of the upsides of working through a broker is that you have one more advocate to help in the event you have issues with a claim; another upside is that your broker can often give you more options from which to choose when selecting the best coverage for your horse.

[Gorgonzola]

[QUOTE=ZELLA;7948004]
Markel is the only equine mortality insurer in this country that deals with policyholders directly; all the others us networks of independent brokers. The brokers might represent one or several insurance companies. One of the upsides of working through a broker is that you have one more advocate to help in the event you have issues with a claim; another upside is that your broker can often give you more options from which to choose when selecting the best coverage for your horse.[/QUOTE]

True, except it’s been close to 10 days without a call from my broker soooo not the most encouraging feeling if anything were ever to happen!!

[Simkie]

I really enjoyed working with Blue Bridle, Gorg. I hope they’re not the ones who are not calling you back, but I’d call them to discuss options if they’re not your guys now. They broker for several different underwriters.

When GA took away their coverage for cheap horses, I went to Hallmark and an AEIG policy. It’s been fine, although communication and promptness through claims has been a little lacking compared to my experiences with GA.

I have a good friend with a policy through Chartis, and I’ve been impressed with everything they’ve paid out on. She’s been really happy with them. Another to consider, if you want to try a new underwriter

[joiedevie99]

My broker has been able to get me better pricing/coverage with companies that don’t deal directly with consumers. She’s wonderful to deal with: Cunningham and Cunningham Livestock.

[IronwoodFarm]

Zella is correct about Markel being the only mortality carrier that allows direct purchase. Most of the brokers recommended are specialty brokers; they are paid a commission for bringing and servicing business. if the OP is not satisfied with her current broker, it is very easy to simply go elsewhere. There are a limited number of mortality carriers and most brokers can write with the major players.

[fordtraktor]

Maybe she is on vacation in another country, has a death in the family, in the hospital, who knows. I would give her a little more time before worrying about it myself. It has only been a week. She should have an away message but sometimes people forget. I know it is annoying not to have someone call you back, though! If this is the first time and not a pattern, though, I would wait to see what is going on.

If you have a time-sensitive issue, can you call the HQ and get ahold of someone else?