Horse shopping in Aiken in 2 weeks and spending more than I should but what the hell. For the first time, I am looking at medical and mortality for roughly a $35,000 horse. I am an eventer by the way. I don’t know where to start in the way of coverage shopping.
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If you haven’t already, join the Aiken SC Equestrian and Horse Sports FB group. Sounds like a fun adventure!
I have not used them, but here’s an agency in Aiken that you might talk to and get an idea of what your options are: https://legisequine.com/
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Once you have identified a horse and are lining up a PPE I would inquire with a few different companies for quotes on the insurance level you think you want.
Mortality on an eventer is going to be a higher rate than other disciplines and that seems to be standard across the industry. Based on my quotes back in December you are probably looking at around $2,000 in annual premiums (give or take, depending on the company) to insure at $35,000 with $15,000 major medical. Some lump in a low level of colic surgery coverage with the mortality policy. For my young horse I ended up going with mortality for 60% of her purchase price and standalone surgical coverage.
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I use Markel. My current horse is the first one that was ever of sufficient value to warrant insurance. However, I did not shop around, just went with Markel because that’s who both my trainer and the breeder I got the horse from used and both have been very happy with company. I’ve not made a claim yet, so can’t comment on that.
Broadstone Equine Insurance in VA is an insurance agency that works with multiple insurance companies and can provide you 2-3 quotes at a time. I have always used them for my insurance and they have been excellent to work with.
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Karen Shedlauskas at Markel, hands down.
She is a great lady and easy to work with.
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Insurance options for eventers have changed dramatically in the past couple of years, with several carriers having exited the line of business completely and others limiting or no longer offering full medical coverage to eventers due to loss history. Shop around…there are still plans with full med coverage out there.
I have heard this also. Thank you.
