Trying to figure out what sort of insurance I need if I’m going to be trailering others’ horses on occasion. I’m not a professional so I don’t want to go the route of commercial insurance. My understanding is that my trailer is insured thru my existing homeowners/auto policy. My horse would be insured separately w/ equine insurance. But, if I trailer someone else’s horse bc we’re going to a show together or trail ride, do I need add’l/different insurance? Could I have a standard agreement we both sign in case of accidental/injury during transport? I live in Mass if that helps. Thanks in advance!
If you are accepting payment for trucking then you are commercial, even if that is not what you want to be.
1 Like
Not accepting payment, thanks.
1 Like
They need to carry their own insurance for their horse, as you can only insure something you have insurable interest in. As you don’t own the other horse nor are you taking care and control over it through a commercial enterprise, the owner of the other horse is responsible for the insurance.
If you are worried then I wouldn’t trailer anyone who doesnt carry their own equine insurance.
2 Likes
Legally, you can haul your friends’ horses if you are doing things that friends do. That means NO fees or charges are being paid. Your liability insurance will cover any damages. If you ask for anything more, e.g. covering YOUR expenses, then you get into big trouble if anything happens.
The moment you charge for anything over simply splitting gas or such, you are an unlicensed commercial hauler. That immediately subjects you to seizure of your rig etc. for failure to follow state and federal commercial hauler regulations. Even if you charge a $10 loading fee and don’t go anywhere you are considered commercial. The IRS can also come after you for failure to pay the taxes.
I NEVER charge to haul horses, even if it 1,000 miles. If I am going to a competition and a friend needs a ride, we go and split the gas. If things are charged, I haul using the barn/trainer rigs and act as a contractor to them. I NEVER use my rig for commercial hauling.
Ask me how I found out about this. Let’s just say I lost the rig and damn near the horses, and paid a big price pretending I was commercial hauler.
9 Likes
Thanks everyone for your responses, very helpful. Not planning to charge anyone, just figured if I had extra room for a show, hunter pace, etc I would offer the space. Thanks again.
1 Like
Thank you for a very informative post!!!
Your trailer is not insured if it is wrecked or needs to be replaced or repaired without separate insurance obtained through your insurance carrier. Do not accept payment until after the delivery - You might be able to get them to fill your gas tank
Don’t know how it works in US but in Italy you don’t need another insurance as long as the horse’s owner is on board with you. If he/she isn’t you can write down a short term lease contract that allows you to handle the horse as if it is yours. All this if you won’t get paid for the transport
