FAQ – Frequently asked questions and misunderstandings about horse liability insurance
Is horse liability insurance required by law?
In Germany there is no legal obligation to take out horse liability insurance. However, according to Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB), horse owners are liable for damage caused by their animal, regardless of their own fault. It is therefore strongly recommended that you take out such insurance to protect yourself from potentially high claims for damages.
Are horses covered by private liability insurance?
No, horses are generally not included in private liability insurance. While small animals such as cats or rabbits are often also insured, horses require separate liability insurance due to their higher risk potential.
Do foals have to be insured separately?
Many insurers offer to insure newborn foals for a certain period of time, often up to six months, automatically and free of charge through the mother mare’s liability insurance. However, it is advisable to ask the respective provider for the exact conditions.
Are riding participation automatically included in the insurance?
Not in every case. Some policies automatically include riding participation, while others require additional inclusion. Horse owners should therefore check their insurance contract and adapt it if necessary.
Does the insurance cover damage to rented stables or borrowed trailers?
Damage to rented or borrowed items, so-called rental property damage, is not always insured as standard. It is advisable to check the insurance contract and, if necessary, include this protection additionally.
Does the insurance cover also apply abroad?
Many horse liability insurance policies offer worldwide protection for temporary stays abroad, often up to a year. Within Europe, protection is often unlimited. However, the exact conditions should be checked with the respective provider, especially for longer stays or special activities abroad.
What happens if my horse causes damage to the field?
Damage to agricultural land, i.e. damage to agricultural land, is not automatically included in all policies. Horse owners should therefore check whether this protection is included in their contract or whether an additional inclusion is necessary.
Are unwanted mating acts insured?
Damage caused by unwanted mating is not covered by every horse liability insurance policy. Owners of stallions should therefore ensure that so-called covering damage is included in their insurance cover.
Horse liability insurance – this is what you should do
Consider how you use your horse and what specific risks are associated with it to determine the appropriate insurance coverage.
Use comparison portals such as Check24 to check different tariffs in terms of price and performance and find the best offer for your needs.
Read the contract details carefully, particularly coverage amounts, deductibles and exclusions, to ensure all relevant risks are covered.
If you have or plan to participate in riding, make sure that these are included in your insurance coverage or have them registered accordingly.
Update your insurance cover if there are any changes, such as purchasing additional horses or changing types of use, in order to always be optimally insured.
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