If you own a van to transport your horse, taking out insurance is a wise choice to protect your vehicle and your animal. However, choosing the right horse trailer insurance can be difficult as there are a variety of criteria to consider.
Choosing horse van insurance according to your needs
When looking to take out horse trailer insurance, it is essential to take into account several criteria in order to find the best insurance that will meet your specific needs. Here are the aspects to consider:
1. The cover
The first thing to check is the coverage offered by the insurance. Make sure that all risks you are exposed to are included in the insurance policy.
Common risks covered in horse van insurance include theft, fire, property damage, accidents, civil liability, breakdown, etc.
It is also important to check the compensation amounts offered and ensure that the deductible is reasonable.
2. Exclusions
It is crucial to carefully read the exclusions of each insurance policy before purchasing. Exclusions are clauses that define damage not covered by insurance.
Common exclusions include damage caused by normal wear and tear, routine repairs, damage caused by uninsured third parties, etc.
Make sure you understand the exclusions to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the event of a claim.
3. Additional guarantees
Some horse trailer insurance offers additional guarantees which can be interesting for better protection. These additional guarantees may include breakdown assistance, warranty against lost keys, etc.
Before subscribing, check if these guarantees are included in the insurance policy or if they must be added at additional cost.
4. Cost
The cost of horse van insurance may vary depending on the guarantees offered and your driving history. It is important to compare the different offers from insurers in order to find insurance that fits your budget.
However, it is essential not to sacrifice the quality of coverage to reduce costs. Opt for insurance that offers a good balance between price and the guarantees offered.
5. Support
In the event of a breakdown or need for assistance, it is essential to check whether the insurance offers assistance. This assistance may include troubleshooting, towing, etc.
Carefully read the terms and limitations of the support offered to know exactly what you are entitled to in the event of a problem.
6. Subscription conditions
Some horse trailer insurance may have specific underwriting conditions, such as the age of the horse trailer or horse, the driver’s driving history, etc.
It is important to fully understand these conditions to avoid any surprises in the event of an unexpected event. Make sure you respect all the subscription conditions to benefit fully from your insurance.
7. The reputation of the insurer
In addition to criteria related to coverage and cost, it is essential to take into account the reputation of the insurer when choosing horse trailer insurance. A strong, reputable insurance company will be more likely to meet your needs and handle potential claims efficiently.
To assess the reputation of an insurer, you can consult reviews and testimonials from other horse trailer owners. Online forums and discussion groups dedicated to horse enthusiasts can be a great source of information. You can also ask other horse owners in your network for recommendations.
It is also wise to check the financial stability of the insurer. You can consult financial rating organizations such as Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s for information on the financial strength of the company.
8. Additional services
In addition to the main insurance cover, some insurers may offer additional services which may be useful to horse trailer owners. These services may include advice on safety and risk prevention, training for horse owners, or discounts on van maintenance and repairs.
These additional services can bring real added value to your horse trailer insurance, allowing you to benefit from expert advice and advantageous discounts.
9. Flexibility of coverage
When choosing horse trailer insurance, it is important to consider the flexibility of the cover. Indeed, your needs as a horse trailer owner may change over time, and it is essential that your insurance can adapt to these changes.
For example, if you plan to add another horse to your stable, you may need to modify your coverage to include this new animal. Likewise, if you decide to participate in equestrian competitions or events, you may need to add specific coverage to cover medical expenses in the event of injury during these activities.
It is therefore recommended to choose insurance that offers some flexibility in terms of coverage. Find out if you can change your contract midstream and any fees or restrictions associated with making those changes. Flexible insurance will allow you to change your coverage according to your needs, without having to take out a new contract.
10. The claims process
Another important factor to consider when choosing horse trailer insurance is the claims process. In the event of a claim, you will want to be able to count on rapid and efficient assistance from your insurer.
Find out about claim processing times and how easy it is to file a claim. Some insurers offer online services that allow you to file a claim quickly and easily, while others may require paper forms and longer processing times. Choose insurance that offers a simple and transparent claims process, to make your procedures easier in the event of a problem.
Additionally, it is also recommended to check the insurer’s reputation for handling claims. Check reviews and testimonials from other customers to make sure the insurer is reliable and handles claims fairly and quickly.
