Pony Insurance

What is pony insurance?

Pony insurance is designed to cover the unforeseen incidents that very easily occur. Owning a pony is a big responsibility and it's important to consider the financial implications before purchasing one. This includes considering how you would cope if the pony was involved in an accident, needed veterinary care or if someone was hurt whilst looking after it; this is where pony insurance can help.

Insuring your pony isn't a legal requirement, however it is an important part of responsible ownership. Pony insurance can protect you against the unexpected costs of emergency veterinary treatment and is in the best interests of the general public and of course, your pony.

What exactly will be covered on my pony insurance policy?

With Petplan Equine, pony insurance policies can be tailored to suit your individual needs. While some owners will want a comprehensive pony insurance policy to include extensive optional benefits, others may wish to pick a few that are important to them. For ponies aged between 30 days and 20 years (when the policy is taken out), Petplan Equine's flexible insurance products offer a great choice. Petplan Equine's Horse Insurance policy covers illness and injury until the pony's 25th birthday*, which is ideal for native ponies that tend to live longer and more active lives.

* providing the pony is insured before its 20th birthday and there is no break in cover.

Petplan Equine's Veteran plan is available for ponies 17 years and over. It covers injuries along with the other essentials you would look for on a pony insurance policy.

For most owners the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about insuring their pony is "Vet Fees. There are many different levels of cover available within the pony insurance market and it's important to look for a policy that will offer a high enough benefit level, an excess that you can afford and are willing to pay, as well as not having limits on what you can claim for. For example, some pony insurance policies limit the amount that can be claimed towards diagnostic treatment such as MRI scans so make sure you understand what your pony insurance policy covers. Petplan Equine will allow the maximum benefit to be used for treatment recommended by your vet.

Pony insurance policies also cover Third Party Liability. This offers protection if you are found legally responsible for damage or injury your pony has caused to another person or their property. Many pony clubs, livery yards and competitions will specify that you must have the pony insured for Third Party Liability. Make sure the pony insurance policy you choose will cover your pony while it is being handled by your friends and family as well as you.

Permanent Loss of Use is another benefit offered as part of a pony insurance policy. This covers the pony's value should it have an illness or injury resulting in it not being able to carry out the activities it is insured to do. Some pony insurance policies will specify that Permanent Loss of Use can only be claimed for a pony that has an illness or injury meaning it's completely retired and cannot be ridden at all. Other pony insurance policies offer cover if the pony has to be retired from specific activities but can still be used for something else. Make sure the pony insurance policy you choose offers the right level of cover for you. Permanent Loss of Use usually has age restrictions; for Petplan Equine age limits are between 2 and 17 years.

Some pony insurance policies will provide standard benefits and with Petplan Equine these are Death, Theft and Straying. Under these benefits you will be covered up to the determined market value (or the sum insured if lower than the market value) of your pony in the sad event of its loss.

Other important benefits offered under pony insurance policies will include:

• Personal Accident for the rider or handler; some pony insurance providers will only cover named riders and others offer cover for all friends and family members as standard.
• Saddlery and Tack cover is often a good additional extra; protecting you against the costs of repair or replacing lost, damaged or stolen tack.
• Trailer and Horse-Drawn Vehicle insurance is also offered under most insurance policies should you have a pony trap or trailer.

What activities will the pony insurance policy cover?

Whether you're looking for insurance to cover a young rider and pony club, yourself on a native pony, or a family pony that does a bit of everything, there will be a pony insurance policy suitable for you.

With Petplan Equine there are a range of activity groups to choose from. Starting with retired horses at grass, "the golden oldies", through pony and riding club competitions to polo and horse ball. It's important to make sure your pony insurance policy has the right activity group as some activities pose greater risks than others.

Do I get a discount for having more than one pony insurance policy with the same company?

Most pony insurance providers will offer a discount for having more than one pony insured with them. If you own several ponies and want to insure them all, it's worth keeping them with the same insurance provider. Having all your horses and ponies on the same pony insurance policy also reduces paperwork and makes it easier to track your details when you call the company. Petplan Equine offers a discount if you have 3 or more ponies, horses or donkeys insured.

To find out more about a multiple pony insurance policy call our specialist team who will be happy to help on 0800 980 3905.Open Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm and Saturday 9am -1pm

How do I buy a pony insurance policy?

For a quote, or to buy pony insurance from Petplan Equine simply click here or call 0800 980 3905.