Horsebox insurance

If you want to move your horses and ponies safely, you'll need to obtain adequate horsebox insurance UK after purchasing horse insurance. While horsebox insurance is required by law in UK, finding insurance that matches your personal needs may feel overwhelming. Our way of customising plans provides our clients confidence in us to keep their horses on the road, whether for business or pleasure. We can assist you in finding the right cover and obtaining reasonable horsebox insurance quotes. We will try our utmost best to find cheap horsebox insurance quotes, so you are not left out of pocket. So why not compare horsebox insurance with us and see how much you can save by keeping the horsebox insurance cost for what you actually need!

Insurance for a motorised horsebox, like all road vehicles, is a legal necessity if you plan to drive it on UK roads. Repairing or replacing a horsebox can be costly, it's important looking for the best insurance to safeguard your horsebox by completing a horsebox insurance comparison.

Horsebox insurance, on the other hand, does not cover the animal. Therefore, you'll need pet insurance to insure your horse.

Difference between a horsebox and a horse trailer

The fundamental distinction between horseboxes and horse trailers is that horseboxes are driven while horse trailers are towed.

A horsebox, also known as a horse van or a horse float, is a motorised vehicle that carries horses. Horseboxes can also be non-motorized vehicles, but for the sake of simplicity, we'll refer to them as horse trailers.

Different types of horsebox insurance

Motorised horsebox insurance is divided into three categories. Check for weight limits on any cover you choose, to ensure your horsebox does not exceed them.

Fully comprehensive

This sort of insurance can assist with the costs of repair or replacement in the event of a car accident, fire, or theft. In addition, there is cover for third-party claims. Horse-related damage to the car, vandalism, and windscreen damage are usually covered as well.

Third-party, fire, and theft

If you're at fault in a road accident, third-party claims will be covered. Your personal horsebox, on the other hand, will only be insured in the event of fire or theft.

Third party only

Third-party claims are covered, but you would be responsible for any damage or loss to your horsebox.

After you've decided on the type of horsebox policy you want, you'll need to decide on the appropriate usage:

Social, domestic, and recreational activities - If you enjoy transporting horses as a hobby. As long as you're not earning a profit, you can take them to a hiking route that's too far to ride.

Business - If you utilise your horsebox for business purposes, such as transporting horses to contests and profiting from the winnings, it is considered a business. For commercial horsebox insurance you'll need to use 'hire and reward' if you transport horses for a fee or rent your horsebox.

Horse trailer insurance

Unlike horsebox insurance, horse trailer insurance is not required by law. It's always a good idea to have it, especially if your horse trailer is on the more expensive side of the spectrum. Check your policy to see if your horse trailer is protected under your car insurance. It's likely to be limited to third-party cover only.

Insurance exclusions for horseboxes and horse trailers

There may be various constraints to take into account:

  • Weight

Some insurance only cover horseboxes and/or trailers up to a particular weight limit, so double-check any policy you're thinking about buying.

  • Age

Some insurers, for example, will only cover drivers above the age of 21. You may be able to find horsebox insurance for under 21, but the premiums will almost always be higher.

  • Driving other vehicles as a cover

Horsebox insurance is a specialised policy, you won't be permitted to drive 'any other vehicle.' However, you might be able to add a designated driver to your policy, which would be useful if you were wounded or ill and couldn't transport your horses yourself.

  • Contents

Your horsebox or horse trailer contents, as well as your horse itself, are unlikely to be protected.

To operate a horsebox, do I need a special licence?

The weight of your horsebox and/or horse trailer determines the licence you'll require. It's also important to consider whether you'll be using your horsebox for business purposes. There are several types of licences that may apply to you:

B - Your horse trailer weights no more than 750kg, or your horsebox or car weighs up to 3,500kg. Alternatively, if the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is less than 3,500kg, you can haul bigger horse trailers.

C1 - Horsebox weighs between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, or you're towing a 750kg horse trailer.

C1E - If your horsebox weighs between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, or if you're hauling a horse trailer that weighs more than 750kg.

C - If you have a horsebox that weighs more than 3,500kg and a horse trailer that weighs up to 750kg.

CE - If your horsebox weighs more than 3,500kg and your horse trailer weighs more than 750kg.

You'll require an operator's licence and a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) if your horsebox or trailer weighs more than 3,500kg (gross plated weight). Also, if you operate it for hire and reward or other commercial purposes.

Cover for horseboxes abroad

All UK vehicle insurance includes third-party cover, which is required to drive in other EU nations. The main point is that your cover can be limited to third-party only. Also, make sure you have breakdown cover for your horsebox if you're travelling to Europe. If you're moving your horsebox abroad, your insurance may not provide the same degree of protection as it does in the UK. You may require a green card from your insurer.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to park a horsebox on my driveway?

You can park it wherever you wish if the vehicle is privately registered and there are no parking restrictions. It would be different if it is a commercially registered vehicle.

Is horsebox insurance subject to any age restrictions?

To be covered by horsebox insurance, most insurance companies require that the driver be at least 21 years old or over. Adding a young driver to a policy will raise the premium. If a young or inexperienced driver was driving at the time of an accident, you may have to pay an additional excess.

Is there a discount on my horsebox insurance if I do limited mileage?

Certain insurers may give a discount on your insurance price if you reduce the mileage you drive in your horsebox. This is based on the assumption that you would not exceed the agreed-upon limited mileage during the term of your insurance. If you provide incorrect information, your insurance may become void if you ever need to make a claim.

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