Horse sitting vs Freelance Grooms insurance

[Jasper151]

After having a break from doing any freelance work, I have been approached by a few people asking if I would start again (apparent lack of suitable alternatives in the area it would seem).

Previously when I was freelance I had grooms insurance through British Groom Association which wasn't cheap - having to pay membership plus the liability insurance. Having looked online, horse sitting insurance seems much more reasonable without having a lesser cover. But am I missing something fundamental?

I won't be riding for anyone, and all the horses are on private yards. I also won't need income protection (that is already covered by a different policy).

Obviously I will pay what is required to give me the correct cover, but this will be very ad hoc cover so don't want to be paying out more than I will earn!

 

[Hack4fun]

I think you need to read the terms of the horse sitting insurance and check that it covers you for the work that you would be doing.

 

[Jasper151]

I have gone through the T&Cs that they have published. The horse sitting one seems to have better cover - £5M public liability vs £2M and £25k accident and injury vs £10k.

I just feel that I must be missing something as it so much cheaper, but the I suppose anything specifically horsey does tend to be more expensive!
!

 

[be positive]

The grooms cover will allow most equine related chores inc exercising, lunging, handling for vets, farriers, dealing with minor injuries, clipping, pulling, trimming plus numerous other jobs, the horse sitter cover I looked at is very limited and any jobs done that are not in the very short list or directly relating to the list will mean your insurance is void so it will be fine if you are only doing the very basics and have no intention of offering a more full cover, it is cheaper because the risk is lower due to the limited service you can provide.

 

[Hack4fun]

I have gone through the T&Cs that they have published. The horse sitting one seems to have better cover - £5M public liability vs £2M and £25k accident and injury vs £10k.

It may have better cover in terms of amounts, but, as be positive has said, it depends what they cover you for. It is important to look at the risks covered by the policy. For example, horse sitting is unlikely, I guess, to voer you if the horse is injured while you clip it as clipping is not a horse sitting activity. Similarly, if you fall off and break your leg exercising, then the grooms policy may pay out but horse sitting will not.

 

[Jasper151]

Effectively all I will be doing is horse sitting, it’s for friends and acquaintances who are going on holiday. No riding, no clipping etc. No routine farrier/vets etc, just if required in an emergency. Some of them will be out 24/7 so it is just feed and check them. Others will include turn out/bring in, muck out but nothing more than their basic care.

I’ll ask them to send the full policy details over to thoroughly check them over.

It’s not something I was going to do again but I’ve basically been begged so obviously want to ensure I have cover before agreeing - just in case.