Insurance recommendations please!

[Governor]

I got a letter from my insurance company to remind me its due for renewal today but I almost fainted when I saw the cost. We've never had to make a claim in 3 years (thank god) but they are renowned for being pricey.

I spoke to mum about reviewing it anyway before I leave for uni to make sure both me and Mr.Governor (who is coming with me) are covered for most eventualities. He's not covered for incapacity which is something I want to address, I don't think my policy covers cross country either.

Also he's insured for his value 3 years ago, and I feel that he's worth a little more now. My question is if I do change my cover to a different company is it worth paying a little more to insure him for his true value (bearing in mind he's now six, and he was a just backed 3 year old when I bought him)?

So i'm after recommendations of insurance companies please, ones which you've found most helpful, reasonable and honest!

Thanks in advance!

 

[mlm]

i use nfu. i have never insured for there true value as i just want vet costs paid. i also knocked my value down this year by £1000 and it saves £50 a year. i have loss of animal but no money would ever bring them back.

 

[Always_late]

The one I use is also expensive - I saw and advert in this week H&H and was tempted to phone for a quote. My current policy is costing me £75 per horse per month and I pay an excess of £200 on vet fees. Its probably one othe most expensive policies, but when I did claim several years ago, they were very good at paying quickly. But, with this company, if you want to change policy details and remove soething, you have to amend it on the actual renewal date otherwise they won't do it!! cheek, as I keep forgetting and one of my mares is now 21 years old and according to her insurance she does everything, which she hasn't for 3 years. I think ultimately, you pay for what you get .

 

[mickey]

I use Petplan, don't think they are the cheapest but they have always paid for any treatment (and for one horse that has been quite extensive). I think they're fine.

 

[hollyzippo]

I think NFU are the best- always paid up for mine!
All of them will require proof of a rise in value tho- such as BE print off, instructors letter etc.

Problem is tho- policy goes up in price along with the horses value!

 

[equibabe20]

I use petplan. They have been very good, my boy had laminitis and the treatment cost over £2,00 they paid straight out, then he got colic twice with lenghty stays at the RVC an this came to well over £5,000 for both and they paid straight out again and were very helpful. I know the excess is £90 not sure what we pay monthly but don't think it's that bad!

 

[miller]

NFU every time - pay out promptly, quick to answer questions - we have house, horses and lorry with them

 

[RachelB]

I'm with Equestrian Direct, they have always been very good with me and paid out quickly (shouldn't say this or I'll curse it, I'm due a vet bill today!), they are also cheaper than others.
I know PetPlan is a really good one although seems to be more expensive, but never heard anything bad about their service.
NFU was my second choice, found them very thorough when I rang for a quote and they missed out by being ever so slightly more expensive than ED. I have also heard that their service is excellent.
Personally I find that these are the main three companies I would consider insuring with, they seem to be the cheapest and/or best service. I would certainly reccommend ED or NFU.

 

[Maesfen]

I use KBIS, have done for the last 10 years. They are always helpful, reasonable and have paid out any claim very quickly. They are all horse people too so know what you're talking about. I recently increased Joey's value from £1000 to £3000 and they only wanted a written reason for the increase which was it was near the amount I had sold his half sister for so your youngster shouldn't be a problem either wouldn't have thought.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I've been with NFU for the lasr 6 years...they aren't the cheapest but they've always paid out without any problem.

My house is also insured with them

 

[chestnut cob]

I'm with Equestrian Direct. Due to the weird thing that happened with them and Amtrust Equine last year my claim in January was paid my Amtrust. I can't recommend them enough to be honest. Although they initially turned the claim down they agreed to pay when I questioned it. Paid up quickly and paid the vets directly (within a couple of days of me sending them the invoice, directly to the vets account).

I've stuck with Equestrian Direct this year (Amtrust Equine are now an insurance co in their own right) rather than Amtrust, and whoever ED are using as underwriters now. My premium hasn't gone up at all, despite a large-ish claim. They initially placed an exclusion on all respiratory problems (my horse has soft palate displacement) which, when I questioned them, they changed to just things relating to soft palate displacement.

So, I'd recommend either Equestrian Direct or Amtrust Equine. Both been good, both very understanding. People at both are good to deal with and knowledgable, good service and most importantly, paid up when I needed them!

 

[catembi]

A word of caution - my vets will now not let you send bills straight to the insurance co if you're insured with E&L. Ie if you're insured with them, you have to pay the bill yourself, then try to claim the money back so the vets must have had experience of them being tricky about paying claims.

My horse was insured with PetPlan & was PTS on 26th Feb 07 with the full approval of their vet & I'm still waiting for my money. When I chased, they said they have a 9 day backlog. That might not sound like much, but it's horrible when you just want to put the whole awful business behind you.

 

[Dougie]

if i was insuring my horse it wouldnt be with e&l...there that doesnt incriminate me does it?

im only not insuring as i dont like the colour of there adverts....honest

 

[ihatework]

NFU every time if you are looking for good comprehensive all round cover. They are by far the easiest insurance company I have dealt with.

If you are just looking for a more pick and choose type policy I'd reccomend KBIS

 

[Governor]

Thanks for the imput - i'm aware of the E&L issues.

Has anyone insured with, or heard much about Shearwater?

My instructor suggested them, and just wondered if I could get a few more opinions.

I'll be looking into KBIS too.

 

[sparky78]

I used to insure with Equestrian Direct when I had my horse Jack about 5 years ago now. They were really helpful and friendly when I took out the policy as he was my first horse and I didn't have a clue what I needed to cover. Within the first year Jack had been going lame on and off (eventually was narrowed down to sacroiliac problem) and in total with the costs of referral to Newmarket I claimed £3000 vet fees and they paid straight away no question.
Once I get my new horse I would definately go with them again (although not sure what AMTrust are like but they were given good reviews in one of the horsey mags)
Kathleen

 

[KatB]

HAve dione aklot of shopping around and am with KBIS. Just seemed most professional. Wasnt impressed with Shearwater TBH. Carriagehorse (or something!) are meant to be good.....