Liveries and liability insurance help please

Mrs_Wishkabibble

Mrs_Wishkabibble

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A girl I know would like to bring her horse to my place at livery (DIY) I have since been made aware that I could be liable for lots of things if she or her horse had an accident while on my property. I have spoken to the BHS and they say put me onto South Essex who underwrites their public liablility insurance (I am a gold member) and they say that I would need Livery Owners insurance at £386 a year.
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Is there no way round this, I know of loads of people who have horses as liveries on quite a large scale or are they just the ones that are running risks of getting sued.
We could also come to an agreement that she doesnt pay for the livery and helps me with my horses in return, would that make any difference?
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Any help or advice would be appreciated.
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You should have Public Liability insurance as as part of the operational facility of your yard - NFU do this as standard when you insure with them but if you don't then please get yourself insured because this is such a nasty world - you just never know - it could be the best 300 odd notes you ever spend ! There are so many no fee no win lawyers out there that you have to cover yourself just in case ! Jules
 
Well a little something else for you to think about. I bought another horse last year from a dealer (never again) anyway sent it back following week. During that week some kind neighbour rang the council annonymously and said I had a livery. They sent out the rates people. I explained I didn't have a livery and that it was a horse I sent back offered to show them receipt and return receipt. They said Council had had a call and they had to come out as even if I let someone (a friend) on for nothing I would have to pay business rates. All around me people have liveries I have none and someone still reports me. So beware.
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Thanks for replying Jules, it does make sense but I have liability insurance for my own neddies already, they are kept at home here and mine are the only ones here.
The problem is that if I have to pay out for Livery insurance which then means the rented out stable becomes rateable then I cannot afford to have the girl's horse here. I am only looking at charging her £25 a week, it is more of a favour/cover when we go away occasionally.
I am beginning to think that is is going to be more hassle in the long run
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The world has gone mad hasnt it!!
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Yes, good point Flowerlady, the lady at South Essex mentioned this too, I have also bee told it would probably affect my house insurance as then I would be classed as having a business here?
How are other people getting away with it?
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You must have a very nosy neighbour, (spray bleach on her lawn) Only joking before I get hate mail from others
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[ QUOTE ]
Yes, good point Flowerlady, the lady at South Essex mentioned this too, I have also bee told it would probably affect my house insurance as then I would be classed as having a business here?
How are other people getting away with it?
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You must have a very nosy neighbour, (spray bleach on her lawn) Only joking before I get hate mail from others
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[/ QUOTE ]

Although it's a long story they even told them I'd had my garage altered to accommodate it. I'm just biding my time they will certainly get there's (what is it they say about a woman scorned)
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Other people get away with it by not insuring and not claiming they are running a business, which they are, even if they only have one customer.

NFU do pretty good insurance packages, but I'm not sure it would really be worthwhile doing it just for one horse
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... unless your livery was prepared to reimburse you for the cost of the insurance?
 
So many pitfalls. There'll be the tax man, the house insurance, if you buy feed and cart it about in your car your insurance might not be valid, rates (on everything), and insurance on everything. You'll definately need public liability insurance. Brain is falling asleep, but I'm sure there is more
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I don't know for certain but I would have thought that this could work if you're good enough friends with this person (and it sounds like you are). It's a bit sneaky but I don't see why it can't work. You could always "buy" the horse for £5 and "lease" him back to her (for the £25 you were going to charge for the stable.) Have a receipt so you can prove that you own him, that way he's not a livery he's your horse so you aren't running a business and don't need extra insurance or to pay rates. As his "keeper" she would be liable for insuring him and his passport etc. If and when the time comes, just tear up the receipt and get your £5 back!
 
Hi just to add to ur comments; The world is mad and you do need insurance if you are thinking of taking on liveries defo. BUT BEWARE your insurance will try to wriggle out of a claim if they can I know past experiance so make sure you read ur policy properly>I know it sounds like a bore but it's a must.
The No win No fee thing will change the equestrian world. Trainers and Training especially.
 
Thanks for all of your replies, they are very appreciated.
I have now decided that it is more hassle than what it is worth and am not having a livery now. Will just carry on with lil ol' me here on my own!
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If you were on a yard and the y.o had insurance, and yr horse hurts it self, i;e say on the fencing, who is lible to pay!! is it down to the y.o or do you claim on your third party insurance?
 
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