Understanding bloodstock insurance: beyond basic horse coverage

Bloodstock insurance covers much more than the typical horse policy. Given the significant investment involved in breeding and racing thoroughbreds, risks like injury, illness, death, and theft can have substantial financial consequences. Unlike performance horse insurance, bloodstock insurance is tailored to protect valuable breeding stock, covering mortality and loss of use, ensuring your investment is safeguarded.

At Gow-Gates, with over 60 years of experience in equine insurance, we understand these unique challenges. We offer customised solutions that protect racehorses, breeding stock, and performance horses. Our expert team helps you navigate the complexities by providing comprehensive packages that cover your horses and your business operations, including public liability and workers compensation as well as professional indemnity.

Choosing the right coverage ensures you don’t just protect your horses but your livelihood too. With our specialist equine team, you get cost-effective, quality insurance that meets your specific needs and provides peace of mind in an unpredictable industry.

Breeding risks and coverage options: fertility, foaling, and stallion protection

Breeding operations face distinct risks that require specialised insurance options. Fertility issues, complications during foaling, and stallion infertility or injury can lead to significant financial losses if not properly insured. Bloodstock insurance policies include coverage for these specific risks, protecting breeders against unexpected setbacks.

Our team at Gow-Gates tailors solutions to cover these breeding risks. Fertility and foaling coverage can provide compensation for losses incurred due to unsuccessful breeding or complications. Stallion insurance protects against loss of use or mortality of valuable sires, which is crucial to maintaining your breeding program.

Alongside mortality coverage, these options help breeders manage the uncertainties inherent in horse breeding. Combining fertility, foaling, and stallion protection with other risk solutions such as farm and business property insurance or association liability creates a robust shield for your entire operation.

Valuing your bloodstock: how insurance appraisals work for breeding horses

Accurate valuation of bloodstock is important for ensuring your insurance cover matches the horse’s true worth.

Whilst clients are responsible for sourcing this formal insurance appraisals, we work with our clients to guide them on the documentation generally required by insurers to support the accurate declared value of a horse.

Such documentation may include:

• Purchase receipts or auction results
• Pedigree and breeding records
• Veterinary reports
• Performance or racing history
• Comparable market sales

Our process and collaboration with our clients helps avoid disputes and ensures that coverage reflects the horse’s true insurable value.

We’re here to support you through the process and ensure your policy responds when you need it most.

Claims process and best practices: what to do when the unexpected happens

In the unfortunate event of injury, illness, or loss, knowing how to navigate the claims process efficiently is essential. At Gow-Gates, we guide you every step of the way, ensuring claims are managed promptly and fairly.

First, notify us as soon as possible with all relevant details and documentation. Keeping accurate records of veterinary reports, purchase invoices, and any supporting evidence is critical. Our dedicated equine account managers work closely with insurers on your behalf, advocating for a smooth and timely resolution.

We recommend regular reviews of your coverage to adapt to any changes in your breeding operations or bloodstock value. Being proactive reduces risk exposure and helps avoid gaps in protection.

With Gow-Gates’ specialist knowledge and hands-on support, you’re never alone when dealing with claims, giving you the confidence to focus on what matters most: your horses and your business.

Contact Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers today to discuss comprehensive bloodstock insurance solutions tailored to your breeding operation. Protect your valuable thoroughbred investments with expert advice and customised coverage.

Disclaimer:

This information is general in advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You must therefore assess whether it is appropriate, in the light of your own individual circumstances, to act on this advice. If this advice contains information about a financial product, you should ensure you obtain the Policy Schedule (with Important Notices), Policy Wording, and any applicable Product Disclosure Statement or any other relevant information, in respect of that product prior to making a decision to purchase. The response of an insurance policy to a claim can vary depending on each particular circumstance and the terms and conditions of the policy.