Are you covered as a rider in case of an accident? Here we explain all you need to know about personal accident insurance for riders…
What is personal accident insurance?
While insuring our horses is high on our priority lists, riders often leave themselves completely uncovered. Personal accident insurance typically provides a lump sum if you are permanently disabled, lose a limb or your sight, or die in a riding accident. Some policies include income protection, will also cover your loss of income if an injury stops you from working temporarily, but these are much more expensive than a basic personal accident policy, so make sure you read the small print so you know what cover is included.
Why should you have it?
Personal cover is not just an issue for professional riders — who rely on being fit and healthy to compete and pay the bills. It is a matter that amateur riders should take on board as well.
“As with many hobbies in life, horse riding doesn’t come without its fair share of risks. While we often don’t want to think about the more serious dangers involved it’s important to see the value in personal accident insurance for either yourself or a loved one, especially for those worst-case scenarios,” says Francis Martin, CEO of The Insurance Emporium. “Think about how a more serious accident would impact your day-to-day life including work and caring for your horse – insurance is always about providing policyholders with peace of mind for the unexpected.”
“If you are self-employed and break your arm, for example, you might be just as badly affected [as the professionals],” says Suzy Middleton from SEIB. “Even if you are employed and are entitled to sick pay, you have to take into consideration the additional cost of someone looking after your horse if you can’t.”
What personal accident cover comes with society membership?
If you are a member of a society or organisation that offers insurance as part of the membership package, find out exactly what it covers you for — and more crucially what it doesn’t include.
How much personal accident insurance for riders cost?
The price for personal accident insurance varies dramatically, depending on the level at which you compete and the level of cover that you require. There are also brokers that specialise in cover for extreme sports and professionals.
Cover with the Equestrian Employment Association starts at £126 per year, while British Grooms bespoke insurance through KBIS starts at £63.58 per year, but doesn’t include temporary total disablement until their next pricing band, which is priced at £145.08 per year. Cover with the BHS is priced at £85 per year. Insurance Emporium has personal accident insurance for £7.56 per month and KBIS’ bespoke British Eventing package starts at £152.72.
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