Horsebox insurance

You could find the right horsebox insurance with one of our partners[1]

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Why should I insure my horsebox?

Insurance for a motorised horsebox is a legal requirement if you plan to drive it on UK roads, just like with all road vehicles.  

Repairing or replacing a horsebox can be pricey, so it’s worth searching for the most suitable insurance to better protect your horsebox, rather than just opting for the cheapest cover. 

Horsebox insurance doesn’t protect the animal though, so you’d need pet insurance to cover your horse. 

What’s the difference between a horsebox and a horse trailer?

The main difference is that horseboxes are driven, and horse trailers are towed. 

A horsebox mainly refers to a motorised vehicle that transports horses, also called a horse van or a horse float.  

Horseboxes can be non-motorised vehicles too, but we’ll call them horse trailers to make things simpler. 

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What types of horsebox insurance would be best for me?

There are three main types of motorised horsebox insurance. Whichever type of policy you pick, check for weight limits to make sure your horsebox doesn’t exceed them.

Fully comprehensive

This type of cover can help with the repair or replacement costs due to a road accident, fire or theft. As well as cover for third party claims. 

Damage caused to the vehicle by the horse, vandalism and windscreen damage are usually included too. 

Third party, fire and theft

Third party claims will be covered if you have a road accident where you’re at fault. 

Your own horsebox will only be covered for damages or loss due to fire or theft though.

Third party only

Third party claims are covered, but you’d have to pay for damage or loss to your horsebox yourself. 

Once you’ve chosen the type of horsebox policy, you need to select the right usage:

  • Social, domestic and pleasure – if you transport horses as part of your hobby – for example, you’re taking them to a hiking trail that’s too far to ride to – as long as you’re not making a profit 
  • Business – if you use your horsebox for transportation as part of a business, for example transporting horses to competitions and profiting from the winnings. If you transport horses for a fee or hire your horsebox, you’ll need ‘hire and reward’ usage. 

Horse trailer insurance

Unlike horsebox insurance, getting cover for a horse trailer isn’t a legal requirement. It’s usually sensible to have it though, especially if your horse trailer is at the pricier end of the scale.

Your horse trailer might be covered under your car insurance – check your policy to find out – but it’s likely to be limited to third party cover only.

If not, you can get insurance that’s designed for non-motorised horse trailers.

No horsebox insurance policy will cover your horse while it’s in transit – you’ll need to make sure you have suitable pet insurance

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Horsebox and horse trailer insurance exclusions

There may be some cover restrictions to consider:

  1. Weight

    Some policies will only cover horseboxes and/or trailers up to a certain weight, so double check any policy you’re considering

  2. Age

    For example, some insurers will only cover drivers over 21 years old. You might be able to get cover for younger drivers, but this will usually mean more expensive premiums

  3. Cover to drive other vehicles

    You probably won’t be able to drive ‘any other vehicle’ under horsebox insurance, as it’s a specialist policy. You might be able to have a named driver on the policy though, which is handy if, for example, you were injured or unwell and unable to transport your horses yourself

  4. Contents

    What’s in your horsebox or horse trailer isn’t likely to be covered (and your actual horse isn’t covered either)

If you’re unsure about anything, give the insurer a call.

Do I need a specialist licence to drive a horsebox?

The license you need depends on the weight of your horsebox and/or horse trailer. It also matters whether you use your horsebox for business or not. Here’s a few licence types that could apply to you:

  • B: Horsebox or car weighs up to 3,500kg, or your horse trailer is no more than 750kg. Alternatively, you can tow heavier horse trailers if the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is lower than 3,500kg
  • C1: Horsebox weighs between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, or you’re towing a horse trailer weighing up to 750kg
  • C1E: If your horsebox weighs between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, or you’re towing a horse trailer over 750kg
  • C: If your horsebox weighs over 3,500kg with a horse trailer up to 750kg
  • CE: If your horsebox weighs over 3,500kg with a horse trailer over 750kg

If your horsebox or trailer weighs over 3,500kg (gross plated weight) and you use it for hire and reward or other business purposes, you’ll need a operator’s licence and Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).   

You can find out more about driving licence categories , operator’s licences and Driver CPCs online. 

Do I get a discount on my horsebox insurance if I do only drive a limited annual mileage?

Yes, some insurers may offer you a cheaper insurance premium. 

Horsebox cover abroad

If you’re taking your horsebox abroad, your insurance might not offer the same level of cover as it does while you’re in the UK.

You also might need a green card from your insurer for both your tow car and your horsebox if you're travelling to some countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

My horsebox is of high value - can it still be insured?

Yes. Some insurers specialise in horsebox cover and you can add optional extras, so your horsebox or trailer is insured with a level of cover that suits you.

Other pet insurance topics

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[1] We do not offer a full comparison service on horsebox insurance at GoCompare but instead have provided links to some companies that offer horsebox insurance. These companies are not listed in an order that indicates that one is better than another but are instead ordered in line with our commercial arrangement with each one. Please remember, as different companies offer different policies, it is up to you to choose the one that best suits your needs.

GoCompare introduces you to its Horsebox Insurance and Equesure to provide horsebox insurance quotes. GoCompare’s relationship with its Horsebox Insurance and Equesure is limited to that of a business partnership, no common ownership or control rights exist between us.

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