Equine risks are unlike almost any other class of property or livestock exposure. High values, emotional attachments, and specialized care requirements make horses a unique underwriting challenge—and opportunity—for retail insurance agents.
As outlined in our broader guide to animal mortality coverage, equine mortality insurance is one of the most frequently requested and nuanced segments within this space. If you haven't yet, start with our Animal Mortality Insurance Guide for Retail Agents article.
This article expands on that foundation, helping retail brokers better understand how to place equine mortality risks through wholesale and specialty insurance solutions like Novatae's program.
Equine mortality insurance is a specialized form of property coverage designed to protect horse owners against financial loss resulting from the death of an insured animal.
Unlike standard property insurance, these policies are highly individualized and underwritten based on:
Because of this complexity, equine mortality coverage typically falls within specialty insurance markets accessed through wholesale insurance brokers or MGAs.
Retail agents often encounter limitations when trying to place equine risks in the admitted market. That's because:
Performance and breeding horses can carry significant values, sometimes reaching six or seven figures. Standard carriers may lack appetite or experience for such exposures.
Equine mortality underwriting frequently requires:
Many clients require more than just mortality coverage, including:
These layered exposures often necessitate custom program design, making wholesale insurance partners like Novatae essential.
At its core, equine mortality insurance typically covers death due to:
Additional endorsements may extend coverage to:
Retail agents should carefully review policy wording, as exclusions and conditions can vary significantly between carriers.
When submitting equine mortality risks through a wholesale partner, preparation is critical. Strong submissions typically include:
Working with a specialty MGA like Novatae helps streamline this process, as underwriters understand what's needed upfront to move quickly.
Retail agents should look for opportunities across a wide range of equine clients, including:
Many of these clients already carry property or farm coverage, but those policies typically exclude or severely limit animal mortality exposures, creating a clear coverage gap.
When presenting equine mortality insurance, retail agents should frame the conversation around:
For high-value horses, mortality coverage functions similarly to property insurance for a major capital asset.
For breeding or performance horses, loss can mean lost revenue streams—not just asset value.
Equine mortality policies can be paired with liability, farm, and inland marine coverages to create a more comprehensive program.
Equine mortality insurance is rarely a "one-size-fits-all" placement. That's where Novatae's Animal Mortality MGA program provides a distinct advantage.
Retail agents benefit from:
As a wholesale insurance partner, Novatae helps retail brokers confidently place equine risks that might otherwise be difficult—or impossible—to secure in the standard market.
This article is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.