Equine Mortality Coverage Form
American Equine Insurance Group’s Equine Mortality policy covers the insured horse for death or authorized humane destruction caused by an incident that first occurs during the policy period, and for theft or unlawful removal within the coverage territory, subject to the policy’s terms and exclusions.
What’s Covered
- Death or authorized humane destruction when it results from an incident that first occurs in the coverage territory during the coverage period.
- Theft or unlawful removal of the horse occurring in the coverage territory during the coverage period (with specific proof and reporting requirements).
- Coverage extension: if an incident happens during the policy period and is reported before the policy ends, the policy may still cover death/authorized humane destruction that occurs afterward (generally up to 12 months, or shorter if the horse’s coverage period was shorter).
How Losses Are Paid
- The limit of insurance shown in the declarations/schedule/endorsements;
- The fair market value if the horse’s value was misrepresented or was never equal to the stated limit during the coverage period; or
- The claiming/selling/combination price if the horse is entered in a claiming/selling/combination race during the policy period.
Any deductible shown is subtracted from the payment. If a claim is paid for a horse, there’s generally no premium refund for that horse (with a limited exception if the claim settles at a value lower than the stated limit and you request a return of unearned premium within the required timeframe).
What’s Not Covered
- Common exclusions include:
- Intentional destruction (except authorized humane destruction as defined by the policy).
- Death/humane destruction tied to contagious or communicable disease exposure or contraction (including when ordered by authorities).
- Losses arising from surgical operations unless they meet narrow exceptions (or have prior written consent where required).
- Losses involving a medication or substance unless properly administered and certified as required (with a limited exception for common nutritional supplements used per label and appropriate purpose).
- Malicious, willful, or intentional acts/omissions by you or people acting for you (agents, employees, bailees, representatives).
- Mysterious disappearance and certain forms of fraud-based or voluntary parting scenarios.
- Consequential loss (no coverage for indirect losses; for theft there’s no coverage for injury/damage—only death following theft/unlawful removal, if covered).
- Certain “catastrophic” causes (e.g., war, government action/confiscation, nuclear hazard).
Important Requirements
- Sound health & disclosure at inception (and changes): the horse must be in sound health at the start of coverage, and prior/current conditions must be disclosed when required (also applies to increases, additions, or extensions).
- Proper care & declared use: you must provide proper care and not use the horse for an undeclared purpose.
- Sole ownership: coverage can end immediately upon sale or transfer of any ownership interest unless approved and endorsed; fractional interests must be endorsed.
- Duties when an incident occurs (non-theft): immediate notice to the insurer, prompt veterinary care at your expense, cooperation with investigation, and—if the horse dies—postmortem/necropsy requirements and proof of loss within stated deadlines.
- Duties for theft/unlawful removal: immediate report to law enforcement and insurer, no ransom, cooperate fully; importantly, no liability arises until at least 30 days after the theft is reported (and only if the horse isn’t recovered in that period).
- Castration/spaying: requires prior notification; failure to notify can end coverage for that horse.
- Fraud/misrepresentation: false claims or material misrepresentation/concealment can void coverage.
- Other insurance: if other coverage exists and wasn’t disclosed/approved as required, liability may be impacted.
Practical Summary
Practically speaking, this policy works best when you treat it like a “report early, document everything” contract. Keep the insurer’s claim/reporting contact info handy and notify them immediately when a serious illness, injury, or other incident occurs—even if the horse seems to improve—because timing can affect both coverage eligibility and any extension that applies after the policy period ends. Also plan ahead for claim logistics by assuming a necropsy/postmortem may be required unless the insurer tells you otherwise.
Keep strong records to support the horse’s insured value (sale documents, appraisals, training and show records, veterinary records), since payment can be limited if the stated value can’t be substantiated or doesn’t reflect the horse’s actual value during the policy term.
If theft or unlawful removal occurs, report it to law enforcement and the insurer right away, cooperate fully, and document each step—while remembering there is typically a waiting period before theft-related liability can attach. Finally, avoid common coverage pitfalls by talking with your agent before major changes such as a change in use, travel outside the coverage territory, ownership transfers, castration/spaying, or adding other insurance.
Important: This summary is provided for convenience. Please refer to the actual policy wording for full details and exclusions.
- American Equine Mortality Coverage Form (EMP2000516)
Standard Mortality Policy and Automatic Coverages
Optional Coverages
Several additional coverages are available to enhance your full mortality policy. Details of each endorsement are available by following one of the links below.