Frequently Asked Questions
We know that Insurance is no walk-in-the-park. We are here to help you, every step of the way, to ensure that your precious equine companions are properly protected. Browse our FAQ's to help you fully grasp some of our coverages and what to expect when incepting coverage with our agency.
Equine Mortality FAQ's
*New Coverage
How do I obtain an equine mortality quotation?
- You may click here to fill out a quotation request form electronically, and we will email you back with the quote on that business day or the next.
- Or you may call our office and speak with an agent. The age, breed, use and value are required.
- Once you have accepted the quote you will be required to complete an application.
- You may complete the application electronically by clicking here.
- You may print off the application and complete a hard copy.
- You may email the completed application to info@jarvisinsurance.com, fax it to 1.440.248.8737 or mail it in via USPS.
- Once we have received the completed application with all questions answered we will notify you via email that we have received your application and coverage is bound.
- The policy will then be billed, and you will recieve your invoice by mail or email.
- You may complete a secure credit card authorization form here.
- You may call in your credit card number to our office, 1.440.248.5330 between 9am - 5pm EST
- You may pay your premium via check or mail order if you prefer.
- Once premium payment has been secured and applied to your account, your policy documents will be emailed to you.
How do I bind coverage on a horse I just purchased?
- To bind coverage on a horse you just purchased you will need to complete an application. Once we have received the completed application you will receive notification from our office that coverage is bound, and once payment has been secured the policy documents will be emailed to you.
Do I need a veterinarian certificate completed?
- Please contact our office as this is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Do you only insure Arabians?
- No, we insure all breeds and disciplines of horses.
Can I transfer my policy to a new owner?
- Since insurance is a binding contract, we cannot transfer your coverage to the new owner. The new owner will be required to complete an application for their coverage, and your policy will need to be cancelled.
What does "Does anyone else have interest in the horse(s)?" mean?
- If you are leasing a horse, then the owner should be listed as the loss payee.
- If you co-own a horse with another person and you are only insuring your monetary interest in the horse, you should mark "yes," and explain the ownership split. Please also notify us if the other party has their interest insured.
- If you are purchasing a horse on terms and have not fully executed the contract, you should include the seller's name, address, and contact information so they can be included in the policy until the purchase has been finalized.
Is there a minimum policy premium?
- There is a minimum policy premium of $200 and a minimum horse premium of $200.
What does it cost to insure my horse?
- The cost to insure your horse will vary depending on the breed, use/discipline, age, and value of your horse. If your horse is located outside the USA and Canada, the location and 12-month travel plan of the horse will also factor into the cost. You can complete a free online quote request here.
*Renewals
How do I renew my equine mortality policy?
- At least 30 days prior to the expiry date of your policy, you will receive your renewal letter, application and veterinary certificate (if required) by mail and email. Once you have completed all the required paperwork you may fax, email, or post it to us. Once our office has received the paperwork, we will confirm that we have received it by email.
Does my equine mortality policy renew automatically?
- No, underwriters require renewal paperwork every year.
Can I renew my equine mortality policy over the phone?
- No, insurance is a binding contract and therefore, underwriters require a completed application to renew coverage.
Can I pay for my equine mortality policy before submitting paperwork?
- We must receive the renewal paperwork prior to taking any payment.
I can't get my vet out right away and my policy is being renewed; what do I do?
- Send in your renewal application immediately and notify us that you are waiting for the vet to come out to complete the veterinary certificate. Once the veterinary certificate has been completed, please be sure it is forwarded over to our office, and if payment has been received, we will process your policy.
*Payment
How can I pay for my equine mortality policy?
- Depending on what company you are with will determine how you pay for your Equine Mortality policy. If you're with Great American or American Reliable, you should receive a bill directly from them and you will pay through them. If you're covered through General Security National Insurance Company, you may call us for your balance and pay via credit card, or you may mail in a check.
Are automatic installments available?
- Yes
Are payment plans available?
- We do offer a two-pay or four-pay plan for your convenience for eligible policies. The four-pay plan is 25% of the total premium and a small installment fee is applied to each payment.
Do you keep my credit card every year for renewal?
- We do not store credit card numbers in the office.
- When your policy is renewed, you will have to provide this information to our accounting department again.
*How do I make changes to my policy?
How do I delete a horse/cancel an equine mortality policy?
- To delete a horse from your policy, underwriters require written confirmation of the change. Please include the name of the horse and the date of cancellation and email or fax it to us.
How do I increase my horse's mortality value?
- To increase your horse's mortality value, we will require an updated application and justification of the increase.
- i.e. training, show record, progeny, trainers' recommendation, etc.
Can I insure my horse for less than what I paid?
- Yes, you may self-insure whatever amount you wish to, just be sure that when you complete the application in the "Amount of Insurance Desired" box you put the amount that you wish to cover the horse for.
How do I value my horse?
- Insured values are based on the current market
- i.e. How much could you sell your horse for today.
- The combined elements of purchase price, age, show/record/facing record, prize money winnings and progeny can all be included to determine the proper insured value for your horse.
*Coverages
What is major medical? What is surgical and life-saving surgery?
- Major Medical coverage is for unforeseen events and assists you with veterinary bills corresponding to accidents, illness and injury for diagnostics, treatment, and any surgery.
- Surgical coverage covers surgery under general anesthesia and post-care for up to 30 days depending on the limit of coverage.
- Life-saving surgery coverage covers the surgery under general anesthesia and 50% of post-care cost minus your deductible.
When can I insure an unborn foal?
- Once the mare is confirmed 42 days in foal by a veterinarian who confirms that there is a single and viable fetus.
Can you insure horses traveling outside of the United States?
- Yes, we offer worldwide coverage and single air transit. Please contact our office for a quotation.
Can you insure my horse for transport only/short term coverage?
- We do not offer short-term or transport coverage. If you wish to have short term coverage, you may complete an application. Once coverage is no longer desired you may cancel the policy at any time and any unused portion of the premium will be returned to you, minus the minimum horse premium of $200.
How do I insure a leased horse?
- Complete an application and for question #2, "Does anyone else have interest in the horse?" mark yes and be sure to include their full name, address, email and phone number. Underwriters will require a signed copy of the leased agreement. Once the policy has been incepted and paid, we will send the owner/lessor evidence of property to confirm you have coverage.
At what age can horses no longer be insured?
- Underwriters will no longer insure mortality once your horse reaches the age of 21. If you still desire coverage after the age of 21, we do offer specific perils coverage.
Can you insure my newborn foal?
- Yes, we can incept coverage from 24 hours to 30 days at an increased rate with a satisfactory foal veterinarian certificate to include an IgG level of 800 or above prior to inception.
*Claims
What is covered under the Major Medical coverage?
- Diagnostics, surgery (if required) and treatment resulting from accident, illness, or injury. Consider it hospitalization coverage for horses.
Do you cover vaccinations and routine care?
- No, vaccinations and routine care are not covered under the Major Medical coverage. Major Medical is reserved for catastrophic events.
Do you cover gastric ulcers?
- Yes, so long as they are not a pre-existing condition.
- There is a 90 day exclusion on new additions for gastric ulcers.
Is there a deductible on my equine mortality? What about major medical, surgical and colic surgery?
- There are no deductibles on equine mortality coverage or emergency colic surgery.
- There are deductibles on major medical and some surgical options.
How do I start a claim?
- You may call our office and request to speak to our Claims Department.
- Non-emergency issues can be sent by email to erin@jarvisinsurance.com.
- If it is outside of regular business hours you may call our after-hours claim phone at 1.440.856.6683
I have Smart Pak Colic care. How does that work with my insurance?
- Smart Pak's colic coverage will be utilized first and if there is a remainder still to be covered your Emergency Colic Surgery coverage will respond next.
How does emergency colic surgery work?
- Should your horse require colic surgery to save its life this coverage would go into effect. The emergency colic surgery limit would be utilized first, and once exhausted any major medical or surgical coverage would follow.
Is emergency colic surgery in addition to Surgical or Major Medical?
- Yes. Emergency colic surgery is always utilized first. Once that limit has been satisfied your major medical coverage or surgical coverage (minus deductible) would be applied next.