The word ‘horsebox’ refers to a trailer with a compartment or transporting horses. However, in the UK it can also refer to a motorised vehicle that has been modified to carry horses. They are used regularly on UK roads and form an important part of many equestrian-related businesses, such as farming, equestrian sports and breeders. Insuring your horsebox is a legal requirement, and the best horse trailer insurance companies will be able to advise you on a number of potential features to include in your policy depending on your specific needs.

How much does horse trailer insurance cost?

It depends entirely on the type of horse trailer you own along with how often you drive it but prices can go into the hundreds. However, to find cheap horsebox insurance, you need to compare quotes from horsebox insurance specialists. Use our simple form to be contacted by horse trailer insurance companies that are well-versed in finding you a competitive quote.

Do I need to insure my horse as well?

It is a good idea to insure your horse. If you have hired a horsebox, then it is a necessary requirement to have your horse insured. This will also be beneficial when applying for a horsebox insurance quote.

How can I secure my horsebox?

Most horseboxes that are hired are fitted with immobilizers, or tracking devices, or both. If you own your own horsebox then you should think about fitting such devices as well. These devices may help to lower your horsebox insurance quotes.

Should I get horsebox insurance cover?

For many, the idea of being caught short on the motorway with a trailer of horses is a nightmare. Not only to the animals get distressed but horsebox recovery is more difficult that simply getting a car back on the road. Adding horsebox recovery insurance to your overarching policy can be extremely beneficial if the worst should happen.

Compare Horsebox Insurance Quotes

We partner with specialist insurance providers including

Why Use QuoteSearcher for Horsebox Insurance?

Transporting horses involves a unique set of risks, whether the horsebox is used for leisure, competition or business purposes. From vehicle breakdowns to accidents in transit, having insurance in place can help manage the financial impact of these risks.

QuoteSearcher connects horsebox owners with brokers experienced in arranging this type of cover. By completing a short form on our site, you can be introduced to brokers who will assess how your horsebox is used and outline the insurance options available.

This lets you explore horsebox insurance through brokers familiar with the needs of horse owners, without contacting multiple providers yourself.

FINDING SPECIALIST QUOTES SINCE 2005

Online for over 20 years matching customers with specialist brokers

FAST AND SIMPLE PROCESS, YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE

Complete one simple form to receive multiple quotes, let us do the leg work for you

SIT BACK AND RELAX, YOU’RE IN CONTROL

You compare the quotes and choose the policy that best suits your needs

Get quotes

Customer's Love Our Service

Quick quote, no hassle and saved £700!

Alfred Rooney

Fantastic can't fault in any way, would use time and again and recommend to all!

Alan Jones

Excellent and fast service, will use again.

Kevin Green

Quick helpful and cheap, can’t complain at anything. Thanks very much.

Mark Smith

Found the site easy to use, had good feedback from four companies, all very competitive.

Jackie Hunter

Helpful and efficient service, I was impressed how quickly I received my quotes.

J Hale

Very quick responses and completed selection and purchase of a very competitive new policy within 24 hours.

Roy Halistones

Very good and easy to use, this has not only saved me money but also saved me a lot of phone calls and time, thank you.

Shirley Dixon

Excellent service and delivered quicker than the website said. Have bought and will buy much more from here. Prices very competitive and often much cheaper. Yet to find something I want that they don't have.

David McGarry

Thought they were very good there was no need to ring around and I found what I was looking for.

Mrs M Hutson

What Is Horsebox Insurance?

horses. You might also hear horseboxes called horse lorries, horse transporters or horse vans. Policies reflect the additional considerations involved, such as vehicle size, usage and the nature of transporting live animals.

Horseboxes come in a range of sizes, from smaller 3.5 tonne vehicles through to larger lorry-based builds, and the size, weight and age of your vehicle can all affect how insurers assess it.

Horsebox insurance typically covers the vehicle itself rather than the horse.

Horsebox Insurance Policy Features

Cover will vary depending on the insurer and policy, but may include the following:

Limited Mileage Discount

Reduced premiums may be available where the horsebox is driven below a specified annual mileage.

Legal Expenses Cover

May assist with legal costs if a claim is made against you following an incident.

Theft & Malicious Damage Cover

May protect the horsebox if it’s stolen or damaged as a result of vandalism.

Horsebox Breakdown Cover

Specialist breakdown and recovery services designed to minimise disruption and help you get on your way safely.

Levels of Horsebox Insurance Cover

As with other vehicle insurance, there are different levels of cover available.

Fully Comprehensive Cover

Offers the widest level of cover available and may include damage to your own vehicle, even where you’re at fault.

Third Party Cover

Covers damage or injury caused to third parties, but doesn’t cover damage to your own horsebox.

The level of cover required will depend on how frequently the horsebox is used and the level of protection you’re looking for.

Types of Horsebox Use

How your horsebox is used can significantly affect the type of policy required.

Private Use

Typically includes social, domestic and leisure use, such as transporting horses to events or stables.

Business Use

Applies where the horsebox is used as part of a business, such as breeding, training or professional riding.

Horse Transport Services

Covers situations where horses are transported for payment, either as an individual service or as part of a company operation.

Hiring or Renting a Horsebox

If you hire out your horsebox, or use a hired or self-drive horsebox yourself, some brokers may be able to talk you through the options available.

Any Driver or Named Driver Options

Some policies may allow multiple drivers or restrict cover to named individuals, depending on how the vehicle is used.

Horse Trailers

Horse trailers are towed rather than driven, so they’re usually treated differently to a motorised horsebox. Your car or towing vehicle’s own policy may extend some third-party cover to a trailer while it’s attached, but this varies by insurer, and cover for the trailer itself, for theft or damage, for example, is typically arranged separately.

It’s worth checking your policy wording and talking to a broker about what’s included.

What Horsebox Insurance Does Not Cover

Horsebox insurance is primarily designed to cover the vehicle. It will not usually cover:

Injury or illness affecting the horse
Veterinary costs
Loss of the horse

For these risks, a separate equine insurance policy would typically be required.

What Does Horsebox Insurance Cost?

Costs vary depending on the horsebox’s size, weight, age and value, how and how often it’s used, where it’s kept, and who will be driving it.

A larger or higher-value vehicle will usually cost more to insure than a smaller one, and younger drivers, including those under 21, may find premiums higher, as insurers often view less experience as higher risk.

Our specialist brokers can talk you through the options and help you find cover that reflects how you use your horsebox.

Reducing Your Horsebox Insurance Premium

Several practical steps can help reduce risk, and insurers may take them into account when assessing premiums.

Safe Driving Practices

Driving carefully, particularly when towing or carrying horses, can help reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Regular Maintenance

Ensuring tyres, brakes and mechanical components are properly maintained can improve safety and reliability.

Correct Loading

Loading horses correctly and balancing weight appropriately can reduce strain on the vehicle and improve stability.

Secure Storage

Keeping the horsebox in a secure, locked location and considering additional measures such as CCTV may help deter theft.

Frequently Asked Questions About Horsebox Insurance

- What is a horsebox?
  Horsebox insurance is a specialist type of vehicle insurance designed for vehicles used to transport horses. It typically covers the horsebox itself against risks such as accidents, theft, or damage, depending on the level of cover selected.
- Does horsebox insurance cover the horse?
  No, horsebox insurance generally covers the vehicle only. Horses are not typically included under the policy, so separate equine insurance may be required to cover veterinary fees, illness, or loss.
- Do I need insurance for a horsebox?
  Yes, if your horsebox is driven on UK roads, at least third party motor insurance is a legal requirement. Additional cover can be arranged depending on how the vehicle is used and the level of protection required.
- Can I use a horsebox for business purposes?
  Yes, but this must be disclosed when arranging cover. If the horsebox is used for business activities such as transporting horses for payment, breeding, or professional riding, a commercial-use policy may be required.
- What information do I need to get a quote?
  When arranging horsebox insurance, you will typically be asked for:Vehicle details (size, weight, value) How the horsebox is used (private or business) Estimated annual mileage Driver details and experience Storage and security arrangementsProviding accurate information helps ensure the policy reflects your usage.
- Can multiple drivers be insured on a horsebox?
  Depending on the insurer, some policies allow named drivers, while others may offer “any driver” options, subject to age, licence and experience requirements.
- Does horsebox insurance include breakdown cover?
  Breakdown cover is not always included as standard but may be available as an optional extra. Specialist horsebox breakdown cover can be particularly useful as it may include recovery arrangements that take into account the presence of horses.
- What affects the cost of horsebox insurance?
  Several factors can influence the premium, including:Value and size of the horsebox Usage (private vs business) Driver age and experience Claims history Annual mileage Security and storage locationInsurers assess risk based on these details when pricing a policy.
- How can I reduce the cost of horsebox insurance?
  Insurers may take the following into account when assessing risk and premiums:Secure storage (e.g. locked yard or garage) Installing alarms or tracking devices Maintaining a good driving record Limiting annual mileage where possibleThese factors may help reduce perceived risk.
- Is horsebox insurance different from horse trailer insurance?
  Yes. Horsebox insurance applies to self-propelled vehicles, whereas horse trailer insurance applies to towable trailers. Trailers may require separate cover, as they are not always fully covered under standard car insurance policies.
- Do I need to tell my insurer if I change how I use the horsebox?
  Yes. Any changes in usage, such as moving from private to business use, or transporting horses for payment, should be disclosed. Failing to update your insurer could affect the validity of your cover.

Compare Horsebox insurance from trusted providers

Get Quotes

Compare Quotes On Your Horsebox Insurance