Towergate AIUA Equine Insurance Explained (2026) – What’s New?

Towergate AIUA equine insurance has undergone significant updates for 2026, affecting thousands of horse owners across the UK.

With enhanced vet fee limits, streamlined digital claims processes, and the ongoing Everywhen rebrand transition, understanding these changes is crucial for protecting your horse and finances.

We’ll breaks down everything you need to know about AIUA’s horse insurance offerings through Towergate, from coverage options and pricing factors to claims processes and how they compare against competitors. Whether you’re insuring your first horse or reviewing your veteran’s policy, you’ll discover exactly what’s covered, what’s excluded, and whether AIUA represents the right choice for your specific needs in 2026.

What’s New with Towergate AIUA Equine Insurance in 2026?

Latest Policy Updates and Changes

The 2026 policy year brings several important updates to Towergate AIUA equine insurance products. Most notably, vet fees insurance coverage limits have been adjusted to reflect the ongoing veterinary cost inflation affecting the entire UK equestrian industry. The standard vet fee options now offer £3,000 or £5,000 per case, with the higher tier providing significantly more protection for complex surgical procedures and prolonged treatment courses.

The partnership between Towergate and AIUA continues to strengthen despite the Everywhen rebrand affecting the wider Ardonagh Group portfolio. AIUA policies remain underwritten by AXA Insurance, maintaining the A-rated financial backing that horse owners have relied upon for over two decades. This stability ensures claims will be paid promptly even as branding evolves across the agricultural insurance sector.

Digital transformation has accelerated dramatically in 2026. The enhanced online claims process now allows horse owners to submit veterinary documentation through a secure portal, upload photographs of injuries directly from mobile devices, and track claim progress in real-time. This represents a significant improvement over previous paper-based systems that could delay settlements by weeks.

Premium adjustments for 2026 reflect the harsh reality of veterinary cost inflation, with average increases of 8-12% across most policy types. However, these increases remain competitive compared to specialist broker offerings from competitors like SEIB and Petplan Equine. The rise in premiums directly correlates with vet fee claims data showing surgical expenses have increased by approximately 15% year-on-year since 2024.

Policy wordings have been updated to provide greater clarity around pre-existing conditions, particularly for common equine ailments like laminitis and arthritis. The 14-day illness exclusion period remains standard, but the policy schedule now explicitly defines what constitutes a “pre-existing” versus “new” condition, reducing disputes during the claims process.

Industry Changes Affecting Your Policy

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) introduced new consumer duty regulations in 2023 that continue to shape how advisory insurance brokers limited operate in 2026. These rules require Towergate and other brokers to demonstrate policies deliver fair value, with clear explanations of coverage gaps and exclusions presented before purchase. Horse owners benefit from more transparent premium breakdowns showing exactly how age limits, activity levels, and excess options affect their total costs.

Veterinary cost inflation remains the dominant factor driving horse insurance UK pricing across all providers. The British Veterinary Association reports that advanced diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scans) and specialist referral procedures now routinely exceed £5,000 per incident, making comprehensive vet fees insurance essential rather than optional for most owners. AIUA’s decision to maintain a £5,000 vet fee limit option positions them favorably against competitors who’ve capped coverage at £3,000.

New breed-specific considerations have emerged following claims data analysis. Grey horses aged 12 and above face explicit melanoma exclusions in standard mortality cover, reflecting the high prevalence of these tumors in this demographic. Breeds predisposed to specific conditions may encounter higher premiums or targeted exclusions, though most horses remain eligible for full coverage under standard terms.

Technology improvements extend beyond claims processing. The 2026 policy year introduces optional smartphone apps for policy management, allowing owners to update horse details, adjust coverage levels, and access digital policy documents instantly. While not all AIUA brokers have adopted these tools uniformly, Towergate offices have led implementation across their network.

The relationship between Geo Underwriting Services and the broader Ardonagh Group continues to influence product development. As one of the UK’s largest insurance intermediary groups, Ardonagh’s resources enable AIUA to invest in data analytics that refine risk classification and pricing accuracy, potentially benefiting horse owners through more personalized premium calculations based on individual risk factors rather than broad category assumptions.

Understanding Towergate AIUA Equine Insurance

Who Are Towergate and AIUA?

Towergate operates as one of the UK’s leading specialist insurance brokers, with deep roots in agricultural and rural insurance dating back decades. Their expertise spans farm insurance, rural property, and equestrian insurance policy products, making them particularly well-positioned to understand the unique risks facing horse owners. Unlike direct insurers, Towergate functions as an intermediary, connecting clients with appropriate underwriters while providing personalized advisory services throughout the policy lifecycle.

AIUA (Agricultural Insurance Underwriting Agency) represents the underwriting division specifically focused on agricultural and equestrian risks. Operating under the Geo Underwriting Services umbrella within the Ardonagh Group ownership structure, AIUA brings over 20 years of specialized experience in horse insurance and farm-related coverage. This longevity provides valuable claims data and actuarial expertise that informs competitive pricing and comprehensive policy wordings.

The Everywhen rebrand deserves clarification, as it has created confusion among existing policyholders. Ardonagh Group initiated a strategic consolidation of multiple underwriting brands under the “Everywhen” banner in 2024-2025. While some AIUA materials may reference Everywhen branding, the core underwriting expertise and policy terms remain unchanged. Horse owners with existing AIUA policies should expect continuity in coverage and service, regardless of branding evolution.

AXA Insurance serves as the primary underwriter behind AIUA equine policies, providing the financial security rating and claims-paying capacity that protects policyholders. AXA’s A-rating from major credit agencies signals strong financial health and ability to honor claims even in catastrophic loss scenarios affecting multiple horses simultaneously, such as stable fires or disease outbreaks.

Why Choose AIUA Through Towergate?

Over 20 years of agricultural insurance experience translates directly into better outcomes for horse owners. AIUA underwriters understand the nuances of equine risk in ways that generalist pet insurance providers cannot match. They recognize that a competition eventer faces fundamentally different injury risks than a companion pony, and price accordingly rather than applying blanket premium rates across all disciplines.

Specialist equine knowledge manifests in policy features specifically designed for horses rather than adapted from dog and cat insurance templates. Public liability horse insurance through AIUA includes care custody control provisions essential for livery yard scenarios, where your horse might injure another animal or person while temporarily in someone else’s care. This specialist consideration often gets overlooked by non-specialist providers.

Broker-based personalized service remains AIUA’s defining characteristic in an increasingly automated insurance landscape. Rather than navigating algorithmic online quote systems, horse owners discuss their specific circumstances with experienced advisors who can explain how different excess options affect premiums, recommend appropriate sum insured levels based on current market value, and suggest coverage combinations that address individual risk profiles.

Multiple policy options accommodate diverse needs, from basic mortality cover for low-value companion horses to comprehensive packages combining mortality, full veterinary fees, permanent loss of use, and substantial public liability limits for professional competitors. This flexibility allows owners to build precisely the coverage they need rather than accepting one-size-fits-all packages.

Flexible coverage levels extend to payment structures as well. AIUA policies typically offer annual payment discounts or 10 monthly installments via direct debit, making comprehensive protection accessible even for owners managing tight budgets. The ability to adjust excess levels provides an additional lever for managing premium costs without sacrificing essential coverage.

Trust Signals:

• FCA Authorized: Towergate operates under full Financial Conduct Authority authorization
• AXA A-Rated Backing: Policies underwritten by financially stable, highly-rated insurer
• Established Since 1999: Over two decades of specialized equine insurance experience

Complete Coverage Breakdown

Standard Horse Insurance Cover

Mortality Cover forms the foundation of most AIUA policies, protecting your financial investment if your horse dies from accident, illness, or disease. The sum insured typically reflects the horse’s current market value, though agreed value policies can be arranged for high-value competition or breeding stock. Importantly, mortality cover for grey horses aged 12 and above explicitly excludes melanomas, a common tumor type in this demographic that would otherwise generate predictable claims.

The claims process for mortality requires prompt notification to AIUA or your specialist broker, usually within 24 hours of death. A post-mortem examination may be required for claims exceeding certain thresholds, particularly when the cause of death isn’t immediately apparent. This investigation protects both the insurer against fraudulent claims and honest policyholders by ensuring premiums remain affordable.

Theft and Straying coverage addresses the nightmare scenario of horse theft or unexplained disappearance. AIUA policies typically include a 60-day waiting period before settlement, allowing time for recovery efforts and police investigation. The policy covers up to £200 in advertising costs for recovery efforts, including rewards and media campaigns. Settlement occurs at market value if the horse isn’t recovered within the specified timeframe.

This coverage proves particularly valuable given rising rural crime statistics. Horse theft has increased 15% since 2020 according to British Horse Society data, with organized gangs targeting specific breeds for resale or slaughter. The straying provision covers scenarios where horses escape and cannot be located despite reasonable search efforts.

Euthanasia and Disposal benefits provide up to £150 toward the costs of humane destruction and carcass removal when a horse suffers catastrophic injury or illness requiring emergency euthanasia. While this amount represents a modest contribution toward total costs that can exceed £500, it acknowledges the immediate financial burden owners face during traumatic circumstances.

Veterinarians must confirm that euthanasia was medically necessary and performed in accordance with professional standards. The policy schedule will specify whether this benefit sits within or in addition to the overall sum insured, an important distinction that affects total compensation in mortality claims.

Public Liability Horse Insurance protects owners against legal liability for injury or property damage caused by their horses to third parties. AIUA offers coverage ranging from £1 million to £5 million, with higher limits recommended for competition riders or those involved in riding instruction. This coverage extends to scenarios where your horse injures another person’s animal, damages property, or causes accidents on public roads or rights of way.

Care custody control provisions within public liability cover prove essential for livery yard scenarios. If your horse injures someone else’s horse or person while temporarily in your care—perhaps during transport to a show or while exercising a friend’s horse—standard liability coverage applies. This specialist consideration distinguishes equine-specific policies from generic pet insurance.

Sum Insured vs Market Value represents a critical distinction that many horse owners misunderstand. The sum insured is the maximum amount AIUA will pay in a total loss claim, while market value represents what your horse would realistically fetch in a private sale. Policies generally settle at market value even if sum insured is higher, preventing owners from profiting from claims. However, underinsuring by selecting a sum insured significantly below market value can trigger average clauses that proportionally reduce claim payments.

Veterinary Fees Insurance

Coverage Levels of £3,000 or £5,000 per case provide the financial safety net for unexpected veterinary expenses from accidental injury or illness. The “per case” designation is crucial—it means each distinct condition receives its own coverage limit. If your horse develops colic requiring £4,500 in surgical treatment, then later sustains a tendon injury costing £3,000, both conditions receive separate coverage under a £5,000 limit policy.

The distinction between “per incident” and “annual maximum” policies has largely disappeared from the UK horse insurance market, with most providers including AIUA now operating on per-condition lifetime limits. This means once you’ve claimed £5,000 for a specific condition like arthritis, no further claims for that same condition will be covered, even in subsequent policy years.

What’s Covered under vet fees insurance includes diagnostic tests, veterinary consultations, prescribed medications, surgical procedures, hospitalization, and rehabilitation under veterinary supervision. Advanced diagnostic imaging like MRI scans and CT scans—often costing £1,500-£3,000 as standalone procedures—fall within coverage, making comprehensive vet fees insurance particularly valuable for performance horses where accurate diagnosis justifies the expense.

Surgical expenses represent the highest-value claims, with colic surgery routinely exceeding £5,000 when specialist referral, post-operative care, and complications are factored. Orthopedic procedures, particularly those addressing fractures or advanced lameness conditions, similarly push toward policy limits. The availability of £5,000 coverage through AIUA positions them favorably against competitors capping vet fees at £3,000.

Excess Options directly impact your premium and out-of-pocket costs per claim. AIUA typically offers fixed excess options of £250 or £500, alongside percentage-based alternatives where you pay a proportion of each claim (commonly 10-20%). Lower excess means higher premiums but reduced costs when claiming. Higher excess reduces premiums but requires greater financial resilience to absorb initial treatment costs.

Strategic excess selection depends on your financial situation and horse’s activity level. High-risk disciplines like eventing or racing might justify lower excess given increased injury probability, while low-risk companion horses could benefit from premium savings through higher excess, banking on infrequent claims.

Claim Limits operate on both per-incident and annual bases in some policy configurations, though AIUA primarily structures coverage around per-condition lifetime limits. Understanding precisely how your policy limits operate prevents nasty surprises when claiming. The policy schedule explicitly states whether multiple treatments for the same condition draw from a single pool or receive separate consideration.

Exclusions within vet fees insurance require careful attention. Pre-existing conditions—any illness, injury, or clinical signs present before coverage commenced or during waiting periods—receive no coverage. Routine care including vaccinations, dental care (unless resulting from accidental injury), worming, and preventative treatments aren’t covered. Dental treatments only qualify if directly caused by accidental external trauma, not routine maintenance or age-related deterioration.

The 14-day illness exclusion period means any illness (but not accidental injury) manifesting within the first two weeks of coverage receives no coverage. This waiting period prevents adverse selection where owners notice early symptoms before purchasing insurance. Injuries from accidents receive immediate coverage from the policy start date.

Optional Add-On Covers

Saddlery and Tack insurance protects your riding equipment against theft, damage, or loss, with typical coverage limits ranging from £1,000 to £2,000. This coverage extends to saddles, bridles, rugs, boots, and other tack stored at home, in your vehicle, or at livery yards. Given that quality saddles alone can cost £2,000-£5,000, this relatively inexpensive add-on provides valuable protection.

Exclusions typically include gradual wear and tear, damage from moth or vermin, and unexplained mysterious disappearance. Theft claims require evidence of forced entry or reasonable security measures, so leaving expensive tack visible in unlocked vehicles would likely void coverage.

Personal Accident coverage compensates riders for specified injuries sustained while riding or handling insured horses. Benefits range from £10,000 to £20,000 for permanent disability, with proportional payments for partial disability, broken bones, or temporary incapacity preventing work. This coverage operates independently of any other accident insurance you might hold, providing an additional financial buffer during recovery from serious riding accidents.

Medical evidence substantiating injury severity and resulting disability determines claim settlement. The policy schedule details specific injury types and corresponding benefit percentages, with total permanent disability triggering full payment and lesser injuries paying according to a predetermined scale.

Permanent Loss of Use compensates owners when horses become permanently incapable of performing their intended purpose due to injury or illness, even if the horse remains alive. For competition horses, this might mean the end of a jumping or racing career, even if the horse can continue as a light hacking mount. Settlement typically occurs at a percentage of sum insured, often 60-75%, rather than full market value.

This coverage requires veterinary certification that the horse cannot return to its specified use despite appropriate treatment and rest. BEVA guidelines inform the assessment process, with independent veterinary opinions sometimes required for high-value claims where owner and insurer disagree about prognosis.

Trailer and Transport insurance can be bundled with horse insurance, protecting horse trailers and transporters against accident damage, theft, and liability arising from their use. This proves particularly valuable for owners who invested £5,000-£15,000 in quality trailers, as standard vehicle insurance often provides limited coverage for specialist equestrian transport.

Who Can Be Insured? Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirements

Standard Cover accommodates horses from 30 days to 19 years of age for full mortality and vet fees insurance. The lower age limit ensures foals have passed the highest-risk neonatal period, while the upper limit reflects actuarial data showing substantially increased mortality and morbidity risks beyond age 20. Horses purchased at age 19 may receive coverage that continues into their 20th year, though renewal terms typically shift to veteran policies.

Veteran Cover becomes available for horses aged 16 and above, though coverage limitations apply. Vet fees insurance for veterans often restricts coverage to external accidental injuries only, excluding illness-related claims that become increasingly common and expensive in older horses. This limitation significantly reduces premiums while maintaining protection against the trauma injuries that can occur at any age.

Some AIUA brokers offer illness coverage for veterans under specific circumstances, potentially requiring recent veterinary examinations confirming good health. These policies command substantially higher premiums and often feature reduced vet fee limits, reflecting the statistical likelihood of age-related health issues requiring expensive treatment.

Foal-Specific Policies address the unique risks facing young horses, including life-threatening conditions like neonatal maladjustment syndrome, septicemia, and developmental orthopedic diseases. These specialist policies typically require mare and foal coverage as a package, with premiums reflecting the higher mortality rates in the first six months of life compared to mature horses.

Horse Types and Disciplines Covered

Pleasure Riding and Hacking represents the lowest risk category, qualifying for the most favorable premium rates. Horses used exclusively for private recreational riding on recognized bridleways and quiet roads present minimal competition-related injury risks and generate fewer claims than horses in intensive training programs.

Competition Horses face risk classification based on discipline and competition level. Lower-level dressage, showing, and unaffiliated jumping generally receive standard rates with modest loadings. However, advanced eventing, professional racing, point-to-pointing, and polo command substantial premium increases reflecting injury statistics showing 3-5 times higher claim frequency than pleasure horses.

British Eventing data indicates that approximately 1 in 200 cross-country runs results in horse falls requiring veterinary intervention, with a subset requiring expensive surgical procedures or resulting in fatalities. This statistical reality drives higher premiums for affiliated competitors, though most riders consider comprehensive coverage essential given the financial stakes.

Breeding Stock requires specialized coverage addressing reproductive risks, pregnancy complications, and foaling difficulties. AIUA offers breeding-specific policies through Towergate that extend coverage to pregnancy-related illness, dystocia (difficult birth), and post-foaling complications. These policies typically exclude routine fertility treatments but cover emergency veterinary intervention for life-threatening complications.

Racehorses generally require specialist bloodstock policies rather than standard equine insurance, reflecting the unique risks, high values, and complex ownership structures in the racing industry. However, horses in pre-training or those transitioning from racing to second careers might qualify for modified AIUA policies with appropriate risk disclosures.

Working Horses and Therapy Horses used in riding schools, therapy programs, or police work require commercial-use disclosures and potentially specialized public liability coverage. The increased exposure from multiple riders and public interaction necessitates higher liability limits, often £5 million minimum, alongside carefully structured care custody control provisions addressing scenarios where multiple handlers share responsibility.

Exclusions and Limitations

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions represent the most common source of claim disputes and disappointments. AIUA’s policy wording defines pre-existing conditions as any illness, injury, or clinical sign present before coverage commenced, during waiting periods, or between policy renewals where continuous coverage lapsed. This definition is strictly applied—even minor lameness noted in pre-purchase examinations can exclude all future claims related to that limb.

Full disclosure of known health issues when applying for insurance proves essential. Failure to disclose material facts—information that would influence the insurer’s decision to provide coverage or premium calculation—can void the entire policy. Material facts include previous illnesses, ongoing treatments, known behavioral issues, and any condition noted in veterinary records within the preceding 12-24 months.

Behavioral Destruction explicitly falls outside standard mortality coverage. If a horse is destroyed due to dangerous or unmanageable behavior rather than illness or injury, AIUA will not pay mortality claims. This exclusion addresses scenarios where horses become dangerously aggressive or develop stereotypic behaviors that render them unsuitable for any purpose, yet remain physically healthy.

14-Day Illness Exclusion Period means any illness (but not accidental injury) showing first clinical signs within 14 days of coverage commencement receives no coverage. This waiting period prevents moral hazard where owners notice early symptoms before purchasing insurance. Accidental injuries receive immediate coverage from the policy start date, provided the accident occurs after inception.

Vaccination and Worming Requirements form part of the policy conditions, requiring owners to maintain current vaccinations against tetanus and equine influenza per manufacturer recommendations and veterinary guidance. Worming programs must follow recognized protocols, typically quarterly treatments rotating chemical families to prevent resistance development. Failure to comply with these conditions can provide grounds for claim denial, particularly if the uncovered condition relates to preventable diseases.

Specific Grey Horse Melanoma Exclusion applies to mortality and potentially permanent loss of use coverage for grey horses aged 12 and above. Given that approximately 70-80% of grey horses develop melanomas, with incidence increasing dramatically after age 15, this exclusion addresses a near-certain condition that would otherwise generate predictable claims contrary to insurance principles of protecting against uncertain risks.

How Much Does AIUA Equine Insurance Cost?

Pricing Factors Explained

Horse’s Age exerts the strongest influence on premium calculation, with insurance costs rising sharply after age 15 as mortality and morbidity risks increase exponentially. A typical premium progression might see a 5-year-old horse quoted £250 annually for mortality and basic vet fees, the same horse at age 12 paying £350, and by age 17 facing £600-£800 for increasingly limited coverage.

Younger horses face modest premiums despite higher activity-related injury risks because statistical mortality rates remain low and most injuries resolve without permanent consequences. The sweet spot for insurance value typically falls between ages 4-12, where premiums remain reasonable while comprehensive coverage including full illness benefits remains available.

Value/Sum Insured directly correlates with premium costs through simple arithmetic—insuring a £10,000 horse costs approximately twice as much as insuring a £5,000 horse, all other factors being equal. However, higher-value horses sometimes benefit from marginally better rates per £1,000 of coverage, as administrative costs represent a smaller proportion of total premium.

Market value assessments require objectivity and honesty. Over-insuring a horse won’t result in profit from claims, as settlement occurs at verified market value regardless of sum insured. However, significant under-insurance triggers average clauses that proportionally reduce claim payments, penalizing owners who tried saving money through unrealistically low valuations.

Activity Level determines risk classification and corresponding premium multipliers. The baseline pleasure riding rate receives a factor of 1.0, while affiliated competition might carry 1.3-1.8x multipliers depending on discipline. Advanced eventing, racing, or professional polo can command 2.5-3.5x multipliers, reflecting injury statistics showing substantially higher claims frequency and severity.

Accurate activity disclosure proves legally essential. If you declare pleasure riding to secure lower premiums but actually compete regularly, AIUA can void coverage or refuse claims related to undisclosed activities. The policy schedule explicitly defines covered activities, with endorsements required for any changes during the policy year.

Vet Fee Limit Chosen significantly impacts premium calculations. Selecting £5,000 vet fee coverage versus £3,000 typically adds 35-50% to the vet fees component of your premium. However, given that single referral surgical procedures routinely exceed £3,000, the additional premium often represents worthwhile protection for horses in moderate-to-high-risk activities.

Excess Selection operates inversely to premium costs—higher excess reduces premium through reduced insurer exposure to small claims. Increasing excess from £250 to £500 might reduce vet fees premiums by 15-20%, while percentage-based excess options (10-20% of claim value) can reduce premiums by 25-35% but create uncertainty about out-of-pocket costs when claiming.

Location introduces regional variations based on veterinary costs, theft statistics, and claims experience in different postcode areas. Southern England generally commands slightly higher premiums than northern regions, reflecting both higher veterinary fees at southern clinics and increased rural crime rates affecting horse theft claims.

Claims History affects renewal premiums, though the impact varies by claim type. Small vet fee claims may have minimal impact, while multiple mortality or loss of use claims signal higher risk and trigger substantial premium increases or coverage restrictions. Some insurers penalize even declined claims where the investigation revealed heightened risks.

Sample Quote Scenarios

Young Horse, Basic Cover Example: A 6-year-old riding horse valued at £5,000, used for pleasure riding only, with £3,000 vet fees, £250 excess, and £1 million public liability might receive annual premium quotes around £280-£340 depending on location and provider. This represents baseline pricing for a low-risk profile.

Competition Horse, Comprehensive Cover: A 9-year-old affiliated eventer valued at £15,000, competing at Novice level, with £5,000 vet fees, £500 excess, £5 million public liability, personal accident cover, and permanent loss of use benefits might face annual premiums of £850-£1,100. The substantial increase reflects both higher sum insured and elevated activity risks.

Veteran Horse, Limited Cover: A 17-year-old former competition horse now used lightly for hacking, valued at £3,000, with veteran vet fees coverage (external injury only) up to £2,000, £250 excess, and basic public liability might pay £380-£480 annually. The age-related increase despite lower sum insured and reduced vet fees reflects elevated mortality risk.

Multi-Horse Discount Potential: Insuring two or more horses with AIUA through the same broker often qualifies for 5-10% multi-horse discounts, reducing per-horse costs. These discounts recognize reduced administrative expenses and reward customer loyalty, making comprehensive coverage more accessible for professional yards or multi-horse households.

Payment Options:

• Annual Payment Discount: Paying the full premium upfront typically saves 5-8% compared to installment plans
• 10 Monthly Direct Debit Installments: Spreads costs but includes interest charges typically ranging 15-20% APR
• Credit Agreement Considerations: Monthly payment plans constitute regulated credit agreements under FCA rules, requiring appropriate affordability assessments and disclosure

AIUA vs Other Major Providers – How Does It Compare?

Coverage Comparison

Feature	AIUA (via Towergate)	SEIB	Petplan Equine	Animal Friends
Maximum Vet Fee Limit	£5,000 per condition	£5,000 per condition	£4,000 per condition	£3,000 per condition
Public Liability Options	£1M – £5M	£2M – £10M	£2M – £5M	£1M – £2M
Age Coverage Range (Full Cover)	30 days – 19 years	6 weeks – 17 years	30 days – 20 years	4 months – 20 years
Veteran Cover Age	16+ years (injury only)	17+ years (limited)	17+ years (injury only)	17+ years (restricted)
Death/Theft Waiting Period	None for death, 60 days theft	None for death, 60 days theft	None for death, 90 days theft	None for death, 60 days theft
Illness Waiting Period	14 days	14 days	14 days	10 days
Multi-Horse Discount	Yes (5-10%)	Yes (10-15%)	Yes (5%)	Limited availability
Online Policy Management	Limited (broker-dependent)	Full online portal	Full online portal	Full online portal
Estimated Premium (Example)	£280-£340 (young, basic)	£300-£360	£290-£350	£250-£310

Note: Premium estimates reflect a 6-year-old pleasure horse, £5,000 value, £3,000 vet fees, £250 excess. Actual quotes vary based on individual circumstances.

Unique AIUA Advantages

Higher Vet Fee Option at £5,000 per condition positions AIUA competitively against providers capping coverage at £3,000-£4,000. This £1,000-£2,000 additional coverage proves critical for complex surgical cases where specialist referral, advanced diagnostics, and post-operative complications push total costs toward or beyond £5,000. Horse owners avoiding financial devastation from catastrophic injury or illness benefit significantly from this higher limit.

Agricultural Insurance Expertise accumulated over 20+ years in rural insurance creates genuine specialist knowledge that generalist pet insurers cannot replicate. AIUA underwriters understand equestrian insurance policy nuances around breeding risks, agricultural premises liability, and competition-related exposures because they’ve processed thousands of claims across these scenarios. This expertise translates into more accurate risk assessment and fairer premium pricing.

Broker Personalization through Towergate’s specialist broker network provides human guidance through complex coverage decisions. Rather than navigating automated quote systems alone, horse owners discuss specific circumstances with experienced advisors who explain excess implications, recommend appropriate sum insured levels based on actual market values, and suggest coverage combinations addressing individual risk profiles. This personalized service proves particularly valuable for owners new to horse insurance or those with complex needs like multiple horses, breeding operations, or high-value competition animals.

Flexible Excess Choices ranging from fixed £250-£500 options to percentage-based alternatives allow owners to optimize the premium-versus-out-of-pocket-cost balance for their financial circumstances. This flexibility accommodates both owners prioritizing low claim costs and those willing to absorb higher excess in exchange for reduced premiums, creating genuinely customizable coverage.

Potential Drawbacks

Must Go Through Broker rather than obtaining direct quotes online introduces additional friction in the quote process. While broker expertise provides value, owners simply comparing prices across multiple providers face longer timelines and more phone conversations than direct online quote systems offer. Towergate insurance phone number availability during business hours only can frustrate owners preferring evening or weekend research.

Limited Online Policy Management compared to competitors offering full-featured mobile apps and web portals represents a technological gap. While AIUA has improved digital claims submission, ongoing policy management—updating horse details, reviewing coverage, accessing policy documents—often still requires contacting your broker rather than self-service through towergate insurance login portals that some competitors provide.

Policy Wording Complexity noted in consumer reviews suggests AIUA policy documents require careful reading to fully understand coverage scope and exclusions. While legally comprehensive, the technical language and detailed conditions can overwhelm owners unfamiliar with insurance terminology, potentially leading to coverage gaps where owners misunderstood what they purchased.

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Making a Claim with AIUA

Step-by-Step Claims Process

Contact AIUA or Your Broker Immediately when incidents occur. For emergencies requiring immediate veterinary treatment, proceed with necessary care first, then notify AIUA within 24 hours. The claims notification phone number appears on your policy schedule and should be saved in your phone for urgent access. Delays in notification can complicate claims, particularly where rapid deterioration or death occurs before the insurer receives initial contact.

Complete Claim Form Promptly once you receive it from AIUA or your Towergate broker. Claim forms request detailed information about the incident, veterinary treatments provided, costs incurred, and supporting documentation. Accuracy and completeness accelerate processing—incomplete forms delay settlement while the insurer requests missing information through multiple correspondence cycles.

Provide Veterinary Documentation including itemized invoices, clinical notes, diagnostic test results, and treatment records. Vets familiar with insurance claims typically provide appropriately detailed documentation, but you may need to specifically request comprehensive records if your practice doesn’t routinely handle insurance work. Ensure invoices clearly identify your horse, the treating veterinarian, diagnosis, treatments provided, and dates of service.

Supply Photos if Applicable, particularly for injury claims where visual documentation substantiates the severity of wounds, swelling, or other visible conditions. Photographs taken immediately after injury provide objective evidence supporting your claim narrative and veterinary assessment, potentially expediting approval for claims adjusters reviewing files remotely.

Cooperate with Investigation by responding promptly to any additional information requests from claims adjusters. High-value claims or unusual circumstances may trigger more extensive investigation, potentially including requests for complete veterinary histories, previous insurance details, or clarification of policy compliance issues like vaccination currency. Cooperation and transparency facilitate faster settlements.

Await Adjuster Inspection if Needed for mortality claims or high-value loss of use claims where independent assessment proves necessary. Adjusters verify claim circumstances, inspect horses or remains where possible, and ensure claim validity before authorizing settlement. The inspection process typically adds 7-14 days to settlement timelines but protects both insurers and honest policyholders from fraudulent claims that would otherwise drive premium increases.

Claims Contact Information

Phone: 0344 346 0228 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Claims Form Location: Available through your Towergate broker or downloadable from policy documentation

Required Documentation Checklist:

• Completed claim form with all sections accurately filled
• Itemized veterinary invoices showing treatments and costs
• Veterinary clinical notes and diagnostic reports
• Photographs of injury or condition (where applicable)
• Proof of ownership (registration papers, purchase receipts)
• Vaccination and worming records demonstrating policy compliance
• Police report reference number (for theft claims)
• Advertising receipts (for theft recovery efforts, up to £200)

Typical Settlement Timeframes: Straightforward vet fee claims with complete documentation typically settle within 10-15 working days. Complex claims requiring investigation, independent veterinary opinions, or mortality assessments may extend to 4-6 weeks. Theft claims settle after the 60-day waiting period expires, assuming the horse remains unrecovered.

Tips for Smooth Claims

Keep Detailed Records from the day you acquire your horse. Maintain a file containing purchase documentation, veterinary records, vaccination certificates, competition results, and photographs documenting your horse’s condition over time. This historical record proves invaluable when demonstrating that claimed conditions are new rather than pre-existing, and establishes your horse’s use and value.

Photograph Injuries Immediately when accidents occur, capturing multiple angles showing severity before treatments that might obscure the original condition. These photos substantiate claims and help adjusters assess incident circumstances, particularly valuable if complications later develop that weren’t immediately apparent.

Don’t Delay Vet Treatment due to insurance concerns. Policy conditions typically require owners to obtain necessary veterinary care promptly and don’t penalize reasonable treatment decisions made in good faith, even if claims are later partially declined for unrelated reasons. Delayed treatment that allows conditions to worsen can actually harm claims by introducing questions about whether prompt intervention would have reduced costs or improved outcomes.

Maintain Vaccination Records meticulously, ensuring your horse receives boosters according to manufacturer schedules and veterinary recommendations. Certification of current vaccinations proves policy compliance and eliminates a potential claim denial avenue. Many vets provide reminder services—use them.

Understand Your Excess before claiming. For £300 vet bills with £250 excess, claiming only saves £50 while potentially impacting your claims history and future premiums. However, for £4,500 surgical procedures, the excess becomes trivial compared to the financial protection insurance provides. Strategic claiming focuses coverage on genuinely catastrophic expenses rather than routine minor costs.

Read Policy Conditions Carefully particularly sections detailing exclusions, waiting periods, and claims procedures. Understanding these conditions before incidents occur prevents disappointments when claims are declined due to preventable compliance failures like missing vaccination deadlines or failing to notify the insurer within required timeframes.

How to Get AIUA Equine Insurance

Finding an AIUA Broker

Broker Network Explanation: AIUA operates exclusively through appointed brokers rather than direct-to-consumer sales, meaning you cannot purchase policies directly from AIUA. This broker-based distribution model ensures specialist advisory services but requires identifying appropriate brokers in your area or willing to serve you remotely.

Towergate Offices Locations span the UK with particular concentration in rural and agricultural areas where equestrian insurance demand concentrates. Major offices operate in regions with high horse populations including Gloucestershire, Yorkshire, Devon, and across the Home Counties. Towergate insurance phone number directories available through their website help locate your nearest specialist agricultural insurance branch.

Rank	Country	Number of Horses (Millions)
1	United States	10.3M
2	Mexico	6.4M
3	Brazil	5.8M
4	Mongolia	4.8M
5	Kazakhstan	3.9M

Online Broker Search Tools provided by AIUA and Towergate help identify authorized brokers servicing your postcode area. These directories typically filter by insurance specialism, allowing you to confirm equine insurance expertise before making contact. Some brokers handle all AIUA agricultural products while others specialize specifically in equine and livestock insurance.

What to Ask Your Broker during initial conversations includes:

• Experience handling equine insurance specifically
• Range of underwriters offered beyond AIUA for comparison
• Commission structure and whether they receive contingent commissions based on claims ratios
• Policy management services provided (coverage reviews, claims assistance)
• Communication preferences and availability outside standard business hours

Documents Needed for Quote typically include:

• Horse’s age, breed, and sex
• Current market value estimate or recent purchase price
• Intended use (pleasure, competition, breeding)
• Veterinary history summary including major illnesses or injuries within past 3 years
• Competition level and discipline if applicable
• Your claims history from previous insurers
• Current location and livery arrangements

Application Process

Horse Details Required extend beyond basic identification to include comprehensive information about health status, competition history, breeding value, and any characteristics affecting risk assessment. Brokers may request recent photographs showing the horse’s condition, particularly for higher-value animals requiring careful valuation.

Valuation Considerations determine sum insured levels. Recent purchase prices provide objective evidence for recently acquired horses, though values may fluctuate based on performance or market conditions. For horses owned several years, brokers may request comparable sales data, professional valuations, or competition results substantiating stated values. Breeding stock valuation incorporates bloodline quality, produce records, and reproductive success.

Vetting Requirements apply selectively based on horse value, age, and insurance history. Horses valued above £7,500-£10,000 may require pre-insurance veterinary examinations confirming health status and identifying any conditions that might otherwise constitute fraudulent non-disclosure. These examinations, conducted by approved vets at owner expense, protect both insurer and policyholder by establishing documented baseline health.

Policy Start Dates can often be arranged within 24-48 hours for straightforward cases without vetting requirements. Immediate coverage proves essential when purchasing horses or losing coverage with another provider. However, the 14-day illness exclusion period means full protection doesn’t activate immediately—accidental injuries receive immediate coverage while illness-related claims require the waiting period to elapse.

Cooling-Off Period Rights under FCA regulations provide 14 days from policy receipt to cancel for full premium refund if you haven’t made claims. This consumer protection allows time to review policy wording carefully and ensure coverage meets your expectations. After the cooling-off period, mid-term cancellation typically results in pro-rata premium refunds minus administrative charges, unless claims have been made.

Expert Tips for Choosing Horse Insurance

Assessing Your Coverage Needs

Basic vs Comprehensive Decision depends primarily on your horse’s value, your financial resilience, and risk tolerance. Basic mortality and third-party liability coverage protects against catastrophic losses—death, theft, or substantial legal liability—while comprehensive packages adding vet fees insurance address the more common moderate expenses that can still disrupt budgets.

Financial analysis helps: Can you comfortably absorb £3,000-£5,000 in unexpected vet bills? If not, comprehensive vet fees coverage makes sense. If your emergency fund could cover such expenses, you might prefer basic coverage while self-insuring against veterinary costs, pocketing the £200-£400 annual premium difference.

Vet Fee Limit Considerations should reflect both your horse’s activity level and local veterinary cost reality. Research typical surgical costs at your local equine hospital or likely referral center. If standard colic surgery costs £4,500-£6,000 in your region, £3,000 coverage leaves you substantially exposed. The £5,000 option provides more complete protection, though premiums increase accordingly.

Activity-based risk also matters. Conservative pleasure riders might accept £3,000 limits knowing injury probability remains low, while competition riders facing statistically higher injury rates benefit from maximum available coverage.

Liability Protection Importance cannot be overstated given legal costs and injury compensation awards that can reach six or seven figures. While horses causing serious human injury remain relatively rare, the financial consequences of such incidents justify substantial liability coverage for minimal additional premium. £5 million coverage typically costs only £20-£40 more annually than £1 million, representing excellent value for catastrophic risk protection.

Personal Accident Worth depends on your existing accident insurance through employer benefits, private policies, or critical illness coverage. If comprehensively covered elsewhere, equine personal accident add-ons provide redundant protection not worth the premium. However, self-employed riders or those with limited accident coverage might value the additional £10,000-£20,000 benefit layer.

Budget Balancing sometimes requires compromise between ideal coverage and affordable premiums. Strategies for cost management include:

• Selecting higher excess to reduce premiums while maintaining core coverage
• Starting with basic coverage then upgrading as finances improve
• Comparing multiple providers (through your broker) for competitive pricing
• Taking advantage of multi-horse discounts if insuring multiple animals
• Paying annually rather than monthly to avoid interest charges

Policy Reading Essentials

Key Terms to Understand before signing include:

• Sum Insured: Maximum payable for total loss
• Market Value: Actual settlement basis regardless of sum insured
• Excess: Your payment before insurance responds
• Policy Schedule: Document specifying your specific coverage, limits, and exclusions
• Endorsement: Modifications to standard policy terms
• Material Fact: Information that would influence insurer’s decision or pricing

Red Flag Exclusions deserving particular attention include:

• Pre-existing condition definitions and lookback periods
• Activity restrictions limiting coverage to declared uses
• Geographical limitations on where horses can be kept or ridden
• Sub-limits buried within broader coverages (e.g., £150 euthanasia within mortality cover)
• Average clauses penalizing under-insurance

Renewal Terms governing how policies renew annually warrant advance review. Some insurers reserve rights to modify terms, increase premiums substantially, or exclude newly developed conditions at renewal. Understanding these terms prevents surprises when renewal documents arrive with unexpected changes.

Cancellation Rights extend beyond the 14-day cooling-off period to address scenarios where you sell your horse, change insurers, or no longer require coverage. Most policies allow mid-term cancellation with pro-rata premium refunds minus administrative charges, provided no claims have been made. However, some providers impose minimum premium retention percentages or declining refund scales.

Policy Amendment Process for changes during the policy year—purchasing additional horses, changing activities, updating horse values—typically requires formal endorsements arranged through your broker. These amendments may trigger premium adjustments, additional underwriting, or coverage restrictions depending on the nature of changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About AIUA Equine Insurance

Is AIUA horse insurance more expensive than competitors?

AIUA pricing sits in the mid-range compared to direct competitors like SEIB and Petplan Equine, typically within 5–10% either direction depending on specific risk factors. The broker-based model adds slight costs versus direct online providers but includes personalized service value.

Can I insure multiple horses under one policy?

Yes, AIUA accommodates multi-horse policies with discounts of 5–10% for two or more horses insured together. This reduces administrative costs, rewards loyalty, and simplifies policy management.

What happens if my horse has a pre-existing condition?

Pre-existing conditions receive no coverage, but you can still insure against new, unrelated conditions. Full disclosure during application prevents later claim disputes or policy voidance for non-disclosure.

Does AIUA cover colic surgery?

Yes, colic surgery falls within vet fees insurance coverage, provided it occurs after waiting periods and the horse had no pre-existing colic history that would count as a pre-existing condition.

How quickly can I get covered?

Coverage can commence within 24–48 hours for straightforward applications without vetting requirements. However, the 14-day illness exclusion period means full protection doesn’t activate immediately for illness-related claims.

Are there breed restrictions?

AIUA accepts most breeds, though certain high-risk breeding lines or horses with documented hereditary conditions may face exclusions or premium loadings. Grey horses aged 12+ typically have explicit melanoma exclusions in mortality cover.

What if I want to change my horse’s activities?

Contact your broker immediately to endorse your policy to reflect new activities. Coverage does not automatically extend to undisclosed uses, and claims related to undisclosed activities may be declined.

Can I cancel my policy mid-term?

Yes, with pro-rata premium refunds minus administrative charges, provided no claims were made. The 14-day cooling-off period allows full refunds.

Does the policy cover horses abroad?

Standard policies typically cover horses temporarily abroad in EU countries for up to 30–90 days annually. Permanent relocation or extended stays require specialist international coverage.

What’s the difference between AIUA and Everywhen?

Everywhen represents a branding consolidation within the Ardonagh Group. AIUA policies and underwriting expertise remain unchanged, though Everywhen branding may appear on documentation.

How do I prove my horse’s value?

Recent purchase receipts, comparable sales data, professional valuations, competition records, or breeding produce records can all substantiate declared values during underwriting and claims assessment.

Are dental treatments covered?

Only if directly resulting from accidental external trauma. Routine dental care, age-related deterioration, and non-traumatic dental disease are outside vet fees coverage.

What’s not covered by public liability?

Claims arising from deliberate acts, professional competitions where event organizers require separate coverage, and scenarios where you assumed liability contractually beyond standard common-law obligations are typically excluded.

Can I upgrade my policy mid-term?

Yes, through policy endorsements arranged with your broker. Premium adjustments and possibly additional underwriting may apply depending on the coverage increases requested.

How does the 14-day illness exclusion work?

Any illness showing first clinical signs within 14 days of coverage commencement receives no coverage, preventing adverse selection. Accidental injuries receive immediate coverage from policy inception.

Final Verdict: Is Towergate AIUA Right for You?

Best For:

• Owners Wanting Higher Vet Fee Limits appreciate AIUA’s £5,000 per condition option, providing superior protection against complex surgical cases and prolonged treatments that can easily exceed £3,000-£4,000 limits offered by some competitors.
• Those Preferring Broker Expertise value personalized guidance through coverage decisions, premium optimization strategies, and claims support rather than navigating insurance decisions alone through automated online systems.
• Multiple Horse Owners benefit from 5-10% multi-horse discounts that make comprehensive coverage more affordable when insuring two or more horses, potentially saving hundreds of pounds annually.
• Competition Horses Needing Specialist Cover requiring higher public liability limits, permanent loss of use coverage, and activity-specific endorsements receive better service from specialist brokers like Towergate who understand competitive equestrian risks than generalist pet insurers.

Consider Alternatives If:

• You Want Instant Online Quotes for quick price comparisons without broker conversations, as AIUA’s broker-based model requires phone or email interactions that add time to the quote process.
• Simple Needs Require Basic Cover Only and you’re comfortable with direct online insurers offering streamlined products at potentially lower prices for straightforward low-value horses used exclusively for pleasure riding.
• Budget is Extremely Tight and you need the absolute minimum premium possible, potentially sacrificing broker service and specialist expertise for commodity pricing from direct online providers.
• You Prefer Direct Insurers offering full-featured mobile apps, comprehensive online policy management, and 24/7 digital claims submission without broker intermediation.

Conclusion

AIUA’s 2026 enhancements—particularly the £5,000 vet fee option and improved digital claims processing—strengthen their competitive position in the UK equine insurance market. The broker-based model through Towergate provides valuable specialist expertise, though owners preferring direct online service may find competitors more aligned with their preferences.

Careful assessment of your horse’s value, activity level, and your financial resilience guides optimal coverage selection, balancing comprehensive protection against premium affordability.

Contact a Towergate specialist broker today to receive personalized quotes reflecting your specific circumstances and ensure your horse receives appropriate financial protection throughout 2026.

About the Author

Innovasport

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I’m Dilawar Mughal, the heart behind Innovasport, bringing you blessings, quotes, and inspiring paragraphs to spark joy. Off the screen, I enjoy stargazing, learning new skills, and spending time with loved ones.

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