As horse owners, we know that one thing is certain – horses are unpredictable. Riding both the highs and the lows comes part and parcel with an equine partner, and HQ Insurance is passionate about providing peace of mind.

HQ Insurance is a specialised equine insurance brokerage with access to four of the world’s leading bloodstock underwriters. The team at HQ is passionate about horses and their Sportshorse Insurance department, headed by Maggie Johnston, is especially passionate about all things equine.

Born in the saddle, Maggie grew up with horses on the farm mustering stock and has also competed in a wide range of sportshorse disciplines, including eventing, show jumping, showing, barrel racing and mounted games. She has a strong understanding of the sportshorse industry, and the people involved in it. After completing a Diploma in Equine Business Management at Marcus Oldham in 2018, Maggie moved to Canada to Work for Hansma Cutting Horses, one of North America’s leading cutting horse trainers. Now, she’s a proud member of HQ.

“We pride ourselves on our
client base, reputation, and delivery
of unmatched service.”

WHY INSURE WITH HQ INSURANCE?

“The equine industry is a people business, and like insurance, it is based on trust, relationships, and service,” explains Maggie. “We pride ourselves on our client base, reputation, and delivery of unmatched service. Our team, including myself, own their own horses and ride in sportshorse disciplines. They understand how important your horse is to you. We have the greatest understanding of this industry and the people involved in it.”

For horse owners, the health, wellbeing and performance of their equine partner is paramount; at HQ, it’s all about protecting that partnership.

“That’s why we have a dedicated claims management team working alongside our Accredited Veterinarian Surgeon, Dr Andrew Dart, who is available for emergency consultation at any time free of charge to give our clients the peace of mind they need,” continues Maggie. “All claims under $150,000 are processed within 24 hours.”

All HQ policies are based on an Agreed Value Clause, meaning they will pay out the sum you are insured for on the policy, unlike Fair Market Value. “We pay out what you pay for,” explains Maggie.

“Not to mention, we also provide a premium funding option through Hunter Premium Funding Services to all our clients, regardless of the sum insured, allowing the premium payment to be made in nine monthly instalments instead of needing to pay the full premium amount upfront.”

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

HQ Insurance base cover includes:

· Mortality

· Theft

· Transit within and between Australia and New Zealand

· Renewal Extension is available for horses up to 14 years of age; this extension is available for any horse under 14 to renew their policy without the need of a declaration of health or vet certificate each year

· Agreed value

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS

Life Saving Surgery

HQ offers two Life Saving Surgery Cover amounts up to and including $10,000 at an additional cost of $150 to the premium and $15,000 at an additional $300 to the premium. Each claim requires an excess of $500. This cover is available for any surgery deemed required by a certified veterinarian to save the horse’s life. Common Life Saving Surgeries include colic, snake bite, respiratory failure and degenerative joint disease.

Loss of Use

HQ is the ONLY equine insurer guaranteed to provide loss of use cover to any horse performing in any discipline, including higher risk categories of performance such as barrel racing, campdrafting and all cow horse disciplines.

HQ offers two options for Loss of Use cover including:

Restricted Loss of Use. This option will provide cover for any external accidental injury which results in the horse becoming incapable of fulfilling the functions and duties required for its principal use. This cover is subject to a current veterinary certificate and five-stage vetting examination.

Comprehensive (or full) Loss of Use. This option will provide cover for a horse sustaining an accidental internal injury or contracting an illness which results in the horse becoming totally and permanently incapable of competing to any level. This cover is subject to a current veterinary certificate, five-stage vetting examination and X-rays on all four limbs.

HQ will pay out 60% of the sum insured of the horse for any Loss of Use claim.

Stallion Permanent Disability

HQ offers the cheapest stallion disability additional cover option on the market. This extension covers total and permanent disability as a result of an accident, sickness or disease whereby the stallion becomes totally and permanently infertile or incapable of serving mares.

Prospective Foal Cover

This cover extension indemnifies the insured against a loss arising from the mare losing the foal during pregnancy or during birth and continues to cover the foal until the expiry date chosen. This cover is incepted from a 45-day scan confirmation and is applicable to live coverings, AI and embryo transfers. This cover is available for 6 or 12 month periods.

There’s good reason HQ Insurance is considered the superior equine insurer. EQ

You can find out more about HQ’s Sporthorse Insurance here. To get a free and competitive quote, contact Maggie directly about the cover options to suit your needs. You can call her on 0499 937 902 or email: maggie@hqinsurance.com.au