Towergate Equine Insurance is one of the most trusted specialist horse insurance options available to UK horse owners in 2026.
Whether you own a leisure hacker, a competition show jumper, a veteran horse, or a breeding mare, this guide breaks down every plan, cost factor, coverage option, exclusion, and claims step you need to know.
We have analysed every major competitor page and distilled everything into one clear, practical resource. No jargon. No fluff. Just the honest, detailed information every horse owner in the UK deserves before spending a single pound on equine cover this year.
Towergate Equine Insurance is a specialist horse and pony insurance product sold through Towergate, one of the UK’s largest specialist insurance brokers. Towergate has decades of expertise in agricultural, rural, and equestrian insurance markets.
The policies are underwritten through AIUA — which stands for Agricultural Insurance Underwriting Agency — a trading name of Geo Underwriting Services Ltd. Geo Underwriting is part of the wider Ardonagh Group of companies.
In 2026, Towergate’s consumer-facing equine insurance operations are also being rebranded under the name Everywhen, following an Ardonagh Group restructuring. Existing policyholders remain covered without any gap, and the core AIUA products remain unchanged under the new branding.
Towergate Equine Insurance is designed for a wide range of horse owners and equestrian businesses across the UK. Understanding which category fits you helps you find the right plan quickly.
Towergate and AIUA offer a clear range of policy types. Here is a breakdown of each plan and what it covers.
| Policy Type | Who It Is For | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Horse Insurance | Leisure and competition horses up to 19 years | Mortality, theft, straying, optional vet fees, public liability |
| Veteran Horse Insurance | Horses aged 16 and over | Death by accidental injury, theft, straying, public liability up to £2 million, optional vet fees for accident |
| Pony Insurance | All pony breeds and ages | Mortality, public liability, personal accident, optional tack cover up to £5,000 |
| Multi Horse Insurance | Owners of two or more horses | All standard covers grouped under one policy and renewal |
| Horsebox Insurance | Horsebox owners of all sizes | Comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, or third-party only options |
| Livery Yard and Stables Insurance | Commercial livery and riding schools | Premises, liability, equipment, and business cover |
| Breeding Stock Insurance | Mares, stallions, and breeding operations | Pregnancy complications, foaling emergencies, standard mortality |
This is Towergate’s core equine product. It provides mortality coverage against death by accident, illness, or disease, along with theft and straying protection as standard inclusions.
Horses up to 19 years of age can be insured on full cover. Vet fee options start at £2,500 per incident and go up to £5,000 per incident on the 2026 enhanced tier — a significant improvement reflecting UK veterinary cost inflation.
Optional add-ons include personal accident, permanent loss of use, saddlery and tack cover, loss of entry fees, and stable loss cover. Each add-on is priced separately so you only pay for the protection you genuinely need.
Towergate’s veteran policy is a fixed benefit package built specifically for horses and ponies aged 16 and over. It provides death by accidental external injury caused by bone fracture or visible external wounds, theft, straying, and public liability up to £2 million as standard.
Vet fees under veteran cover are available for accidental injury only — not illness — which is standard practice across all UK veteran equine policies. Optional vet fee limits of up to £3,000 are available for accidental injury treatment.
Optional extras include personal accident for the rider, permanent loss of use, and saddlery and tack cover. Euthanasia and disposal costs may also be included depending on the specific policy schedule.
Towergate’s pony insurance mirrors the structure of horse insurance but is designed for pony breeds of all ages. Public liability cover is included as standard, with a minimum of £1 million and options up to £5 million.
Tack cover can be added as an optional extra up to £5,000 per pony. Lawshield legal expenses cover, personal injury, uninsured losses, and contract dispute cover up to £50,000 can also be added to the policy.
This policy groups individual horse policies under a single schedule, one renewal date, and one premium payment. Each horse can have different activity levels, vet fee limits, and coverage selections tailored individually.
The administration benefit alone makes this the preferred choice for anyone managing more than two horses. There is no compromise on coverage — each horse receives exactly the same quality of protection as under an individual policy.
Towergate’s horsebox cover offers fully comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party only options. Unlike standard vehicle insurance, Towergate does not assume fixed depreciation — market value is assessed at the time of loss, giving owners a fairer payout.
Drivers from age 17 upward can be covered, including young drivers and named drivers. European driving, breakdown cover, and legal costs can be added as optional extras. A mileage discount applies for horseboxes doing under 10,000 miles annually.
This commercial policy covers riding schools, private livery yards, and equestrian centres. It includes premises cover, public and employer liability, equipment, and business interruption options.
Risk inspections for jumping courses, horse walkers, and other facilities can influence premiums. Towergate specialist advisors help yard owners identify which covers are legally required and which are commercially prudent.
Here is a clear breakdown of every coverage category available across Towergate equine policies.
| Coverage Category | What It Includes | Standard or Optional |
|---|---|---|
| Equine Mortality | Death by accident, illness, or disease | Standard |
| Theft and Straying | Financial payout if horse is stolen or strays for 28+ days | Standard |
| Advertising Costs | Cost of advertising a missing horse | Standard |
| Public Liability | Legal costs if your horse injures a person or damages property | Standard (most policies) |
| Vet Fees | Treatment costs for accident or illness up to policy limit | Optional |
| Personal Accident | Cover for rider or handler death and bodily injury | Optional |
| Permanent Loss of Use | Payout if horse is permanently unable to be used | Optional |
| Saddlery and Tack | Cover for saddles, bridles, rugs, boots, and equipment | Optional |
| Loss of Entry Fees | Reimbursement of pre-paid competition entry fees | Optional |
| Stable Loss Cover | Loss of stable-related equipment and property | Optional |
| Legal Expenses | Contract disputes, uninsured losses, Lawshield cover | Optional |
| Euthanasia and Disposal | Costs of putting down and disposing of a horse humanely | Included in some plans |
| Breeding Stock Cover | Pregnancy complications and foaling emergencies | Specialist add-on |
Towergate Equine Insurance premiums are personalised, meaning no two quotes are identical. Understanding the key pricing factors helps you get a fair quote and spot ways to manage costs.
| Pricing Factor | Effect on Premium | Owner Control |
|---|---|---|
| Horse age (older) | Increases premium | None |
| Higher vet fee limit | Increases premium | Choose lower limit to save |
| Lower excess | Increases premium | Raise excess to reduce cost |
| Competition discipline (higher level) | Increases premium | Disclose accurately |
| Higher horse value | Increases premium | Reflects market value |
| Urban / high-theft location | May increase premium | Limited |
| Pre-existing conditions | Excluded from cover | Limited |
| Multi-horse policy | Discount available | Group horses together |
Every Towergate equine policy involves an excess — the amount you contribute to any claim before insurance pays out. Understanding excess types prevents nasty surprises at claim time.
Flat excess means you pay a fixed pound amount regardless of claim size. For example, if your flat excess is £300 and your vet bill is £1,200, you pay £300 and Towergate pays £900.
Co-insurance contribution excess is a percentage-based structure. If your co-insurance excess is 20% and your vet bill is £1,200, you pay £240 and Towergate pays £960. On very large claims this percentage-based excess can result in a much higher personal contribution.
AIUA through Towergate offers flexible excess choices ranging from fixed £250 to £500 options and percentage-based alternatives. Choosing carefully based on your financial resilience and claim likelihood is essential.
For horsebox insurance, the standard excess is £100 for accidental damage and fire and theft, though this can vary depending on the specific insurer requirements and your profile.
Knowing what is excluded is just as important as knowing what is covered. These are the standard exclusions across Towergate AIUA equine policies.
Pre-existing conditions are universally excluded. Any illness, injury, or condition your horse suffered before the policy started will not be covered if it recurs. The 2026 policy wording now includes clearer definitions of what counts as pre-existing versus a new condition.
The 14-day illness exclusion period means that illness or disease arising within the first 14 days of a new policy is not covered. This prevents owners from taking out insurance immediately after a horse falls ill.
Grey horse melanoma exclusion is particularly important. Death from melanomas, cancerous tumours, or growths is explicitly excluded from standard mortality cover for grey horses aged 12 and over, reflecting the very high prevalence of melanoma in this demographic.
Slaughter without prior consent is excluded unless carried out on humane grounds. Slaughter for economic convenience or as a result of an undiagnosed behavioural condition is also excluded.
Routine and elective procedures such as routine fertility treatments, planned castrations, and elective dental work are excluded from vet fee cover. Cover applies to emergency and unexpected veterinary need only.
Vaccination and worming requirements must be maintained throughout the policy period. Failure to vaccinate or worm as required can result in claims being declined.
| Exclusion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pre-existing conditions | Any condition present before policy start date |
| 14-day illness period | Illness arising in first 14 days not covered |
| Grey horse melanoma | Excluded for grey horses aged 12 and over |
| Slaughter without consent | Unless on humane veterinary grounds |
| Economic destruction | Not covered if horse destroyed for financial reasons |
| Routine and elective procedures | Not covered under vet fees |
| Unvaccinated horses | Claims may be void if vaccination not maintained |
| Riding for financial gain | Personal accident cover excludes commercial riding |
Getting a quote from Towergate is straightforward. Because AIUA policies are sold exclusively through authorised insurance brokers, you will always speak with a specialist rather than navigate a purely automated online system.
Step 1 — Gather your horse’s details. You will need the horse’s age, breed, value, intended use, competition level if applicable, and full veterinary history including any pre-existing conditions.
Step 2 — Contact Towergate directly. Call the specialist equine team or use the broker locator tool on the Towergate website to find your nearest office. You can also contact Everywhen (the rebranded consumer platform) for the same AIUA products.
Step 3 — Discuss your coverage needs. The specialist broker will walk through every coverage option, explain excess choices, and recommend a combination suited to your horse’s profile and your budget.
Step 4 — Review the quote carefully. Check the sum insured for mortality matches your horse’s actual market value. Review excess amounts, vet fee limits, and optional extras before accepting.
Step 5 — Choose your payment method. Towergate equine premiums can be paid annually as a single payment or spread across 10 equal monthly Direct Debit instalments through Premium Credit Limited (PCL), subject to acceptance.
Making a claim efficiently starts with knowing the process before an emergency happens.
For standard claims, call the Towergate equine claims team on 01536 486 060 during normal business hours. Have your policy number, a description of what happened, and any supporting documentation ready before you call.
For AIUA claims, the dedicated claims line is 01423 795 100 during business hours. An out-of-hours emergency line is available on 0330 123 0288.
For horsebox insurance claims, call 0344 346 0228.
The claims process involves obtaining a veterinary certificate confirming treatment, completing the AIUA or Towergate claim form, and submitting all documents through your broker or the 2026 digital claims portal. Photographs should be provided where requested to support the claim.
Colic surgery is covered under vet fees insurance provided the horse has no pre-existing colic history, the policy has been active beyond the 14-day exclusion period, and prior consent has been obtained from the insurer where practically possible.
Understanding how Towergate stacks up against other major UK equine insurers helps you make a confident decision.
| Provider | Policy Style | Best For | Vet Fee Limit | Direct Online Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Towergate / AIUA | Broker-based | Competition, veteran, multi-horse owners | Up to £5,000 per incident | No — via broker |
| Petplan Equine | Direct to consumer | Owners wanting online management | Up to £5,000 | Yes |
| SEIB Insurance Group | Broker and direct | Rural and agricultural crossover owners | Varies by policy | Partial |
| NFU Mutual | Branch-based | Farmers with horses as part of rural holdings | Varies by policy | No — via branch |
| Everywhen | Online consumer | Owners wanting digital-first experience | Same AIUA products | Improving 2026 |
Towergate through AIUA is the strongest fit for owners who want specialist human guidance, have competition horses, veteran horses, breeding mares, or multiple horses. The broker model adds expertise and personalisation that no automated quote system can replicate.
Owners who prefer a fully self-service online experience or who own lower-value horses may find direct providers like Petplan Equine a more convenient fit for their needs.
The 2026 policy year has brought several meaningful changes that affect horse owners renewing or taking out new policies right now.
There are practical steps every horse owner can take to manage the cost of Towergate equine insurance without compromising essential protection.
Choose a higher excess. Selecting a flat excess of £500 instead of £250 typically reduces your annual premium meaningfully. Only do this if you can comfortably afford to cover that excess amount when a claim arises.
Group horses under a multi-horse policy. If you own two or more horses, a multi-horse policy under Towergate often attracts a cost benefit compared to maintaining separate individual policies.
Select vet fee coverage that matches your financial resilience. If you have savings that could cover a £2,000 vet bill, a lower vet fee limit frees up premium budget. If an unexpected £5,000 surgery would be financially catastrophic, invest in the higher tier.
Keep vaccination and worming records current. A horse without up-to-date vaccination records can have claims voided. Maintaining records also demonstrates low-risk ownership, which can support a smoother claims experience.
Declare accurately. Over-insuring a horse’s market value increases your premium unnecessarily. Have your horse valued by a qualified agent or vet and insure at realistic market value rather than sentimental value.
Standard policies include equine mortality, theft, straying, and advertising costs if a horse goes missing. Public liability is also included on most Towergate plans as standard.
Premiums vary based on horse age, breed, value, activity level, and vet fee limit chosen. There is no fixed price — you must get a personalised quote through a Towergate specialist broker.
Yes. Towergate offers dedicated Equi-Veteran Cover for horses aged 16 and over. It provides death by accidental injury, theft, straying, and public liability up to £2 million as standard, with optional vet fees for accidental injury.
Illness or disease arising within the first 14 days of a new policy is not covered. This prevents last-minute insurance after a horse has already fallen ill.
Yes, provided the horse has no pre-existing colic history, the policy has been active beyond 14 days, and prior insurer consent has been obtained where practically possible.
Everywhen is the new consumer-facing brand name for Towergate’s equine insurance products following an Ardonagh Group rebrand. The underlying AIUA policies, coverage, and claims process remain identical.
Yes. Premiums can be spread across 10 equal monthly Direct Debit payments through Premium Credit Limited (PCL), subject to acceptance. This makes cover more accessible for owners managing monthly cash flow.
Pre-existing conditions, illness in the first 14 days, routine procedures, elective treatments, and melanoma in grey horses aged 12 and over are all excluded from vet fee cover.
Call the claims team on 01536 486 060, gather your vet certificate and policy number, complete the claim form, and submit through your broker or the 2026 digital claims portal.
Yes. Towergate offers dedicated horsebox insurance with fully comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party only options, including cover for drivers aged 17 and over and European driving.
Towergate Equine Insurance remains one of the most well-established and specialist-led equine insurance options for UK horse owners in 2026.
Its strength lies in the broker-based model — you always deal with a specialist who understands equine risk rather than an automated system.
The AIUA product range, underwritten by AXA and distributed through Towergate and Everywhen, covers everything from a single leisure pony to a yard full of competition horses, veteran animals, and breeding mares.
The 2026 updates to vet fee limits, digital claims processing, and policy wording clarity make it a stronger product than in previous years.
Whether you are insuring your first horse or reviewing cover for an entire yard, getting a personalised quote from a Towergate specialist is the right starting point. Compare your options, understand your excess choices, and choose the coverage that genuinely protects both your horse and your finances.