Freelance groom insurance for all you stables work
Freelance groom insurance from a panel of trusted UK insurers
Insure your horse groom business for liability with zero hassle
Freelance groom insurance is a public liability policy that protects equine professionals against claims for injuries or property damage that occur while working with horses or at client properties. It ensures financial protection for grooms handling unpredictable animals and specialised equipment.
In partnership with some of the leading UK insurers, we’ll not only get you a better freelance groom insurance deal with the best cover available, we work hard to keep you as a customer year after year.
Whatever you do for business, whether you’re a sole trader or limited business owner, we understand that you need to protect your livelihood.
24/7 claims service
We’re here for you round the clock when you need us most.
Fairer prices for all
As a specialist insurance broker, we search our panel of leading UK insurers to find the right policy for your horse grooming business.
World-class support
Our UK-based expert team are here to provide you with dedicated support.
We use a combination of technology and a wealth of experience to give you unrivalled cover and more affordable public liability insurance prices. Get a freelance groom liability insurance quote today.
With over 50 years of experience providing top-quality insurance for public liability, you can be sure we’ve got you covered.
What is freelance groom insurance?
Freelance groom insurance is a public liability policy that protects equine professionals against claims for injuries or property damage that occur while working with horses or at client properties. It ensures financial protection for grooms handling unpredictable animals and specialised equipment.
It covers a range of scenarios where your freelance grooming services could be held legally responsible for causing harm or damage.
Some key areas it typically includes are injury to third parties, damage to third-party property, legal expenses, and compensation claims.
Public liability insurance is crucial to horse grooms for several reasons:
- Business reputation: Insurance assures clients and yard owners that you take safety and professionalism seriously.
- Financial protection: Accidents such as horse kicks, falls, or broken tack can result in claims, which insurance helps cover.
- Client Requirements: Horse owners and equestrian centres often prefer or require proof of insurance before hiring you.
The benefits of a horse groom insurance policy
Personal injury claims
Freelance groom insurance protects you if someone is injured while you’re handling a horse, such as a member of the public being kicked or knocked over.
Damage to property
If you accidentally damage property, such as a stable, fencing, or a client’s tack, this insurance ensures you’re covered.
Legal protection
Freelance groom insurance covers legal fees for defending your business against claims, whether or not you’re at fault.
* Subject to your chosen level of policy cover and the prevailing policy excess.
How much does freelance groom insurance cost?
This depends on the nature and size of your freelance business, the level of risk involved and any claims history you might have.
The cost of public liability insurance varies based on several factors:
Type of cover
Cover levels typically start at £1 million and affect premiums. Higher limits may be needed with high-value horses or at large yards.
Nature of business
Premiums may be higher for grooms offering additional services, such as clipping, schooling, or exercising horses.
Location
Where you operate can also influence premiums, with busy livery yards or event environments increasing potential risks.
Business size and turnover
Grooms with a busy schedule and multiple clients may face higher premiums due to increased handling time and exposure.
Number of employees
If you work with other freelance grooms or assistants, this can raise your premium due to the added risk of third-party claims.
Claims history
A claims history can influence pricing; horse grooms with no prior incidents often secure lower premiums than those with.
Freelance groom insurance frequently asked questions
When do I need to get freelance groom public liability insurance?
As soon as you start working with horses for clients on a freelance basis. Working with horses carries significant risks — they're large, powerful animals that can cause serious injury to people and damage to property. Cover should be in place before you take on any freelance grooming work.
Is freelance groom public liability insurance a legal requirement?
No — it isn't a legal requirement in the UK. However, many yards, stables, and event organisers will require proof of insurance before allowing you to work on their premises. Professional equestrian associations also commonly require it as a condition of membership or accreditation.
What does freelance groom public liability insurance actually cover?
It covers compensation claims and legal fees if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your freelance grooming activities — for example, a visitor to the yard being injured due to your actions, or damage to a client's property while carrying out your work. Cover relating to animals themselves can vary significantly between policies. Speak to our team on 0345 222 6318 to make sure your policy covers your specific situation.
What isn't covered by freelance groom public liability insurance?
Every policy is different, and cover relating to animals — including injury caused by a pet in your care — can vary depending on your specific policy and insurer. It's important to understand exactly what your policy includes before you start working with clients. Our team is happy to walk you through the details on 0345 222 6318.
What limit of cover should I choose?
Standard cover starts at £1 million. However, given that horses are high-value animals and horse-related incidents can result in serious personal injury claims, £2 million or £5 million is often more appropriate. Many yards and competition organisers will also specify a minimum cover level. Check the requirements of the venues and clients you work with before selecting your cover.
Is public liability insurance tax deductible?
Yes — business insurance is an allowable expense, which means you can deduct the cost when calculating your taxable profit. Make sure you keep your policy documents and receipts as records for HMRC. If you're unsure, speak to your accountant.
Do you provide evidence of cover?
Yes — you'll receive proof of cover instantly when your policy is in place, which you can share with yards and event organisers straight away. If you also take out employers' liability cover, a Certificate of Employers' Liability will be issued immediately.
Why can I trust insurd?
We've been arranging insurance for over 50 years — now trading as insurd — and we're authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Register Number: 308508), and over a thousand real customers have shared their experiences with us on Trustpilot.
You can verify our status directly on the FCA register.
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