278.49

Insurance can be confusing, but it is important to understand the difference types and be aware of what is and isn't your insurance covering you for. 

There are two key types of insurance to consider:

Personal accident insurance - this will cover you in the case of an accident at work. It is sensible for all grooms that work with horses to have this cover, whether you are freelance or employed.  It is important to check that your personal accident insurance covers you whilst you are at work. (most do not as they are recreational policies) Be aware... policies such as the BHS Gold or Harry Hall do NOT cover you for when you are working with horses. Check the small print. BGA Bronze, Silver and Platinum memberships all include personal accident insurance.

Liability insurance - Public Liability insurance provides cover against claims made by a third party who has suffered an injury or property damage due to your negligence. Care Custody and Control insurance will protect you in the event the owner of a horse in your care, custody or control hold you liable for injury to, death of or illness sustained by that horse whilst in your care. BGA Freelance Groom Liability Insurance is for self-employed freelance grooms.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the basic rate you are entitled to if you are unable to work.

If you're working for an employer (even if you've only just started), you're entitled to SSP if the following apply:

• you're sick for at least four days in a row (including weekends and bank holidays and days that you do not normally work)
• you're earning at least £120 a week before tax and National Insurance contributions are deducted.

The standard rate for SSP is just £95.85 a week which is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks.

The best way to protect your income is to have a personal accident insurance policy - this is suitable for both employed and freelance grooms. 

If you are employed, no you don't,  as it is a legal requirement for your employer to have employer's liability insurance - you should ask them to ensure they have it, in fact it should be displayed on the wall. 

If you are self employed or freelance then you are unlikely to be covered under any liability insurance policy held by the yards where you are contracted. 

Speak to each business for clarification and if you are not covered then it would be strongly advisable to have your own liability policy in place. 

As a BGA member you have access to the BGA Freelance Groom Liability Insurance - designed specifically for grooms by KBIS British Equestrian Insurance, it is set at preferential rates for BGA members - just £278.49 per year or £ per month. 

If you are working abroad as a groom you will need a specific insurance policy to cover you for medical expenses and repatriation. 

Be aware that any holiday travel insurance that you may already have will not cover you for this time abroad. 

The BGA have partnered with PJ Hayman Insurance to offer to our members’ affordable and suitable working travel insurance cover. 

It used to be very rare to be insured for personal accident insurance if you were a groom. There was a lack of awareness about how and why grooms' insurance was and still is important when working with horses. 

Sadly many grooms have suffered life changing accidents and subsequently received very little or no financial support, potentially causing havoc with rent and bills.

So why would you work with horses in such a high risk occupation without any form of insurance?

The BGA is your professional membership association. Working with KBIS insurance we have negotiated you the best and most affordable insurance policies that are trusted by our growing membership. 

Get your BGA membership today.