Equine insurance experts answer your questions about insuring Thoroughbreds for the breeding and auction realms.
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QUESTION: What role does my insurance plan play when applying for an equine loan?
BRYCE BURTON: Business owners within the Thoroughbred industry, similarly to other business ventures, have the option to apply for outside funding in order to assist with the acquisition of high valued purchases. Just as a new business owner may secure a loan for the purchase of a new home, piece of land, of horse farm, the same option is available for the purchase of livestock, including Thoroughbreds.
When purchasing Thoroughbreds, the simple rule of thumb is that financing is available on breeding stock, but not racehorses. Mares, foals, and yearlings can all be used as collateral for an equine loan. As you'd expect, the lender requires that the applicant carry a certain amount of Full Mortality Insurance coverage throughout the life of the loan, so that in the event that something catastrophic happens to the equine asset, which in this case also serves as the collateral, the lender will be paid back in full.
The general rule of thumb when securing an equine loan is that the lender will provide a note up to the amount of 50 percent of the purchase price, making the borrower responsible for paying for the other 50 percent of the purchase.
As an example, if a new owner purchases a mare in the amount of $100,000 at public auction, they have the option to acquire outside funds through a lender up to the amount of $50,000 and would be responsible for the other $50,000. The lender would then require that the borrower place mortality coverage for the amount of the loan, which in this case is $50,000. It should be noted that the insured has the option to insure 100 percent of the purchase if desired. However, in most instances, the bank will only require the insured shows coverage for the amount of the loan. The lender is listed as a Loss Payee on the policy so that in the event of a claim, both parties would be compensated for their respective interests.
Bryce Burton is a property and liability specialist for Muirfield Insurance. He is from Frankfort, Ky., where he grew up an avid race fan. His Thoroughbred racing fandom combined with a collegiate internship in the insurance industry, culminated in a start in the equine insurance field. Bryce has been with Muirfield Insurance since 2014, following his graduation from Transylvania University in Lexington.
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