Hallmark Equine Insurance Agency

04/03/2023

Hello, Hallmark followers! We haven't been on Facebook in a while and wanted to check in with you. We have been busy getting geared up for the 2023 show season and invite you to share your stories with us throughout the year.

We wanted to let you know that we will be upgrading our computer system so we will be closing our office at 2:30 pm central time on Friday, April 7th. We plan to reopen at our usual time at 8:30 am on Monday, April 10th and hopefully it will be business as usual with our computer system. If there is anything pressing you need done this week, please contact us as soon as possible prior to Friday to make sure we have ample time to get it taken care of for you.

Hope you all have a happy April!

Kelley

04/22/2021

Hello, friends! It's been a while since we've talked to you, we hope everyone is doing well and ready to enjoy the spring weather that's coming.

We wanted to let you know that our online payment system provider is having some issues, so if you're trying to make a payment through our website and get an error message, please wait and try again later. They couldn't give us an expected time of when it would be back up but hopefully it won't be long.

12/31/2020

As 2020 draws to a close, we'd like to say thank you and happy new year to our insureds and facebook friends. While the past year was challenging, to say the least, we persevered and hopefully things are starting to look a little brighter for everyone. Hallmark is still here, working to provide you and your four-legged family members with the best protection we can offer, and we will continue to be available to you as your needs arise in the future.

Our office will be closed on Friday, January 1st but we will reopen on Monday, January 4th at 8am and will process all emails as quickly as we can. Should there be an emergency with your horse (because we all know they like to have a friendly visit with the vet on holidays), you can reach our claim company (National Equine Adjusting) at (800) 783-9418.

We hope you have a fun New Years celebration and a wonderful, prosperous 2021!

11/24/2020

DO YOU KNOW?

I've sold my horse. Can I transfer my policy to the new owner?

In short, the answer is no. Although there are a couple of scenarios where the policy may be able to be transferred to the new owner (they were a co-owner, lessee, or were making payments on the horse, and they were already listed on the policy as an Additional Insured or Lessee and they have now bought the horse in full), typically once a horse is sold the seller no longer has an insurable interest in the horse and the policy in their name becomes null and void as of the time the sale is effective. In these cases, the seller's policy would be cancelled and the buyer would take out a policy in their own name based on what they will be doing with the horse (their purchase price, expected use, etc.). They will be able to choose their own coverage and medical options based on that information.

Typically, the seller would get back the unearned premium on their policy once it is cancelled, based on the amount of time that was left on the policy, if they were on a payment plan, and if any of the premium was fully earned (a medical claim was paid out, etc.).

11/17/2020

DO YOU KNOW?

Do I need a veterinary exam in order to insure my horse?

In general, no, as long as your horse is sound and healthy and the insured value is $100,000 or less. However, horses valued over $100,000 and foals under 30 days old do require a veterinary examination and certificate.

The company may also request a veterinary certificate at their discretion if the horse had a prior severe injury or illness or the horse’s health or soundness is in question.

11/10/2020

DO YOU KNOW?

What does the Value Endorsement that comes with the policy mean?

Our Full Mortality policies automatically include a Value Endorsement. This coverage states that as long as your horse was worth its insured value at any time during the policy period, you will be paid that amount in the event of an approved mortality claim. This is often called Approved Value or Guaranteed Value.

Other companies may write on an Actual Cash Value or Fair Market Value basis, which means you would only be paid what your horse was worth at the time of its death, regardless of the amount the horse was insured for on the policy.

The company often asks for proof of the horse's current value at the time the policy is issued, especially if the horse is older and has not been showing for some time, or you have requested an increase in the insured amount. Information to support the insured amount will be requested if a Mortality claim is filed and this way, details are already in the file and easily accessible in the event of a claim.

11/03/2020

DO YOU KNOW?
Wildfire & Property Risks

As wildfires get bigger, more frequent and more destructive across California and elsewhere in the country, our policyholders who live in at-risk areas need to think about mitigation and evacuation. There are several steps you can take to defend your home from wildfires. Here are examples:

1. Use roofing material made from Class A-rated materials, which can include shingles, clay, concrete, or metal

2. Keep gutters clean

3. Keep wood stacks, propane tanks and any other flammable items at a safe distance from the structures

4. Appropriate brush clearance around building and the use of fire-resistant landscaping

5. Use mesh screens on vents, eaves and chimneys

6. Installing dual- or triple-paned windows

7. Having easy access to roads that are clear

Also, make sure you have an evacuation plan for your equine business. One option is to contact your local fire department, which should have advice and resources to share.

Here are some commonly recommended actions to keep your horses safe:
• Use a livestock crayon to write your name, phone number and address on the horse
• With clippers, shave your phone number into the horse’s coat
• Braid a temporary ID tag with pre-written contact info into the horse’s mane
• Attach a neck band with your contact information

For more tips, see this publication from the National Fire Protection Association:
https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Campaigns/TakeAction/TakeActionHorseChecklist.ashx?as=1&iar=1&la=en&hash=49E4E0B2B7A47F55A576559EF94B07B5CCFC8F19

10/27/2020

DO YOU KNOW?
I provide riding instruction and horse training but I have my clients sign a waiver. Why would I need a liability policy?

While you post your state's equine liability signs and take precautions to try to be as safe as possible, horses are horses and accidents can still happen. While your students may sign a waiver, this does not stop a person (or their health insurance company) from bringing a lawsuit against you if they were injured while at your facility. Even if the suit is baseless, you still would need representation. This is where a liability policy comes in. If someone claims you were negligent in some way and responsible for their injury or property damage, the policy would respond to investigate and determine if you were somehow at fault and will respond to the lawsuit for you.

10/20/2020

DO YOU KNOW?
What coverage is available for a Club or Association?

We offer liability coverage for Clubs & Associations who put on events such as horse shows, clinics, trail rides, etc. Our policies automatically provide coverage for seven public event days and more can be added for an additional charge per day. Quotes are based on the number of Club members, the number of public event days included on the policy, and any Additional Insureds that need to be added (typically landowners). An application would need to be completed and underwriting can typically provide a quote within 1-2 business days. Please contact us if you would like us to send a form to you, or the application can also be found on our website at www.hallmarkhorse.com.

horse insurance and equine insurance specialists offering varied horse insurance coverage.

10/15/2020

SIMPLY THE BEST - LEG INFECTIONS
Choosing an insurance company and the right policy for your needs can be confusing. With so many companies to choose from and a large number of coverages available, it can be hard to know which company would be best for you and your horse.

Have you ever wondered how some of the companies compare in regards to how claims are paid? We have a series to show how the underwriting company that Hallmark uses (American Equine Insurance Group, or AEIG) compares to some of their competitors.

This month we will be reviewing claims related to leg infections, which includes conditions such as Cellulitis, Lymphangitis, Vasculitis, Canker, and Scratches. Included are descriptions of how real claims were handled under the AEIG policy versus the amounts that would have been paid if the horse were insured by a different company. Factors taken into account are each company's deductibles as well as sub-limits for diagnostics and lameness treatment versus co-pays, etc.

This document can also be found on our website at www.hallmarkhorse.com. If you have any questions or would like more information about our policies and the coverages that are available, please feel free to contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at (800) 734-0598.

10/13/2020

DO YOU KNOW?
What is Guaranteed Extension Coverage?

Our Full Mortality policies include Guaranteed Extension coverage at no additional cost. This coverage provides that in the event of a condition occurring and reported to the claim company during the policy period, the mortality coverage will automatically continue for up to 12 months after the expiration date of the policy for that specific condition. As an example, if your horse were diagnosed with laminitis and you reported the condition promptly during the policy period, the mortality coverage would be extended for up to 12 months after the expiration date of the policy in the event your horse dies as a result of laminitis.

Guaranteed Extension coverage does not require you to renew your policy for mortality coverage to continue for the reported condition.

10/06/2020

DO YOU KNOW?
Is there any type of infertility coverage for my breeding stallion?

You can consider adding the Stallion Infertility for Accident, Sickness and Disease coverage to your mortality policy. This coverage helps protect you in the event your proven breeding stallion is permanently unable to get mares in foal as the result of an accident, sickness or disease. Only stallions who have completed their first season of breeding with mares confirmed in foal can be considered. First year stallions or stallions with a lapse in breeding seasons are not eligible. The rate for this coverage is 0.5% of the horse's insured value.

09/29/2020

DO YOU KNOW?
How can I request cancellation of my policy?

Requests must be made in writing, either by email, fax or mail, or by clicking the “Request A Policy Change” page on our website. If the sale was not recent, a copy of the Bill of Sale or other documentation showing the sale date of the horse is also required to make the cancellation effective on the date of sale.

We attempt to process refunds back the same way the policy was originally paid (payments by credit card are refunded to the credit card), although payments made by electronic check are typically refunded with a physical check.

09/22/2020

DO YOU KNOW?
Do I need to notify Hallmark if my horse will be traveling or changing barns?

No, the only address we keep on file is your current home address. The policies are designed to follow your horse within the United States (lower 48 states) and/or Canada. If your horse will be leaving this area, then we must be notified so that the Territorial/Transit coverage can be added to your policy.

09/15/2020

SIMPLY THE BEST - TENDON & LIGAMENT CONDITIONS

Choosing an insurance company and the right policy for your needs can be confusing. With so many companies to choose from and a large number of coverages available, it can be hard to know which company would be best for you and your horse.

Have you ever wondered how some of the companies compare in regards to how claims are paid? We have a series to show how the underwriting company that Hallmark uses (American Equine Insurance Group, or AEIG) compares to some of their competitors.

This month we will be reviewing claims related to Tendon and Ligament conditions. Included are descriptions of how real claims were handled under the AEIG policy versus the amounts that would have been paid if the horse were insured by a different company. Factors taken into account are each company's deductibles as well as sub-limits for diagnostics and lameness treatment versus co-pays, etc.

This document can also be found on our website at www.hallmarkhorse.com. If you have any questions or would like more information about our policies and the coverages that are available, please feel free to contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at (800) 734-0598.

09/15/2020

Qwyatt Shaman (Machi) - Quarter Horse owned by Inner Path Counseling & Wellness/Shelley Pier

09/01/2020

DO YOU KNOW?

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF ME IN THE EVENT OF A CLAIM FOR MY HORSE?

You've arrived at the barn and realized that your horse is colicing, or have gone out for a ride and your horse is lame. What do you need to do?

By the policy wording, any change to your horse's health requires that notification is provided to the company immediately. The company that handles all of the claims for Hallmark (National Equine Adjusting) has a 24/7 answering service in the event of an emergency with your horse. If your horse is ill or has had an injury, you should notify NEA right away, either by phone or email to put them on notice. They will be able to pull up your policy to confirm what coverage you have and they will also want to get contact information for the veterinarian who will be (or has already) examined your horse. They will be requesting copies of the vet records and itemized invoices to see what coverage may apply based on your horse's individual coverage.

If your horse's condition is an emergency, make sure that he/she gets the treatment they need as recommended by your vet, but still be sure to contact NEA as soon as possible as there are requirements in the policy that need to be met, especially if the vet is recommending euthanasia, such as approval by the company and having a necropsy done. Often coverage is put in jeopardy when an insured unwittingly does not follow the requirements as laid out in the policy wording.

Be sure to read your policy as soon as you receive it, to make sure you understand your coverage as well as your responsibilities regarding the claims process. if you are unsure of any of the wording or would like an explanation, please feel free to contact us. We want you to know what you're buying and that it suits your needs and don't want you to find out after the fact that you thought you had medical coverage but do not, or that your claim isn't approved because it was called in too late. We can be reached at (800) 734-0598 and are happy to discuss your policy with you.