A wildfire (or hurricane) is approaching your farm. Mandatory evacuation order. You load 4 horses and haul them 200 miles to a fairgrounds. You stay there for 2 weeks. The hay, bedding, and stall fees cost you $3,000. Does insurance pay?
Key Takeaways
- Emergency Evacuation Endorsement: Many modern policies include coverage for “Reasonable Expenses” to move horses to safety during a declared emergency.
- The Limit: Usually low—$500 to $1,000 per horse, or $5,000 aggregate.
- Requirements: Must be an official evacuation order (civil authority). You can’t just leave because you are nervous.
- What is Covered: Transport costs, temporary stabling, feed (above normal costs).
The “Why” (The Trap): Preservation of Property
Insurers want you to move the horses. It is cheaper to pay $3,000 for boarding than $100,000 for dead horses.
The Trap: Not having the endorsement. Standard Mortality pays for death. It does not pay for preventing death unless the policy says so.
The Investigation: Who pays to run?
I checked the “Additional Coverages” section.
Markel / Private Horse Owner Liability
- Benefit: Often includes “Emergency Evacuation” up to $500 per horse.
- Trigger: “Civil Authority Evacuation Order.”
Farm Property Policies
- Benefit: Some farm policies cover the cost to move “Livestock” if the barn is threatened by a covered peril (Fire).
Comparison Table: Evacuation Costs
| Expense | Covered by Evac Endorsement? | Limit (Avg) |
| Fuel / Hauling | Yes | Part of limit |
| Temporary Stalls | Yes | Part of limit |
| Hotel for You | No (Check Homeowners) | N/A |
| Feed/Hay | Yes (Excess cost) | Part of limit |
[IMAGE: Photo of a horse trailer in a line of traffic with smoke in the background]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Your Policy Now: Do you have “Emergency Evacuation”? It costs like $10/year to add. Do it.
- Keep Receipts: Gas, fairgrounds invoice, hay.
- Save the Order: Screenshot the Sheriff’s evacuation order or the Emergency Alert on your phone. You need proof of the order.
- Move Early: Don’t wait until the fire is at the fence.
FAQ
What if I don’t own a trailer?
The policy might pay for a commercial hauler to evacuate them.