Mortality: "Horse Died Suddenly: Proving Cause of Death (Necropsy)."

Mortality: “Horse Died Suddenly: Proving Cause of Death (Necropsy).”

You walk out to the paddock at 7:00 AM to feed, and your prized Quarter Horse is lying dead in the field. He was fine last night. You are heartbroken, but you also have a $25,000 mortality policy on him. You reach for the tractor to bury him, but stop. If you bury him now, you might just bury your $25,000 check.

Key Takeaways

No Body, No Money: You must prove cause of death to collect on a mortality policy.
The Necropsy Clause: Most policies strictly require a necropsy (autopsy) unless the cause is obvious (like a broken leg) and a vet certifies it.
Notification Window: You must notify the insurer immediately. Waiting 24 hours can void the claim.
Agreed Value: Mortality policies pay the value listed on the policy, not the “market value” at the moment of death, provided you kept the valuation updated.

The “Why” (The Trap): Proving it wasn’t Neglect

Insurers need to ensure the horse didn’t die from a pre-excluded condition (like a heart defect they excluded) or starvation/neglect. Without a necropsy, there is no proof.

The Clause:

“It is a condition precedent to liability that a necropsy be performed to establish the cause of death.”

If you bury or cremate the horse before the adjuster gives permission, you have destroyed the evidence.

The Investigation: Policy Requirements

I checked the fine print on the “Death” section of standard equine policies.

Hallmark

Requirement: Strict. They require a gross post-mortem examination by a licensed veterinarian.
Cost: You usually pay for the necropsy ( 500−500− 1,000), but some policies have a reimbursement allowance for it.

Great American

Requirement: Case-by-case. If the vet is on scene and confirms a twisted gut via rectal exam before death, they might waive the full necropsy. But you must ask.

EQUI-PLUS Providers

Requirement: Often require transport of the body to a state lab if field necropsy is inconclusive.

Comparison Table: Steps After Death

Scenario	Necropsy Required?	Payout Probability
Found Dead (Unknown)	YES (Mandatory)	High (if necropsy done)
Colic (Vet Treated)	Maybe (Vet confirms twist)	High
Euthanasia (Old Age)	Denied (Natural causes)	$0 (unless limited coverage)
Buried without Autopsy	N/A	Denied

[IMAGE: Graphic showing a timeline: 1. Discovery -> 2. Call Vet -> 3. Call Insurance -> 4. Necropsy -> 5. Burial]

Step-by-Step Action Plan

Do Not Move the Body: Leave the horse where he is until you speak to the vet/insurer. Cover him with a tarp if necessary.
Call the 24/7 Claims Hotline: Every equine insurer has one. Do not call your agent (who works 9-5). Call the claims line.
Get the Vet Out: The vet needs to identify the horse (microchip/markings) and perform the necropsy.
Take Photos: Photograph the horse to prove identity (markings) and condition (body score) to rule out neglect.

FAQ

Who pays for the backhoe?
You do. Mortality insurance covers the value of the horse. It rarely covers disposal (burial/cremation) unless you have a specific “Carcass Removal” endorsement (usually $300 limit).

What if he died of old age?
Full Mortality covers death by accident, illness, or disease. It generally does not cover euthanasia for old age/infirmity unless the horse is suffering acutely.You walk out to the paddock at 7:00 AM to feed, and your prized Quarter Horse is lying dead in the field. He was fine last night. You are heartbroken, but you also have a $25,000 mortality policy on him. You reach for the tractor to bury him, but stop. If you bury him now, you might just bury your $25,000 check.