• WHY HAVE BREAKDOWN COVER
• WHEN MONEY IS TIGHT?
• The start of a new season, money is really tight and your vehicle insurance and breakdown cover is up for renewal, should you take the chance and not renew the breakdown cover? Jon Phillips, Managing Director of PRP Rescue Services – the company that take care of all the equestrian rescues for NFU Mutual, the RAC, the Highways Agency Emergency Protocol and own the Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners, gives his views on the subject.
• “At this time of year, with money being really tight, I can really understand why some horse owners will want to take the risk on their breakdown cover,” said Jon. “The problem is, it’s a very high risk. We know that, on average, every single horsebox in the UK is likely to have some sort of problem on the road each year. An average recovery can cost anything from £750 up to over £2000 with call-out, labour, travelling time, recovery and return journey. An average annual membership to a dedicated organisation is around £200 – the cost of a tank of diesel! That really is no contest, but you do need to look at what you are getting.
• Before you join any breakdown scheme check carefully through the small print of the terms and conditions, some can be very misleading. So as to avoid any pitfalls make sure you really understand what you are going to get for your money. Do not be taken in by what, in essence, seems inexpensive. Check what you may have to pay for if you do breakdown.
• In event of recovery, make sure you will be attended by experts who truly understand horses. A replacement horsebox is the best option for a non-repairable situation, but Transporters with the correct Operators Licences and Insurance are very difficult to find on a busy race/showing day unless you are dealing with one of the better known breakdown companies. Insist on seeing the Licence of any replacement box driver – it should be fixed to their screen – if they refuse report them and your rescue company to the Vehicle Inspectorate who are now impounding and scrapping such vehicles. Make sure you carry your horse passports with you at all times, it is against the law for a registered transporter to move an animal without the correct documentation. After all that make sure they just don’t take your lorry to their local garage where you will have no control over the repair bill – you want it to go where you choose!
• Check there is no weight restriction on your policy and, if you have an old lorry, that it will be covered. If you travel great distances check there is no restriction on the limit of a “free” tow as this can be costly. Also, check you will receive help regardless of the cost of the recovery and the number of times you break down. Check that you do not have to carry a spare wheel – some companies insist on this, but a tyre fitter will rarely use an untried spare. Check that the scheme you join only invoices you later for any parts fitted – and at list price.
• The bottom line is simple. Is the safety of your horses and family worth the price of a tank of diesel or the entry fees at one county show? At least you know you will get there to find out!”
• Further information on all aspects of equine transport may be found on our Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners site: www.ohto.co.uk

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