Insuring Your Bucking Bulls: A Stock Contractor's Guide
Elite bucking bulls are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Bushwacker was valued at over $1 million during his career. Whether you're running a small breeding operation or contracting to major events, protecting your investment is critical.
Understanding Bucking Bull Values
The value of a bucking bull depends on several factors:
- Performance record - Bulls with high scores command premium prices
- Genetics and bloodlines - Sons of champions like Bodacious or Bushwacker are highly valued
- Age and career potential - Bulls typically peak between ages 5-8
- Breeding potential - Elite genetics for your breeding program
Types of Livestock Coverage
Mortality Insurance
This is the core coverage for valuable livestock:
- Full mortality - Covers death from any cause including accident, illness, or disease
- Limited perils - Covers only specific causes like fire, lightning, and transportation accidents
- Transit coverage - Protection during transport to and from events
Major Medical Coverage
Similar to health insurance for your bulls:
- Veterinary expenses for illness and injury
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Medication and treatment costs
- Rehabilitation costs
Loss of Use Coverage
Protects against the economic loss when a bull can no longer perform:
- Career-ending injuries that don't result in death
- Temporary inability to compete due to injury
- Compensation based on the bull's earning potential
Coverage Considerations for Stock Contractors
Multi-Animal Policies
If you have a string of bucking bulls, blanket policies can provide:
- Coverage for your entire herd under one policy
- Scheduled individual coverage for your most valuable animals
- Lower per-head premiums for larger operations
Event-Specific Coverage
When contracting for rodeos and bull riding events:
- Short-term coverage for specific events
- Higher limits during high-profile competitions
- Coverage extensions for out-of-state events
Breeding Stock Protection
For bulls used in breeding programs:
- Fertility insurance (covering loss of breeding ability)
- Semen storage and transportation coverage
- Protection for artificial insemination equipment
Getting Accurate Appraisals
To ensure proper coverage, you'll need documented values:
1. Professional appraisals from recognized livestock appraisers
Common Claims Scenarios
Understanding what's covered helps you make the right decisions:
Covered Claims
- Bull dies during competition from heart failure
- Transportation accident on the way to an event
- Bull contracts a covered illness and doesn't survive
- Career-ending injury during a ride
Claims That May Be Excluded
- Pre-existing conditions not disclosed at application
- Intentional harm or neglect
- Death from causes specifically excluded in your policy
- Losses during events you didn't disclose
Working with 8 Second Insurance
We understand the bucking bull business. Our team has worked with stock contractors across the country, from small family operations to major contractors supplying the PBR.
Ready to protect your investment? Get a quote for your bucking stock and ensure your athletes are properly covered.