Broker guidance: euthanasia of high-value animals

In farming, animals are integral to daily life, not just a financial asset. At Geo, we understand the emotional weight that comes with the loss of an animal, and we appreciate the care and responsibility farmers invest in their animals.

In the sad and unfortunate instances where euthanasia becomes necessary for humane reasons, it’s vital that all parties involved follow the correct procedures. This ensures that, should a claim need to be made, the Insured is in the best possible position to do so. 

The following guidance outlines the steps brokers must take to support their clients and ensure compliance with policy terms.

1. Initial notification of potential claim

• Important advisory to Insured:
  If an Insured contacts the broker regarding a potential claim, the broker must notify Geo immediately, and all correspondence related to the potential claim  should be forwarded to the broker’s designated contact at Geo without delay.
• Upon notification from the Insured that humane destruction may be necessary, the broker must advise the Insured of the following wording, as a precaution should they decide to euthanise the animal without agreement from the Insurer:

“It should be noted that if Markel’s agreement cannot be obtained prior to euthanasia then the claim shall be investigated by Markel and Markel shall ask for confirmation from their consultant veterinary surgeon that the injury suffered was in fact incurable and so excessive that immediate destruction was imperative for humane reasons.”

2. Euthanasia requests

Humane destruction means: a) The animal has suffered an injury or excessively painful lameness or illness, and a veterinarian appointed by us certifies that the suffering is incurable and so excessive that immediate destruction is imperative for humane reasons; 

Or b) The animal has suffered an injury, and a veterinarian appointed by you certifies that the injury is incurable and so excessive that immediate destruction is imperative for humane reasons and could not have waited for the appointment of a veterinarian by us.

Note: It should be noted that if Markel’s agreement cannot be obtained prior to euthanasia then the claim shall be investigated by Markel and Markel shall ask for confirmation from their consultant veterinary surgeon that the injury suffered was in fact incurable and so excessive that immediate destruction was imperative for humane reasons.

Urgent Action required
If the broker receives a euthanasia request concerning an Insured animal, they must:

• Treat it as urgent
• Forward to Geo, clearly marked as urgent
• Seek prior agreement from Markel in cases where humane destruction is being considered
• If the Insured proceeds without agreement, the claim will be subject to investigation
• The broker must advise the insured that prior agreement from Markel is required before humane destruction. If the insured proceeds without agreement, the claim will be subject to investigation. 

3. Post-mortem requirement

• Action required:
  In the event of death or humane destruction, the broker must advise the Insured that a post-mortem examination must be arranged at the Insured’s own expense.

4. Market value and salvage

• Documentation required:
  Markel requires confirmation of the market value of the affected animal(s) at the time of loss.
• Broker responsibility:
  The broker should request and collect:
  • Evidence of market value at the time of loss
  • Salvage reports (if applicable)