The Amish don’t have insurance for their horse and buggy. Amish buggies are not required to have insurance because they’re classified as non-motorized vehicles.
The Amish don’t have life insurance or homeowner’s insurance either. Their perspective is fatalistic. If an accident happens or a catastrophic event occurs, they see it as God’s will.
Amish people don’t believe in buying insurance of any kind. Instead, they prefer to be self-insured.
This puts them at a disadvantage in situations where their horse or buggy causes damage or injury to someone else—they have to cover the costs themselves.
How Common Are Accidents Involving Amish Buggies?
According to Rinehardt Attorneys, over the past decade, Ohio and Pennsylvania have reported an approximate average of 60 major crashes involving horses and buggies each year. Ohio reports an average of over 120 buggy accidents annually.
Most horse and buggy accidents occur when a driver rear-ends the buggy, underestimating the slower speed of the horse-drawn vehicle.
If an Amish buggy collides with a car or truck, they’re on the losing side.
If the horse or buggy gets damaged, the Amish accept the loss. Fortunately, their community steps in to help with repairs or expenses if needed.
Buggies are required to have safety features like brake lights and warning signs.
Despite having reflectors and lights on their buggies, it can still be tough to see them, especially at night when visibility is challenging.
In terms of liability, while they won’t intentionally cause accidents, they might be accused of contributing to one.
In such cases, the other driver’s insurance is expected to cover everyone, treating the Amish as uninsured motorists.
Yet, many UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) policies often have an exclusion specifically for Amish buggies.
How to Drive Safely in Amish Country
- Slow Down: Drive at a slower speed in Amish areas.
- Be Patient: Stay patient, especially behind buggies.
- Keep Distance: Maintain a safe distance when following buggies. Anticipate left turns from buggies.
- No Horn Honking: Avoid honking near buggies to prevent startling horses.
- Be Cautious at Night: Drive carefully at night; buggies are black and hard to see. Lower your headlights when approaching or following a buggy at night.
- Watch for Signs: Look out for signs indicating buggy crossings.
- Pass Safely: If overtaking, do so safely, giving enough space.
- Follow Traffic Rules: Obey traffic rules; buggies follow the same rules.
- Watch for Kids: Be alert for Amish children on or near the road.
- Learn About Amish Ways: Understand Amish customs for safer driving.
⇒ Read More: Sharing the Road with Horse-Drawn Buggies, Maine Gov.