Equipment· 5 min read
Hiring a Horsebox in the UK: Costs, Insurance and What to Check
A 2026 UK guide to horsebox hire — daily and weekly prices, licence rules, insurance excess and the checks to do before you drive off.
Typical UK horsebox hire prices in 2026
- 3.5t horsebox, self-drive, per day: £90–£160
- 3.5t weekend rate (Fri–Mon): £220–£380
- 7.5t horsebox, self-drive, per day: £180–£280
- Chauffeur-driven service: add £150–£300 per day
- Mileage: often 100 miles included, then £0.30–£0.50 per additional mile
- Deposit: £500–£2,000 refundable
Licence and age
- 3.5t: standard B licence (post-1997 licence covers this)
- 7.5t: C1 licence required
- Most hire firms require you to be 25+ and have held your licence for 2+ years
Insurance excess
Standard excess on a hire horsebox is £1,000–£2,500. Most firms offer an excess reduction for £15–£25 per day — worth it, especially if you're new to driving a lorry.
Pre-drive checks
- Tyre pressures and tread on all wheels including spare
- Ramp and ramp springs work smoothly
- Partition secure and rattle-free
- Working lights and indicators (with a helper)
- Fuel level marked
- Existing damage photographed before you drive off — every panel, every wheel
Save money
- Book midweek where possible
- Return with the same fuel level (refuelling charges are painful)
- Return clean — some firms charge £50+ for a valet
You can browse UK horsebox owners for hire directly on Equibase, filter by county and see daily rates before you enquire.