Motorboat insurance

We can cover a wide variety of boating vessels which are grouped as follows ‒ click the appropriate link for more information:

• Dinghy insurance
• Yacht insurance
• Narrowboat insurance
• RIB insurance
• Motorboat insurance
• Small boat insurance
• Paddleboard insurance
• Windsurf insurance

While it is not usually a legal requirement on most waters, having appropriate cover makes sound financial sense. Marine mortgage companies for instance insist on compulsory insurance as part of their money lending process. However, there are two stand-out reasons why boat insurance is important:

1. Firstly you have to protect your capital investment against loss or damage which ultimately could result in a large and costly repair bill if the worst were to happen.
2. Secondly having adequate boat insurance can help to protect you against any third party liability for injury or damage caused by you or your vessel. Third party liability is usually the most frequent claim we receive when it comes to boat insurance.

From a small dinghy to a large super-yacht or a super-fast Jet Ski, each type of vessel will attract a different level of risk, so just like car insurance - boats are usually categorised according to their vessel type and risk.

It goes without saying that a Sunseeker with powerful engines that costs a million pounds will be far more expensive to insure than a smaller, much less powerful craft.

A yacht will also have a different risk assessment than a dinghy or a jet ski, so insurers will factor in the type of the vessel and any potential repair bills before calculating the premium.

In general, the actual size of the boat isn't as important as its value, how easily it could be stolen and the potential for damage. If your boat is trailer-able and spends a large amount of time safely tucked away on your drive, you'll probably pay a different premium than if it was stored at a marina.

The area in which you keep and use your boat will also have an influence on the level of premium you pay and may have restrictions on cover that are subject to local weather conditions.

Finally, the experience of the owner / users and the type of use i.e. whether it is used privately, as a charter or racing vessel and of course any previous claims experiences are all taken into consideration when calculating the premium.

The level of premium is obviously important but it should not be the sole deciding factor: you should try and strike a harmonious balance between costs vs. benefits.

All policies are different, so make sure you choose one that provides the cover you want and need. Handy tip - assess the most expensive parts of your boat and check that your policy provides cover for damage to these, as well as what deductions may apply in the event of a claim.

• Are any replacement costs issued on a new-for-old basis?
• Exclusions - make sure you look out for any exclusion in your policy. All policies have them, so check your wording very carefully.
• Ensure that the policy covers any cruising grounds you wish to sail into.
• Finally, make sure the insurer is authorised and approved by the regulatory body of the country in which they are based; here it is the Financial Conduct Authority.

Any physical damage covered by a boat insurance policy will usually include equipment such as hull, sails, machinery, furnishings, on-board equipment and the trailer if applicable.

Standard cover generally provides:

• Accidental damage, including fire, theft and malicious damage, sinking, stranding, collisions and salvage costs.
• Damage to engines.
• Transit risks up to 30 feet in length.
• Lifting and launching risks.
• Loss or damage caused by latent defects.
• Frost.
• Personal effects.
• Damage to mast and rigging whilst racing can be purchased for an additional premium.

Third party cover provides:

• Protection for you, or authorised persons using your boat, from claims made by third parties for death or injury or damage to third-party property for which you may become legally liable.

Typical policy exclusions include:

• Damage caused by wear and tear.
• Wilful misconduct.
• Loss of value due to age of vessel.
• Losses caused by corrosion osmosis.
• Mast, spars and sails whilst racing unless the policy has been extended.
• Damage to machinery following breakdown.
• Theft unless the right security devices or locks are fitted.
• The policy excess relating to damage caused by you and also on any third party claims.