If you own a boat of any kind, then you’ll need to have insurance in place in order to sail it. The good news is that finding boat insurance quotes at an affordable price needn’t be a hassle.

Some great benefits of getting boat insurance are:

  • Peace of mind when you’re using your boat
  • Quick and easy quotes
  • Easy claims procedure
  • Quotes to suit all budgets

A guide to boat insurance

Being a boat owner comes with a lot of responsibility. You not only need to know how to sail it properly, but you’re also responsible for making sure you have the right type of insurance in place. When you’re looking for boat insurance quotes online, it’s always important to shop around. The cost of insuring a boat can vary a lot, and there are many factors that come into play when it comes to price, such as the size and value of your boat.

Did you know?

Whether or not you need boat insurance depends on the type of boat you have and how you use it.

Is boat insurance necessary?

It’s often assumed that it’s how your boat is powered that determines whether you need insurance for it or not, but that’s usually not the case. Where you plan to sail your boat is much more important when it comes to insurance. If you only use your boat on the seas and oceans, then having boat insurance usually isn’t required (assuming it’s a smaller boat intended for private use). However, if you plan to use your boat on UK waterways, such as having a houseboat, then you’ll certainly need to have cover in place.

What is usually covered in a boat insurance policy?

The main things that are typically covered by a boat insurance policy include:

  • Theft of your boat, including its parts – Theft of your boat as well as any parts or equipment related to it are usually covered.
  • Third party liability – Any accidental damage caused to another boat, property, or vehicle will be covered. Injury caused to third parties is usually covered too.
  • Loss or accidental damage – If your boat was destroyed due to fire or was stolen, you’d be compensated. Any accidental damage caused by fire, sinking, malicious damage, etc. would also be covered.
  • Personal injury – Treatment would be covered for any accidents or injuries you sustain while using your boat.
  • Damage and loss of property – Damage and loss of any personal property while loading/unloading.

Of course, not all of the above are included in all policies, so you should always check the details of any quotes you’re considering.

Additional types of boat insurance cover

Some additional types of boat insurance cover you might consider include:

  • Legal cover
  • Breakdown cover
  • Craft equipment
  • Racing use cover
  • Family and friends cover
  • Trailer cover

The above aren’t usually included as standard and often aren’t necessary for many boat types, but it’s certainly useful to know you have the option to add them if needed.

Did you know?

You should always shop around when looking for boat insurance quotes.

How can I save money on boat insurance?

A few good ways to save money on boat insurance are:

  • Shop around – Getting quotes from many different boat insurance providers is one of the best ways to save money when taking out cover.
  • Make sure your boat is secure – Any steps you can take to make your boat more secure will help to lower insurance costs. This is especially true for where you keep it moored when not in use.
  • Use any NCB you have – Just as with car insurance, most boat insurance providers will reward you with lower premiums if you’ve built up a good no claims bonus.

In summary: Buying boat insurance

If you plan to use your boat on any UK waterways, then boat insurance is a must. Getting boat insurance quotes is easier than ever though, so this doesn’t need to be a headache.

Get boat insurance quotes now!

If you’re ready to get boat insurance quotes from specialist providers now, simply click the green button below, and you can have your quotes within minutes!

Boat Insurance FAQs

Can’t I get my boat covered by my home insurance?

You may be able to do this for when your boat is kept at home but you won’t be covered for when your boat is being towed or you’re sailing it.

What’s the minimum level of cover I need?

If you plan to use your boat on any public UK waterways, then you’ll need to have third party insurance at minimum.

Will my boat be covered for commercial use?

No, most boat insurance policies only cover you for social and pleasure purposes. If you plan to have paying passengers, you’ll need to get commercial boat insurance.