Insurance

Adequate Coverage

The three most important words about insurance are check, check and check. Whatever you are doing in these days of litigation you must make sure that you are covered in case of accidents. Most sailing clubs now insist on boats being insured against third party claims up to £3 million. This sounds as if it could be expensive but it is usually included as part of normal boat insurance.

Where to look

There are a number of insurance companies who specialise in marine insurance and they can be found in the classified ads section of the yachting and boating press. Talk over your needs with them and shop around. You may find it better to talk to a local Insurance Broker but remember they work on a commission basis and this could affect the cost of your policy.

Specialist insurers like Bishop Skinner, St Margaret’s and Nautical are very good and they have a vast amount of sailing and boating experience to call on and will probably give best value for money. Make sure you are not paying for something you do not need such as sailing in tidal waters or anything else that increases the risk factor.
Make sure that your insurer knows that your boat is in a locked compound on a trailer with wheel lock when not actually on the water The amount of excess you are prepared to pay can also affect your premium. Ask; it may be that if you have a number of boats that you could negotiate a block insurance attracting a discount.