Boat insurance
with Haven KJ

You may need a recent survey to get boat insurance, depending on your boat, its age, condition, value and the type of cover you’re looking for. Surveys help insurers understand the condition of the vessel and whether there are any issues that could affect the level of risk.

If you’re buying a second-hand boat, renewing a policy for an older boat, or insuring a boat that has not been surveyed for some time, it’s worth checking what information you’ll needed before applying. A recent survey can also be useful for your own peace of mind, as it may highlight maintenance work or safety considerations before they become bigger problems.

• Find a surveyor who is knowledgeable about the type of boat you have.
• The surveyor must be independent of the seller and any intermediary involved in the sale.
• The surveyor should have professional indemnity insurance.
• Many surveyors carry qualifications and/or are members of professional bodies, such as the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA) and the International Institute of Marine Surveyors (IIMS).
• To find a surveyor, get in touch with a professional body, check their websites, or ask your local marina or a yacht broker for their recommended list.

The first question to ask yourself is what is on your boating wishlist this year? Which direction will the wind or currents take you, and are you planning any races to get there?

Our Base Layer (third party) cover offers security for pleasure sailing, covering third party claims against you and worst-case scenarios of injury and more. Or for the full bells, whistles and foghorns, our All Weather (all risks) policy covers fire, theft, vandalism, accidental damage, emergency medical expenses, personal accidents and a whole ship-load more.

If you’re renting a boat, the insurance arrangements will usually depend on the rental provider and the terms of the hire agreement. Some rental companies may include insurance as part of the booking, while others may require you to meet certain conditions before you’re covered.

Before renting, check exactly what is and isn’t included. You should understand whether the cover applies to accidental damage, third party liability, personal belongings, excess payments and any restrictions on where or how the boat can be used.

Boat insurance may cover other people to use your boat, but this will depend on the terms of your policy. Some policies may include named users or allow other experienced boaters to operate the vessel, while others may place limits on who is covered.

If someone else is likely to use your boat, it’s important to check this before they take the helm. You may need to add them to the policy, confirm their experience, or make sure they meet any conditions set out in your documents.

Boat insurance may cover engine damage if it’s caused by an insured event, such as accidental damage, fire, theft or another covered incident. However, cover for mechanical failure, wear and tear, poor maintenance or gradual deterioration may be limited or excluded.

Because engines are one of the most important and expensive parts of many boats, it’s worth checking the policy wording carefully. Regular servicing, proper storage and routine maintenance can all help reduce the chance of engine problems and support your position if you ever need to make a claim.