Frequently Asked Questions

It’s important to check, as most insurers will impose conditions or restrictions for small vessels left afloat unattended. Our Haven Knox-Johnston ‘All Weather’ boat insurance policy excludes cover for sinking or swamping for any vessel less than 17 feet in length that has a maximum designed speed in excess of 17 knots when left unattended afloat.

The above is for information purposes only. It’s not intended to define legal terms, or to affect the interpretation of any policy we may issue. If you have any questions about your insurance, the best thing to do is get your particular questions answered individually by your insurance broker or insurer.

The location of a mooring will dictate whether the policy permits the vessel to be left on the mooring throughout the year or whether it’s restricted to certain months. Moorings should be laid professionally, and regularly checked and maintained by a professional mooring contractor. It’s also wise to make sure the person who laid the mooring carries adequate professional indemnity insurance to cover their liabilities. If the mooring area is at all exposed (even to a freak wind), it’s sensible to use a chain from the mooring to the vessel, rather than relying on a rope strop. The vessel’s topsides can be protected from chaffing by covering the top section of the chain with a plastic tube.

The above is for information purposes only. It’s not intended to define legal terms, or to affect the interpretation of any policy we may issue. If you have any questions about your insurance, the best thing to do is get your particular questions answered individually by your insurance broker or insurer.

If your policy stipulates a period during which the vessel must not be left on the mooring, this period must be strictly observed. If you need the vessel to be left on the mooring after the lay-up date (clearly stated on your Certificate of Insurance), or if it’s to be put into the water before the end of the lay-up period, the insurers must be advised and they must agree in advance to this.

All boat owners must make sure they’re aware of the implications of their boat insurance policy terms and conditions. If you’re in any doubt regarding any stipulation as to where and how the vessel is to be moored or stored, you should ask the insurer for clarification straight away.

The above is for information purposes only. It’s not intended to define legal terms, or to affect the interpretation of any policy we may issue. If you have any questions about your insurance, the best thing to do is get your particular questions answered individually by your insurance broker or insurer.

Yes, they do – where and how a vessel is moored can affect the risk a boat faces. It also affects the insurer’s assessment of the risk, and its rating, terms and conditions. Generally, subject to any specific terms and conditions, the insurance covers the vessel ashore and afloat, and includes hauling and launching. Different moorings can carry different conditions and limitations and it is important that these are understood.

The above is for information purposes only. It’s not intended to define legal terms, or to affect the interpretation of any policy we may issue. If you have any questions about your insurance, the best thing to do is get your particular questions answered individually by your insurance broker or insurer.

Yes, a Marina Berth is the preferred mooring for most boats. In order to promote freedom to use the vessel, it’s advisable and best to have 12 months in commission cover. Under our Haven Knox-Johnston ‘All Weather’ boat insurance policy, we won’t apply your policy excess or delete your No Claims Bonus in the event of a loss occurring while your vessel is in a purpose-built marina, either ashore or afloat on a berth. 

The above is for information purposes only. It’s not intended to define legal terms, or to affect the interpretation of any policy we may issue. If you have any questions about your insurance, the best thing to do is get your particular questions answered individually by your insurance broker or insurer.

Usually, this is not a problem – but certain conditions regarding the security of the vessel and trailer may apply. In particular, the need for the trailer to be wheel-clamped or kept in a locked building when the boat is not actually being towed is typical, and must be complied with to the letter. Boats can also be kept ashore on Dry Stack. These are professionally-run storage facilities, where the boat is launched as and when required, and lifted back out of the water when you’ve finished using it.

The above is for information purposes only. It’s not intended to define legal terms, or to affect the interpretation of any policy we may issue. If you have any questions about your insurance, the best thing to do is get your particular questions answered individually by your insurance broker or insurer.