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Avoiding common insurance claims for narrowboats

Two canal boats collide during festive activities, with one bow smashing into the other and causing visible damage.

Protect your narrowboat from avoidable risk

Narrowboat owners face a range of potential risks, from fires and collisions to theft and water damage. These incidents can lead to costly insurance claims – or worse, the total loss of your boat. In this article, we look at the most common narrowboat insurance claims and share practical, preventative measures you can take to protect both your boat and your wallet.

A canal boat tilts sharply in a narrow lock, near a stone wall and closed gate amid festive activities.

Sinking or water ingress

The risk

Boats can sink or partially flood due to situations such as failed bilge pumps, stern gland leaks, broken skin fittings, or unattended water ingress during heavy rain. Incorrect positioning when using locks can also result in sinking or damage to underwater gear such as the rudder.

Recommended preventative measures

Check bilge pumps, stern glands, and skin fittings regularly, for leaks and wear.
Install a high-water bilge alarm. Consider a remote monitoring system if you are away for long periods of time.
Inspect roof vents, windows, and hatches for leaks or rust damage – especially during heavy rain.
Don’t rely on the Boat Safety Certificate to highlight issues. Conduct your own inspections at regular intervals.
When using locks, always double-check your positioning, lines and paddles, and don’t rush the lock process.

Mechanical or engine failure

The risk

Breakdowns due to engine damage, gearbox failure, or overheating are common – especially if maintenance has been delayed. These claims can be denied if wear and tear or neglect is found.

Recommended preventative measures

Keep on top of engine maintenance as engine failures are costly and inconvenient.
Follow a seasonal maintenance schedule: check oil, coolant, belts, and filters regularly.
Always investigate odd noises, vibrations, or overheating early to prevent bigger issues.
Going on a course such as the RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance course will help you to understand how your engine works, show you the checks you need to carry out, and build your confidence so you can keep your engine in tip top condition.

A person stands on a canal boat next to a broken canopy, contemplating the impact on festive activities.

Illustration of a canal boat on water with large flames, contrasting with the usual festive activities on board.

Fires

The risk

Fires are among the most serious insurance claims for narrowboats. Fires can spread quickly and have a devastating effect, especially if you are a liveaboard. Common causes include multi-fuel stoves, gas leaks, faulty wiring, fuel system issues, and lithium battery fires – especially from devices like e-bikes and scooters. Fires can also easily spread to surrounding boats, so it’s important for us all to be vigilant and keep an eye out for our fellow boaters.

Recommended preventative measures

Have stoves, fuel systems, and wiring professionally installed and regularly serviced. Stoves must have adequate clearance.
Regularly clean stoves and flues.
Never leave solid fuel burning unattended overnight.
Use carbon monoxide detectors and keep fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and alarms in working order.
Avoid charging lithium batteries overnight inside the boat, especially near exits. Use fireproof charging bags and charge in ventilated areas.

Collision Damage

The risk

Collisions can happen anywhere on the inland waterways, but are especially common when mooring, navigating locks, tunnels and bridges, or when passing other boats. Hitting submerged objects can also cause damage to the hull, propellor or rudder. And whilst narrowboats don’t tend to travel at high speeds, they are heavy, resulting in significant damage.

Recommended preventative measures

Navigate slowly and cautiously in tight spaces or locks.
Stay alert and be aware of weather conditions like strong wind or current.
Keep your boat well-fendered and ensure your insurance covers accidental damage.

Stylized black and white house tilted sideways, with a duck and ducklings enjoying festive activities nearby.

Damage or loss of personal possessions

The risk

Claims often involve damage to furniture, electronics, or clothing caused by fire, flooding, or theft – especially for liveaboards.

Recommended preventative measures

Use dehumidifiers and ventilate well in winter to avoid damp damage.
Make sure your policy covers contents at replacement value.
List high-value items separately.
If you use items away from the boat, make sure that your insurance covers you.

Theft or vandalism

The risk

Stolen outboard motors, solar panels, tools, bikes, and even entire boats are not unheard of. Vandalism – such as graffiti or broken windows – can also be a concern, particularly in some urban areas.

Recommended preventative measures

Fit quality locks on doors and outdoor storage compartments.
Fit a boat alarm or security camera, especially if moored in isolated areas. Boat trackers are also available.
Store bikes, tools and valuables out of sight, and record serial numbers for expensive items like bikes or generators.
Individually itemise high value items on your insurance.
Make sure solar panels are bolted on, making them difficult to remove.
Secure sliding hatches – use a bolt on the inside to bolt upwards.
Keeping curtains closed can help to reduce opportunistic thieves who spot a laptop on the table.

Black and white illustration of a canal boat at night, starry sky above, with festive activities and a person sitting nearby.

A tree falls onto a houseboat during festive activities at night, causing roof damage amid heavy rain.

Weather-related damage

The risk

Storms, high winds, fallen branches, and roof leaks are common in autumn and winter. Frozen pipes and tanks can also lead to serious water damage. Extreme weather and rising water can result in flooding or water ingress.

Recommended preventative measures

Boats moored on rivers or poorly tied up in strong flows are particularly vulnerable. It’s worth keeping an eye on the weather and water levels, especially in the winter months. Often problems arise when the water recedes, and the boat can be left on the lip of the bank, ready to tip sideways.
Secure all roof items before high winds or storms.
Make sure covers are securely attached as these can easily get blown off in high winds.
Prune trees near long-term moorings.
If you spot any dangerous looking trees, always report them to the CRT, EA or the local council.
Regularly inspect your hull and roof for signs of damage.
You should check on your boat regularly in the winter months, and especially if storms are forecast.
Carry out basic winterisation maintenance when the weather gets colder, especially if the boat is left unattended for any length of time.

Electrical failures

The risk

Faulty wiring, inverter fires, and battery issue are on the rise, especially with more narrowboats using off-grid power systems, often DIY installed.

Recommended preventative measures

Avoid DIY electrical work – always use a qualified marine electrician.
Ensure batteries are properly ventilated and not overloaded.
Check your electrical system regularly.

Three lithium-ion batteries in series, labeled

Owning a narrowboat is an incredibly rewarding lifestyle – but it comes with its share of risks and responsibilities. By understanding the most common insurance claims and taking proactive steps to prevent them, you can protect your boat, belongings, and peace of mind.

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Haven Knox-Johnston is a trading name of Howden UK Brokers Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 307663. Registered in England and Wales under company registration number 02831010. Registered Office: One Creechurch Place, London, EC3A 5AF. Calls may be monitored and recorded for quality assurance purposes.