Even if all you need is to get a boat from A to B, life is just not that straightforward. Boat insurance provides a safety net when things aren’t always just plain sailing. 

As one of your most prized possessions, boat insurance can provide financial security and peace of mind against third party claims, loss or damage to your pride and joy.

Like all the best relationships, you have to give your boat some regular care and attention; lack of upkeep, general wear and tear and improper storage of your boat could all affect your cover. Your insurance policy is not a maintenance contract. Check out Haven’s Helpful Hints for tips on how to remedy some of these! 

If you are an adventurous sort, it is also important to check that your boat insurance covers racing, offshore sailing and long-distance trips as well.

Boats may often be seen as a luxury but here, at Haven KJ, we see them as one of life’s essentials; that’s why our boat insurance is often much cheaper than people expect.

Of course, (engine) size matters – as does age, maintenance, value, location, storage and use. However, you’ll find insuring a £100k yacht for normal use is a nautical yarn size cheaper than insuring a supercar at the same price.

Surprisingly not – maybe it’s our long nautical history as pirates and vagabonds but boat insurance is not compulsory in the UK. 

It might not be a legal requirement of all waterways, but the risk of piratical boarding aside, we are talking about the potential damage to high value possessions and the possibility of injury.

If that doesn’t make you shiver your timbers then most marinas require at least third-party liability (our Base Layer policy) as a minimum. International territories including Spain, Italy and Greece require proof of the same. Luckily, we can supply you with relevant boat insurance documents to prove you have it.

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 you from fire, theft, vandalism, accidental damage, emergency medical expenses, personal accidents and a whole ship-load more.

As a general rule boat insurance should cover your boat, other boats and anybody on board, but the level of cover is down to what policy you take.

As a handy guide, we have a list of our Important Documents highlighting what you can expect from our policies.  Or to see a summary of both policies and what is/is not covered see below.

Buddy has scoured every nook and cranny of UK marinas and created Buddy’s Marina Guide. Whether you’re gearing up for a seaside escapade or navigating the charming inland waterways, Buddy’s interactive marina map will help you discover the perfect mooring spot just for you.