Boat Insurance FAQs

Boat Insurance FAQs

Please note: Our boat insurance policy document is available at the bottom of the page for you to download.

• Type of Vessels

  What type of vessels do you not cover?

  We do not cover the following vessels:

  • Catamarans, Trimaran and all other multihulled Vessels
  • Jet Skis
  • Non production / One off design vessels
  • Vessels with hull constructed from carbon fibre or scrimp
  • Carbon Fibre Vessel
  • Kite Surfers
  • Land Yachts
  • Houseboats
  • Sigma 38
  • Corbys
  • IMX 38
  • Malges
  • Ferro Cement Hull

  Please note that the above list is not exhaustive.

• Multiple Owners

  Can you name more than one owner?

  An owner is someone with a financial interest in the boat. If there is more than one owner, we need to have each owner's name and address listed on the policy. If there is ever a claim, the payment would be payable to all the insured parties.

• Boat out of Water

  When do I have to take my boat out of the water?

  The boat must not be in the water overnight between 1st November and 31st March unless it is moored in a purpose built marina. If the boat is a dinghy then it must be laid up ashore after use.

  Is my boat covered out of the water?

  Yes, provided it is kept in a safe place.

• Cruising Ranges

  What cruising ranges are available?

  We offer 14 different optional cruising ranges for your vessel.

  Please refer to the policy document to view the various options (Page 17-19).  Please note when selecting a cruising range that extends beyond inland waterways and coastal waters of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, it may have an impact on the premium, excess and cover provided.

• Cover Outside of Ireland

  Am I covered outside Ireland?

  Cover is provided within the agreed cruising range. You will need to contact us if you wish to extend your cruising range as this is not automatically covered and this may have an impact of the premium, excess and cover provided. You will also need to advise us if you want to permanently base the vessel outside of the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.

• Driving Qualifications

  Do I need qualifications to drive a boat ?

  For vessels over 26 knots it is a requirement that the insured has a powerboat handling cert or at least 3 years experience with fast craft (vessels with maximum designed speed in excess of 17 knots).

• Marinas

  What is a marina?

  A marina is a specially designed harbour with moorings for pleasure yachts and small boats.

• Surveys

  What is a survey

  A survey is an independent evaluation of a boats watercrafts value and condition by a professional marine surveyor.

• Emergency Service

  If I run into difficulty and need emergency advice who do I contact?

  Our 24-hour boat insurance 24 hour emergency advice line 1890 77 99 99 (Call operator charges may vary) is always there to advise you if you run into trouble, and offers peace of mind at difficult times.

• Towed by Car

  Is my boat covered while being towed by a car?

  The boat is covered while being privately trailed within the jurisdiction of the Cruising Range noted on the Policy Schedule but it excludes any Road Traffic liability.

• Water Sports

  Are water sports covered?

  Not as part of the standard cover. Waterskiing, wakeboarding and towing rings can be covered by extension for an additional premium. Cover is not provided for the towing of bananas, parascending or similar.

• Sailing Boats

  Am I covered to race my sailing boat?

  Not as part of the standard cover unless the vessel is a sailing dinghy. Racing risks for other sailing boats can be an extension for an additional premium.

• Boat Drivers

  Can anyone drive the boat?

  For boats with a maximum designed speed of up to 17 knots the driver must have your permission and not be under 12 years of age. For boats with maximum designed speed of over 17 knots theknots the driver must have your permission, not be under 16 years of age and must have a powerboat handling cert or at least 3 years experience with fast craft (vessels with maximum designed speed in excess of 17 knots).

• Excess

  What is an excess?

  An excess is the first amount of any loss that you are responsible for in the event of making a claim. This amount is deducted from the total claim settlement figure. The only exception is in relation to claims for total or constructive total loss of the boat or liabilities to third parties.

  Our standard pleasure craft excesses are €200, €350, or €700. However, this may vary depending on the type of loss or type of policy. Please refer to your schedule of insurance, policy booklet, or contact us directly if you wish to query this amount.

• Changing Cover

  Can I change my cover during the year?

  Yes, policy cover can be changed (i.e. cruising range, racing risk, sums insured etc.) An additional premium or return premium may be charged.

• Hire or Rental

  Is the boat covered for hire or rental?

  Cover is provided for private pleasure use only.

• Outboard Engine

  Is my outboard engine covered if stolen?

  Only if it is specified on the policy and it has an anti-theft device fitted.

• Leak or Sinking Incident while Moored

  What should I do if my vessel sinks/ leaks while moored?

  You must take all reasonable steps to prevent further loss or damage from occurring. This includes having engines flushed through immediately after a sinking incident and immediately putting dehumidifiers into the internal areas of your boat which have been affected by a leak or sinking incident. This is a condition of your policy.

• Collisions

  What should I do if I am involved in a collision?

  Do not admit liability. Take the name and contact details of the Third Party and of any witnesses involved. If possible take photographs of the damage sustained to both parties’ boats. Report the incident to our claims department.

• Your own Surveyor

  Can I appoint my own surveyor?

  You can appoint your own surveyor at your own expense.