Insurance while moving a boat by road

[salgarfi]

Hello All!

I'm going to be looking at some trailer-sailers very shortly, and if I purchase one, I can arrange for it to be towed to my home by a neighbour of mine. This being the case, do I need to take out insurance on the boat for its transport? It won't be going into the water immediately so there might be some time before I arrange for its insurance anyway.

Any hints on what's best to do?

 

[ShinyShoe]

Would you also want it insured against theft while you have it on the drive?

What is the travel insurance to cover?

Dinghy sailing policies will normally routinely cover both and cost <£50...

 

[Quandary]

Most people insure a boat from the day they own it whether it is afloat or not. Your boat insurer will need to know where the boat is used and where it will be kept, they will quote for a policy that will cover its use including while towing but a complication may be that you propose to get a neighbour to tow it. The risks involved with trailers can be very serious, a breakaway can cause a major accident, possibly fatalities so it is vital that the third party risk when moving is covered, perhaps better under the policy for the car. NFU Mutual tend to specialize in trailers as most farmers use them a lot, they are good but far from the cheapest. Loads of threads on here about which marine insurer to choose, I have been with Nav. & Gen. for decadesbut there are many others, worth discussing your requirement with a few.

 

[Boathook]

Is your neighbour insured to tow a boat? If your trailer causes an accident due to a faulty bearing or some other failure should your neighbour be responsible?
I would get insurance to cover being towed, etc.

 

[davidpbo]

Sorry if others have replied in the meantime. I formulated a reply which disappeared before I could sent it.

Third party liability should as far as I know rest with the vehicle insurance. The boat and trailer will almost certainly not be covered by this insurance. For the boat and trailer to be covered you will need the appropriate boat insurance.

How things stand if the boat is parked detached from the vehicle I don't know.

Your friend needs to check he has appropriate insurance to cover 3rd party liability whilst towing and that he has the appropriate classifications on his licence.

Someone who gained their licence after I think 1997 is only allowed to tow up to a certain weight, 750kgs springs to mind, without having taken an additional towing test. I think the appropriate letters are B+E

The trailer must be roadworthy in all respects. Many boat trailers have a hard life without doing many miles. They are dunked in water then left to stand for an age. Ideally get it serviced.

The vehicle must be able to tow the weight of the boat and trailer and have a maximum train weight in excess of that including weight of vehicle, occupants, fuel and whatever else is in the load space.

Boats and trailers are usually heavier than you think. Displacement is often quoted without all the stuff that accumulates, anchors outboards dinghies etc.

Trailers are the spawn if the devil. If it can work loose it will. I usually make sure everything is tied down by at least two straps or ropes.

If you are traveling any distance check everything regularly.

 

[davidpbo]

I should have said 3rd party liability with regard to the boat and trailer whilst it is connected to the vehicle . Best to ask/inform vehicle and boat insurance co.

Whether you want to insure the boat and trailer itself depends on its value and your attitude to risk.

Whilst my boat trailer is very specific to my boat it still has 4 wheels and tyres and a scrap value.

 

[[70521]]

Telephone the insurance company who will cover your boat and talk it over with them, they can then quote on the facts you give them.

 

[salgarfi]

Thanks for all of this, and you've all given me good things to consider. Since I'm a list maker, I'll make one with all of your points and make sure that who ever tows the vehicle is appropriately covered. You've all given me good food for thought. Thanks!