Is Insurance Required by Law?

[cmckesson]

Greetings from the USA. I am in the process of planning a cruise to UK and Eire waters for 2007-2008.

Is yacht insurance required by law in those countries?

Thank you.

Chris McKesson

 

[TigaWave]

NO....is the simple answer.

 

[dickh]

Agree with Tigawave BUT most marinas and harbours would expect you to have insurance, but you would not be asked to see a certificate if you are just passing through. If you berth for a long time at a particular marina then you will probably have to produce an insurance certificate. You certainly have to if you are berthed in UK permantly(I have to in my East Coast area on a swinging mooring)
PS not sure about Eire.

 

[m1taylor]

Most harbour authrities require a minimum of £1m third part cover. It's not that expensive, and it would be foolish not to have it. A simple collition in a busy estuary like Salcombe could cost a lot of money!

 

[Trevethan]

But they usually only require third party and wreck removal in my experience

Personally I think sailing without at least that cover is much the same as driving without insurance.

 

[brianrunyard]

Cobbs Quay require you to have insurance, but don't want to see your certificate, I offered mine last year and was told they never want to see them.

 

[Thistle]

May be similar to the situation in dinghy racing where organisers are advised NOT to check insurance documents but to get the competitor to sign to say they are insured. I understand it's something to do with a transfer of responsibility to the organiser if they check and accept a document with which there is a problem; if it's not checked the responsibility remains with the person who is claiming to be insured.

You may find that by going into a marina / harbour you are subjecting yourself to their rules which may include an insurance requirement. They don't check but simply leave you responsible for ensuring that you keep to their rules.

 

[PhilF]

why would you want to travel without it?

 

[lezgar]

I you go to other EU countries (France, Spain...) is compulsory

 

[Gunfleet]

You'd be foolish to go to Spain without a bail bond too.

 

[VicMallows]

I can see the logic in that.

Vic