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Deleted User YDKXO
Guest
I've posted a few times in the past to the effect that an unattended boat at anchor is not insured. Well, it seems that the situation is a bit more complex than this. The specific clause in my insurance policy which refers to this is Clause 2(A)(i) which is part of the standard Speedboat Clauses which many of you will have in your policy terms and it states
"No claim shall be allowed in respect of loss or damage to the Vessel ..............while left moored or anchored unattended otherwise than in a Marina or sheltered anchorage"
Previously I sought clarification of this clause from my insurance company (Bishop Skinner) who told me (verbally) that an anchorage in which a boat drags it's anchor to go aground could hardly be considered sheltered so I've always been reluctant to leave my boat unattended at anchor even for short periods
However, thanks to the advice from rickp, poster on this forum, it does seem that it is possible to get an endorsement on your policy which excludes Clause 2(A)(i). I wrote to Bishop Skinner to point out that my policy did not have this exclusion and, surprise surprise, they wrote back to confirm that my policy schedule should have included the requisite endorsement excluding Clause 2(A)(i)
So, if you are in the habit of dropping the hook and nipping off to the pub for a swift pint or six, I would check with your insurance company that you have this exclusion on your policy. Even if you have, be aware that there are other clauses in my policy at least which exclude liability for damage caused by reckless or wilful misconduct so I still think an insurance company might fight a claim on this basis but I will feel a little happier about leaving my boat unattended at anchor from now on
"No claim shall be allowed in respect of loss or damage to the Vessel ..............while left moored or anchored unattended otherwise than in a Marina or sheltered anchorage"
Previously I sought clarification of this clause from my insurance company (Bishop Skinner) who told me (verbally) that an anchorage in which a boat drags it's anchor to go aground could hardly be considered sheltered so I've always been reluctant to leave my boat unattended at anchor even for short periods
However, thanks to the advice from rickp, poster on this forum, it does seem that it is possible to get an endorsement on your policy which excludes Clause 2(A)(i). I wrote to Bishop Skinner to point out that my policy did not have this exclusion and, surprise surprise, they wrote back to confirm that my policy schedule should have included the requisite endorsement excluding Clause 2(A)(i)
So, if you are in the habit of dropping the hook and nipping off to the pub for a swift pint or six, I would check with your insurance company that you have this exclusion on your policy. Even if you have, be aware that there are other clauses in my policy at least which exclude liability for damage caused by reckless or wilful misconduct so I still think an insurance company might fight a claim on this basis but I will feel a little happier about leaving my boat unattended at anchor from now on
