Buyer's Guide to Motor Cruiser Insurance

Whether you love taking your motor cruiser out on the water for spur-of-the-moment outings or you prefer to plan a trip away with your vessel instead, no matter which way you choose to spend time onboard, you want to ensure it’s relaxing and carefree.

Knowing you and your boat are insured can help provide some peace of mind and allow you to make the most of your next voyage. Buying your motor cruiser is a big purchase, so you want to do all you can to help cover your investment as much as possible. 

This blog looks at why we believe it’s important to have motor cruiser insurance for your vessel…

Is motor cruiser insurance a necessity? 

It’s actually not a legal requirement to have motor yacht insurance in the UK, however, without it, you won’t be able to obtain an inland waterways licence. In fact, most marinas, harbours and mooring areas will require it should you wish to stay there.

As well as helping to provide cover for any financial loss you may incur due to damage or loss of your boat, motor cruiser insurance can also help provide cover against any third-party damage that may occur. Therefore, this helps to cover you and those around you in the event of an accident, rather than having to fork out for any hefty costs.

What will my insurance policy cover?

This will very much depend on your provider and what your specific policy covers but generally speaking, your policy will usually cover*:

• Medical expenses cover (up to £3000)
• Legal protection cover (up to £100,000)
• Personal accident cover
• Third-party liability (£5,000,000)
• 10% discount is included in your price if you moor your vessel in a recognised UK marina
• Recoup your berthing fees if you cannot occupy your berth due to loss or damage
• No excess or loss of no claims bonus if loss or damage occurs whilst underway within your home marina
• No excess for loss or damage incurred at your home marina if caused by an unknown or untraceable third party
• Returning home after an incident; we will pay up to £2000
• In the event of a claim, you will have the benefit of a dedicated claims handler
• We cover the cost of replacement keys if they are lost or stolen.

*Always check with your provider to see what is included.

What conditions will apply to your motor cruiser insurance?

When you sign up for a policy, it’s essential that you adhere to any conditions that may be in place, otherwise you may find that you’re not technically covered. Always check what these obligations are with your own insurance provider. Here are some examples of what you may come across:

• You or another competent person must always be on board and in charge of the vessel at all times when underway
• Whilst preparing to tow and whilst towing any person behind your motor cruiser, you must have at least two competent persons on board, one acting as helmsman and one acting as a lookout or observer 
• Any water toys must be purpose-built and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions/guidelines 
• You must exercise reasonable care to make and keep your vessel in a seaworthy condition and also keep it in a safe place, when not underway. It is your responsibility to ensure that all measures are taken to maintain the vessel itself as well as the machinery
• You must not make any significant structural alterations or additions to your vessel without notifying your provider.

Are there any exclusions?

Every provider will have its own specific exclusions but these may include:

• A fault in design or construction 
• Wear and tear, lack of maintenance
• Rot, mildew, dampness or weathering or any other gradually operating cause 
• Racing, speed tests and trials

Where can I purchase motor cruiser insurance?

There are several places where you can purchase motor cruiser insurance and each will have its own features, so it’s important to research which provides the right cover for you. If you’d like to find out more about what GJW Direct has to offer, you can click here.

Are you a motor yacht owner looking for comprehensive boat insurance for you? Find out more below…

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