Canal Boat Insurance: Key Features of a GJW Direct policy

Enjoy your precious time out on the water, leisurely cruising, or permanently living. Canal boats offer an escape from reality; spending time in nature around idyllic settings in a cosy cabin can do wonders for your health. Having the freedom to move around whenever you feel like it, depending on the weather, your mood and job, is a brilliant way to live. With your new found freedom, it's important to still keep yourself and your property safe and boat insurance may be the answer…

Should you get canal boat insurance?

Narrowboat insurance is there to protect both yourself and your vessel on the water. Even though insurance isn't a requirement for offshore boating, it is a requirement on UK inland waterways. On top of this, a Canal and River Trust licence is a must. Despite insurance being a legal necessity in some waters, it is also a necessity for many other reasons such as peace of mind, helping to save on costs and protecting yourself, passengers and the boat all year-round in the event of an incident.

Key Features of a GJW Direct policy

GJW Direct provides specialist cover for narrowboats in UK waterways. Whether this is the first time you are purchasing insurance, or are you simply researching providers to switch to, our policy has got you covered. We are an experienced team of friendly and professional experts, with over 195 years of experience in marine insurance. GJW’s Direct policy is comprehensive, as well as offering a range of exclusive benefits. The main features include…

• Content cover: if the content of your vessel is lost or damaged, we will cover it.
• 0% finance: yearly interest free payments plans are offered on direct debit policies that are over £100.
• Agreed value: if a total loss claim occurs, the total cost of the vessel when the policy was signed up to will be paid.
• Automatic liveaboard cover
• Legal protection cover
• Medical expenses cover
• Third party liability
• Personal accident cover 
• Rapid claims settlement 
• And much more… 

If you choose to buy insurance with GJW Direct, your policy also includes* a range of fantastic benefits, including a River Canal Rescue (RCR) membership, a dedicated waterways breakdown service. Their breakdown cover includes 24 hour technical and practical telephone assistance, nationwide breakdown recovery and assistance, crisis coordination, pick-up service, SOS app and a free WaterNav app. 

*Always check your own policy to see what is included and what you are eligible for.

Not only do customers get an inclusive RCR membership as standard but they will also get an additional bonus of full access to MyBoat, a free digital boat management system. This simple and easy to use organiser is perfect for safely storing all of your boating documents. This management system can also be individually tailored to suit your needs as well as set safety equipment reminders. MyBoat also gives you exclusive access to offers and discounts from some of the most popular and recognised marine brands, sign up today and unlock discounts from the likes of Yachting Monthly, Pirates Cave Chandlery, August Race and Practical Boat Owner.

Are you a narrowboat owner looking for boat insurance? Find out more below...

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