narrowboat insurance

What is narrowboat insurance?

Narrowboat insurance is designed to shield you, your boat, and other canal users from the various risks associated with using them.

These include injuries to yourself or your passengers, third-party claims emerging from accidents on the waterways, or your boat being lost, damaged or stolen.

Armed with a narrowboat insurance policy, you and your passengers can cruise with peace of mind.

Benefits of narrowboat insurance through Craftinsure

20 years experience 
We’re boat owners too, and have been helping others enjoy their passion for over 20 years
Direct to you
We can offer competitive premiums since our Quote and Buy process is entirely online
Up to £5m third-party cover
You can choose up to £5m of cover for protection against third-party claims

Personal effects (with a single item limit of £250)
Third-party cover up to £5m
‘Live aboard’ use and continuous cruising
Loss or damage from fire or theft
Loss or damage during transit by road
Repair or replacement (up to the sum insured)
Recovery of the vessel following a loss
Tenders
Underwater gear
Others using your boat (with your permission)
Use on inter-connecting tidal waterways

Wear, tear, depreciation, or gradual deterioration
Mechanical or electrical breakdown
Loss or damage caused by the vessel being unseaworthy  
Theft of outboard motors (unless securely locked and you have recorded the serial number)
Loss or damage to personal effects unless the vessel has lockable storage
Loss of money, cheques, credit or debit cards, jewellery, spectacles, or mobile phones
Vessel operation outside of the territorial scope shown in your policy
Wilful misconduct or recklessness by you or others in control of the vessel

You can look at the Insurance Product Information Document for full details on the cover provided.  

Why should I consider narrowboat insurance?

It’s easy to see why so many boaters choose this lifestyle—there’s no better feeling than waking up in a different location each morning with nature on your doorstep.

But as with any hobby, there’s always a risk that something could go wrong. Taking out specialist narrowboat insurance could protect you and your boat if the worst happens.  

For example, your boat could be targeted by thieves during your travels. Narrowboat insurance can cover the cost of repairing criminal damage and replacing any stolen items.

Or you could accidentally damage another canal user’s property whilst mooring your boat. Having Public Liability cover as part of your narrowboat insurance could cover any expensive reparation costs, so you can get back to cruising without worrying about your finances.

Quote

Narrowboat insurance FAQs

How much does it cost to insure a narrowboat?

At Craftinsure, policies start from £112 annually. However, various factors affect the cost of narrowboat insurance, including your claims history and the age and price of your vessel.
You can  get an online quote  within minutes to find out the cost of your cover.

Do you need insurance for a narrowboat?

As motorists require third-party insurance to legally drive on public roads, the Canal & River Trust require third-party cover as a minimum requirement to obtain your boating licence and use the UK’s inland waterways.

However, you may want to take out additional cover for extra reassurance when cruising in your narrowboat.

Through Craftinsure, you can build your own online quote and select the most suitable cover options.

Do you need a survey to insure a narrowboat?

Having an out-of-water condition and valuation survey carried out on your narrowboat ensures the safety of everyone onboard, alongside other canal users.

At Craftinsure, for boats over 30 years old, you must have a survey report no more than five years old, with all recommendations complied with.

Are Personal Effects on my narrowboat covered?

Yes—Personal Effects are covered, with a single item limit of £250.

However, this excludes the loss of items such as money, cheques, credit or debit cards, jewellery, spectacles, or mobile phones.

There is also an overall limit which will be detailed in your policy.

Am I covered if I live aboard my narrowboat?

There’s no better feeling than moving your home to a different location at the drop of a hat. Cover arranged by Craftinsure includes continuous cruising, so you will be covered to live and travel on your narrowboat.

You may want to consider increasing the standard policy limit for Personal Effects if you live aboard—simply contact us if you need a higher limit.

Does your narrowboat policy include widebeams?

Yes, our narrowboat policy specifically includes widebeams but we don’t cover static houseboats.

Are there any exclusions to this narrowboat insurance?

You can find the full list of exclusions in the ‘What’s not covered’ list above or within the Insurance Product Information Document.

Alongside this, there are some restrictions on cover, including:

You must pay the first part of a claim (the excess)
We will not pay more than the boat value or limits shown in your policy
You need to hold a current Boat Safety Certificate and appropriate waterways licence