Why Insure Your Rowing Boat?
Rowing boats represent a significant investment, with competitive boats often costing thousands of pounds. Insurance provides peace of mind against theft, damage, and liability claims.
While it's not a legal requirement to have insurance for your rowing boat, it's often a prerequisite for many rowing clubs and marinas. These clubs and waterways require insurance to ensure you're covered for accidents, damage, or liability claims while out on the water.
Types of Coverage
Third-Party Liability
Covers damage you might cause to others or their property while rowing. This is often required for racing and club membership.
Transit Cover
Protects your boat while being transported. Essential if you regularly move your boat to different venues.
What Affects Premium Costs?
- Value of the boat
- Age and condition
- Storage location and security
- Your experience level
- Claims history
UK Rowing Boat Insurance Providers
Here are some specialist insurers that offer policies specifically for rowing boats:
Elite Rowing Insurance
Specialists in boat and rowing equipment insurance. They offer discounted premiums for British Rowing members and have a network of carefully selected boat repairers. They also provide club insurance packages through their Clubzone service. Contact: 01732 228 711.
GJW Direct
With over 195 years of marine insurance experience, GJW Direct offers comprehensive rowing boat insurance including recreational racing cover at no extra charge, no age limit on users, instant cover with immediate access to policy documents, and road transit cover. They also partner with the RNLI. Contact: 0151 473 8000.
Elite Rowing
Elite Rowing insurance for rowers and rowing clubs marks the coming together of one of the market leaders in rowing and pleasure craft insurance to produce a formidable team capable of delivering some of the best cover, value and service available.
Craft Insure
They have been helping others enjoy their passion for over 20 years. You can choose up to £5m of cover for protection against third-party claims.
Nobel Marine Insurance
At Noble Marine Insurance they provide all types of rowing boat from leisure users with a boat worth a few hundred pounds to elite coxed fours worth several thousands. Whatever your needs we they here to help.
Tips for Finding the Right Policy
- British Rowing members often have access to discounted schemes – check with your membership benefits.
- Always compare multiple quotes from specialist marine insurers.
- Read the policy terms carefully, especially exclusions.
- Check what's included for racing cover if you compete.
- Consider whether you need transit cover for travelling to regattas.
Making a Claim
Document any damage immediately with photographs. Report thefts to the police and obtain a crime reference number. Keep all receipts and correspondence safe. Most insurers offer 24-hour emergency claims helplines for urgent situations.