Visicover | About My Boat Cover Options

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About My Boat Cover Options

What is Vessel Loss or Damage cover?

This option under our boat insurance policy can provide cover for the cost of loss or damage to your vessel arising from a range of causes such as accident, theft, fire, and storm.

You choose what value you wish to insure your vessel for, up to a limit which will vary by the type of vessel. You can also select, within certain limits, what level of excess you are prepared to pay in the event of a claim.

In addition to covering your main vessel you can also specify details of any outboard engines or tenders which you would like to be insured. For each outboard or tender you can again state the value for which it will be insured and also what level of excess you wish to pay.

There are various exclusions which apply to this option, such as where the vessel is not being used for a permitted use or for costs arising from the loss of use of the vessel.

The Policy Booklet contains full details about how this cover operates, including any exclusions or conditions. Existing policyholders can download copies of the applicable Booklet for their policy by following the guide described here. Alternatively, to download the latest boat insurance Policy Booklet, please click here.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is Machinery Extension cover?

This option under our boat insurance policy can extend the protection provided by the ‘Vessel Loss or Damage’ section to cover the reasonable cost of repair or replacement to the vessel’s Machinery caused by poor design or faulty manufacture of a component, or arising from the breakage of shafts.

There are various exclusions which apply to this option, such as damage due to wear and tear or the cost of replacing or repairing the defective part or broken shaft itself.

This option is only available if you have also selected the ‘Vessel Loss or Damage’ option.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is Marina Benefits cover?

If this option under our boat insurance policy is in force and the vessel suffers insured loss or damage while it is moored on a pontoon / jetty at the Marina, or while it is stored at the Marina, the vessel excess will not be deducted from the claim and there will be no impact on any No Claims Discount entitlement under the policy.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is Replacement Locks and Keys cover?

If the keys for any external doors of the Vessel are lost or stolen, this option under our boat insurance can pay towards the cost of replacing such keys and installing replacement external door locks or padlocks.

You select what cover limit you require up to £2,000, and there is no excess for you to pay in respect of a claim under this option.

This option is only available if you have also selected the ‘Vessel Loss or Damage’ option.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is Mooring Fees cover?

If you are unable to use the vessel, either because of loss or damage to it which results in a claim under the boat insurance policy, or because you suffer a severe injury, this option can pay towards the cost of your vessel’s mooring fees while you are unable to use it.

You select what cover limit you require up to £5,000, and there is no excess for you to pay in respect of a claim under this cover.

There are various exclusions which apply to this option, such as the first 7 days of fees, or where this cover option was not in force at the time of the loss.

This option is only available if you have also selected the ‘Vessel Loss or Damage’ option.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is Courtesy Vessel cover?

If the Vessel is no longer seaworthy as the result of loss or damage which results in a claim under the boat insurance policy, this option can provide a contribution towards the cost of you hiring a temporary substitute vessel of similar size and type. You select what cover limit you require up to 5% of your Vessel value, and there is no excess for you to pay in respect of a claim under this cover.

There are various exclusions which apply to this option, such as if you already have access to another vessel of a similar size and type, or where this cover option was not in force at the time of the loss.

This option is only available if you have also selected the ‘Vessel Loss or Damage’ option.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is Emergency Accommodation cover?

If your vessel suffers insured loss or damage (e.g. a fire) while you are away from your home mooring, and as a result you and your guests are unable to stay on board overnight as planned, this option under your boat insurance policy can pay towards the cost of emergency alternative accommodation.

You select what cover limit you require up to £5,000, and there is no excess for you to pay in respect of a claim under this cover.

There are various exclusions which apply to this option, such as there being no cover for the first night’s accommodation costs, or where this cover option was not in force at the time of the loss.

This option is only available if you have also selected the ‘Vessel Loss or Damage’ option.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is Emergency Travel cover?

If you have to halt your voyage because either the vessel suffers insured loss or damage, or a crew member is injured meaning you have insufficient crew, this boat insurance option can pay towards the cost of emergency travel to get you and your guests home. In addition, if the problem occurs abroad, this cover can pay towards the travel costs of you sending out a crew to bring the vessel home.

You select what cover limit you require up to £5,000, and there is no excess for you to pay in respect of a claim under this cover.

There are various exclusions which apply to this option, such as if the vessel is easily repairable within a reasonable time, or where this cover option was not in force at the time of the loss.

This option is only available if you have also selected the ‘Vessel Loss or Damage’ option.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is Emergency Breakdown cover?

If the Vessel suffers a mechanical breakdown while away from its home mooring, this boat insurance option will pay towards the cost of call out charges for the attendance of a suitably qualified marine engineer or technician, and the costs of parts and labour incurred during the call out.

You choose what cover limit you require up to £1,500. You can also select, within certain limits, what level of excess you are prepared to pay in the event of a claim.

There are various exclusions which apply to this option, such as for costs incurred in you conducting the repair yourself, or any parts or labour costs not incurred at the time of the initial call out.

This option is only available if you have also selected the ‘Vessel Loss or Damage’ option.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is Trailers and Trolleys cover?

Trailers and trolleys are non-motorised devices specifically designed to move your vessel on land, with the distinction being trailers are designed to be attached to a motorised road vehicle while trolleys are not.

The ‘Trailers and Trolleys’ option under our boat insurance policy can provide cover for the cost of loss or damage to your trailer or trolley arising from specific causes such as theft, fire, and accidental collision.

You choose what value you wish to insure your trailer for up to £5,000, or up to £1,000 for a trolley. You can also select, within certain limits, what level of excess you are prepared to pay in the event of a claim.

There are various exclusions which apply to this option, such as theft of a trailer not secured by a hitchlock when attached to a vehicle or for damage to the trailer’s tyres from braking or punctures.

This option is only available if you have also selected the ‘Vessel Loss or Damage’ option.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is MSSR cover?

This is an optional cover which is available to owners of most types of sailing vessel who have selected ‘Racing’ as a permitted use of the vessel.

Under it, they can choose to extend the boat insurance cover provided while the vessel is racing to include damage sustained to masts, sails, spars and rigging (MSSR) if the vessel itself is not a total loss.

If selecting this option, owners are required to state the new replacement value of all masts, sails, spars and rigging on the vessel.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is Race Fees cover?

This is an optional cover which is available to any owner who has selected ‘Racing’ as a permitted use of the vessel.

Under it, if the vessel is unable to participate in a pre-booked race because of loss or damage insured under the boat insurance policy, we will reimburse any non-refundable race entry fees up to the selected cover limit.

You select what cover limit you require and there is no excess for you to pay in respect of a claim under this option. The maximum cover limit varies depending on the type of vessel between £2,000 and £10,000.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is Third Party Liability cover (Boat)?

This boat insurance option can help protect you, and other people using the vessel with your permission, from your or their potential liabilities to other people for death, injury or property damage arising from the use of the vessel.

In addition, this option can contribute towards related costs such as legal defence fees and the costs of attending inquests or inquiries.

You select what cover limit you require up to a maximum of £5 million and there is no excess for you to pay in respect of this cover option.

There are various exclusions which apply, such as where the vessel is not being used for a permitted use or for your liabilities to employees.

Within the UK, liability insurance in compulsory on certain waterways and is often also a requirement when using a marina. Certain countries also have minimum liability requirements for boat owners, so if you are travelling abroad, please check what such requirements are and ensure that you have adequate cover in place to meet them.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is No Claims Discount Protection?

We provide a ‘No Claims Discount’ (NCD) to reflect your boating experience and the number of years you have held a boat policy without making a claim. Unfortunately, if you do make a claim you will normally lose the entitlement to this discount at your next policy renewal.

If you have the NCD Protection option in force you are permitted to make one claim within the current boat insurance policy year without losing your NCD entitlement.

Please note that NCD Protection can only be added when you first take out a policy or at renewal, which means it cannot be added during the policy year.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is War and Related Risks cover (Boat)?

Amongst the standard exclusions which apply to most leisure boat insurance policies are exclusions for claims arising from War, Capture, Piracy or Terrorism. This option allows you to buy back cover for these risks.

There are various exclusions which apply to this option, such as in respect of war between certain countries or where the vessel is being used in certain, restricted sea areas.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is Personal Belongings cover?

This option under the boat insurance policy can pay towards the cost of your or your family’s personal belongings which are lost or damaged while on board the vessel or in transit to or from your home. Personal belongings include household goods, furnishings and clothes that are used in connection with the Vessel.

You can choose specific limits to cover higher value items, plus a lump sum to cover your other belongings. You can also select what level of excess you wish to pay.

There are various exclusions which apply to this option, such as there being no cover for certain types of belonging (e.g. mobile phones, jewellery etc) and no theft cover for belongings unless they are stolen from a locked cabin, building or vehicle.

The Personal Belongings option is not available if your vessel is a houseboat.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is Search, Rescue and Evacuation cover?

This option under the boat insurance policy can pay towards the cost of search and rescue operations in the event of a person being lost overboard, or evacuation costs if a person on board requires emergency evacuation.

You select what cover limit you require up to £50,000, and there is no excess for you to pay in respect of a claim under this cover.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is Personal Accident cover (Boat)?

This boat insurance option can provide a payment if you, or anyone on board your boat with your permission, have an accident onboard which results in you or they suffering a serious injury (e.g. loss of a limb) or even death.

You select what cover limit you require up to £50,000 per person or £200,000 in total, and you also select how many people you want cover for. There is no excess for you to pay in respect of a claim under this cover.

There are various exclusions which apply to this option, such as if the person is injured while undertaking a hazardous activity (e.g. diving, water skiing etc), or if they are under the influence of drink or drugs.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

What is Medical Expenses cover?

This boat insurance option can pay towards the cost of emergency medical treatment if you, or anyone on board your vessel with your permission, have an accident onboard which results in a serious injury.

You select what cover limit you require up to £10,000 and also what level of excess you wish to pay

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.

About Houseboat Contents & Related Covers

What is Marine Legal Protection?

The Marine Legal Protection option under the boat insurance policy may provide cover for legal adviser’s costs to help you pursue or defend a claim in the following situations:

Uninsured Loss Recovery: To pursue damages claims arising from a collision, impact, fire or flooding against those whose negligence has caused you to suffer loss of your insurance policy excess or other out of pocket expenses.
Personal Injury Pursuit: To pursue damages claims arising from a collision, impact, fire or flooding whilst you are in, boarding or alighting the vessel against those whose negligence has caused your injury or death.
Contract Disputes: To pursue or defend a legal action following a breach of a contract you have for buying goods or services in connection with the vessel, including the purchase or sale of the vessel.
Prosecution Defence: To defend a legal action in respect of a criminal offence arising from your ownership or use of the vessel

In addition, this option can provide access to both a legal advice helpline and a health and medical information service.

The maximum amount payable in respect of legal adviser costs is £100,000. There is no excess for you to pay in respect of this cover option unless you opt not to use one of our panel solicitors, in which case there is an excess of £1,000.

There are various exclusions which apply to this option, such as there being no cover for contract disputes arising from the manufacture of the vessel or arising from any commercial use of the vessel.

Should you wish to start an online boat insurance quote, please click here.