UK Marine Insurance Information

Marine Insurance in the UK - reducing the risk

An essential part of owning a marine vessel is getting it properly insured.

Theft equipment from boats, trailers, outboard engines and even entire boats is still all too common however there are many ways in which you can minimise the risk. Your marine insurance policy may list certain specific requirements so check your policy wording carefully.

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Thieves are always looking for easy targets so you shoiuld look for ways to make their task more difficult. Consider any measure to delay the thief, measures that will cause a disturbance or any measure that will later identify the equipment as having been stolen. Mark your equipment with your postcode, name or the boat's name/sail number. Consider using both visible markings and hidden markings.

Lock trailers, using wheel-clamps, hitch-locks, even a padlock and chain around an immovable object. Use good quality locks and don't leave the key with the boat! Outboard engines should be locked to the boat, using special clamping locks. Alternatively remove the engine and place in secure storage.

Keep loose equipment out of sight or better still take it home with you.

Consider an alarm system for larger boats Get to know the other owners at your marina or sailing club and look out for one another. If you see any suspicious activity report it immediately.

If you are unlucky and become a victim of marine crime there are measures you can take to aid the police in recovering equipment and to assist your marine insurance company in settling your claim. These are as follows.

• Keep a note of your Hull Identification Number (HIN) or other unique identifiers.
• Record serial numbers of outboard engines and other equipment Keep purchase receipts
• Photograph your boat from a number of angles
• Report the theft to the police and to your insurers as soon as possible. Your quick action may result in a speedy recovery.