RIB Insurance
RIBs, or rigid inflatable boats, offer thrill seekers the perfect alternative to speed boats and other high-speed vessels. Because they’re so quick and specialised it’s essential that you’ve got adequate RIB insurance in place, but far too many people overlook this important fact.
Because a RIB is inflatable most people assume that it can’t do much damage, but its speed, combined with its rigid frame, means that any accidents can lead to severe consequences. That’s just one of the reasons that specialist RIB insurance is so vital – if any accident were to occur you need to be covered so that any claims don’t have to be paid out of your own pocket.
Therefore, third party liability cover is the very least you should be looking for. This means that you’re covered should your boat injure someone else or damage their property, both when you’re on the water and when your vessel is in transit.
But, it’s wise to opt for more comprehensive cover if you really want to be prepared. Any damage to your boat itself always needs to be paid for, and as it’s an expensive vessel those costs can always add up. It’s a good idea to see if any underwater gear or water skis can be covered as well, with some policies offering these as standard and others needing you to add them as an extra.
Most things that could happen to your RIB will be covered, including any accidental damage, theft, puncture of the tube and damage to the outboard motors. There will, however, always be some things that are excluded. General wear and tear, corrosion and depreciation could well not be covered, so always check the small print.
Because this is such a specialist type of insurance, it’s essential that you do your research. Consult specialist insurers to see what quotes you can uncover, and always compare several to see what you can get for your money. It’s also a good idea to speak directly to the insurer, with many specifying that they’ll need more information before you can buy your policy – in other words, you won’t always be able to buy it online without further consultation.
These are just a few things that you need to remember when buying RIB insurance, and as you can see there’s a lot to think about. Always spend the time to check out the best quotes, and make sure you get the most comprehensive option that you can so you’re completely prepared for anything that could happen.
