Motorboat & Speedboat Insurance

Motorboat and speedboat insurance can include cover for: 

• Accidental damage to the hull, machinery, engines and trailers 
• Theft (including from secure storage or vehicles) 
• Third-party liability if your boat causes injury to others or damage to another vessel or property.
• Personal accident cover for you and your passengers 
• Optional extras such as water-skiing or towing liability, trailer/equipment cover in transit, and overseas use 

The exact cover will depend on your motorboat use, the policy and insurer. 

The cost of insurance will depend on factors such as: 

• The value, age, and speed of your boat 
• Your boating experience and claims history 
• Where the boat is kept (e.g. marina, mooring, ashore) 
• How you use the vessel (e.g. inland cruising, coastal use, high-speed activities) 

You can obtain a tailored review; start by completing the form below to find out how much your policy may cost. 

Insurance is not a legal requirement for privately used motorboats in the UK. However, in practice, you may still need cover to legally access certain marinas, waterways or facilities. 

Most marinas, harbours, yacht clubs and mooring providers will require you to hold a minimum level of third-party liability insurance to protect against damage to other vessels, injury to others, or pollution-related claims. If you plan to use your motorboat on the UK’s inland waterways, such as those managed by the Canal & River Trust or Environment Agency, you will typically be required to show valid third-party insurance before a licence is issued. 

While not legally mandatory for all private use, having insurance in place provides valuable financial protection against incidents such as theft, accidental damage, collisions, or liability claims – costs which can otherwise be a significant outlay to you. 

In many cases, your motorboat insurance will extend to other people driving your boat with your permission, as long as they meet your insurer’s eligibility criteria. There are important conditions to be aware of, and can include items such as: 

• Age restrictions – Most insurers require anyone helming the boat to be at least 18 years old. If a minor is involved, an experienced adult usually must be on board and in control at all times. 
• Experience and competence – You are responsible for ensuring that anyone operating your motorboat has sufficient experience and can do so safely. 
• Regular users – If someone will be using your boat frequently (with or without you on board), it’s best to let your insurer know. You may be asked to provide their name, age, boating experience, claims history and licence (if applicable). 
• Professional use – Policies typically exclude liability for individuals operating your boat in a professional capacity (e.g. marina staff, delivery crews, repair yards). However, if you intend to operate the vessel for commercial purposes, please inform us and we will be happy to arrange a bespoke policy tailored to your needs. 
• Hire and reward – Lending your boat in return for payment or any form of compensation is normally classed as “hire or reward” and therefore is not usually covered under standard private pleasure use policies unless specifically agreed in advance. 
• Delivery skippers or crew – If you arrange for a professional skipper to move or deliver your vessel, insurers may request evidence of their qualifications and that they hold appropriate cover. 

This information is a general guide and may vary by insurer. For full clarity on who is covered to operate your motorboat, please refer to your policy wording or speak with your broker directly. 

Whether a survey is required will often depend on your boat’s age, type, value and where it is used. Many insurers will not require a survey for newer or smaller motorboats, particularly those used only for private pleasure. However, a condition survey may be requested in the following situations (please note, this is not an exhaustive list): 

• Older boats – Vessels over a certain age (often 20–30 years, depending on tidal or non-tidal use) may require a recent survey report, typically conducted within the last 3–5 years. 
• Larger or higher-value craft – Higher-value motorboats or cruisers may need a condition survey regardless of age. 
• Tidal vs. inland use – Boats used in tidal waters often face more wear and tear, making surveys more likely to be required. 
• After a claim or purchase – An insurer may ask for a survey following significant damage or when a boat changes ownership.