The last time I renewed my boat policy I checked the value of my boat, trailer and gear and paid up, but I did not pull the policy out of my files and read the small print through to make sure all was well. It almost cost me a lot.

The crunch came when, late last summer, after several days of severe weather, Betty and I pulled out to look for more sheltered waters. Our course was down the single track stretch of road east out of Mallaig, and the first we knew of trouble was the impact of the first car driving into the back of the trailer. By the time we had stopped, a second car also misjudged the wet road and added its weight to the mess. The Scottish police were most helpful and, having taken our statement, put us in touch with a local welding firm, who did a wonderful job of making the trailer safe and roadworthy. The boat took longer and, having been examined by various experts, the repairs were authorised. There was one small snag though — the total repair bill was around £255 plus VAT and materials. The boat, I knew, was insured for about £340. This I had confirmed with my agent the last time the policy was renewed: he was proved to be correct, but I had forgotten that part of that was allocated on the policy to cover spars and sails, and only part of the whole was cover to damage to the hull. If the boat had been destroyed or lost with spars and sails all would have been well, but as it was I stood to have to pay a substantial amount towards the cost of having the boat repaired.

The outcome was much happier and, as I said, I think that the Scottish police are wonderful. My insurance company got a report of the accident and were able to get full repayment for all the work involved from the other parties insurers, so Tarpon is whole again — but next time I shall read the policy at renewal time. But, no doubt, you already do… or do you?