There are many variations in the insurance terms currently available for dinghies, and, of course, the dinghy owners’ requirements vary a lot also. This means no single insurance policy is likely to be available that would fit every Dinghy Cruising Association member equally well, and I would recommend an individual quotation in every case. The market changes quickly sometimes, so I will not give specific figures here as they might be out of date when you refer to them.

Underwriters normally divide boats into two classes — up to 16’6” long (or 5m) and vessels over that. The smaller boats are normally insured for loss and accidental damage, plus Third Party and Passenger liability claims and salvage claims. There are various exclusions: wear and tear, corrosion, etc, personal effects and consumable stores, theft of loose gear where forcible entry was not needed to remove them, etc, are typical. Theft of outboard motors is not covered unless the engine was secured by an antitheft device — and a bit of chain and padlock is not enough, unless the engine is in locked up storage. Trailers or trolleys are normally required to be protected by lock, or immobilised when left unattended (and that means short stays in a car park too).

Many companies now require boats under 16’6” long to be removed from the water when left unattended. If you want to leave the boat afloat, make sure you have the right policy, which may involve paying an extra premium or getting an endorsement to the policy. This is a case where a professional marine insurance broker or consultant can sort out the right policy for you much more efficiently than you are likely to on your own.

The distance which dinghies are permitted to go, out from the shoreline, also varies. Some companies have a written limit in the policy; others do not write a limit as much, but have one in mind; others really have no limit. However, there is a general requirement for any marine insurance that the insured person should behave sensibly and exercise good seamanship and, for example, crossing from Wales to Ireland is not allowed by any underwriter that I know. For a long crossing, you should consult your insurance adviser first.

Policies may have special conditions about racing, reducing cover during a race perhaps. Others give full cover for racing, which may mean higher premiums. Full cover for replacement sails is possible, but some companies make deductions when paying for a new replacement sail. Such differences can explain a variation in premium. Racing classes often cost more to insure. I remember a gentleman bought a dinghy for family picnics on a lake and was indignant at the premium he was charged. He had bought a second-hand Fireball without knowing what sort of boat it was or how insurers would treat it. Always get an insurance quotation before you agree to buy a boat.

Every owner should have insurance to get third party liability cover. If you injured someone I am sure you would realise the value of insurance very quickly. Unlike cars, boats are rarely insured for third party liability only, and it is not likely to be cheaper for dinghies. When towing a boat on a trailer, the car insurance should provide third party liability cover, but the boat policy normally covers loss or damage to the boat and trailer, plus engine. Engine size normally affects premiums, but if your engine is not more than 10 hp it does not make much difference. Above that level, it could be the deciding factor in choosing an insurance company.

Advice from an insurance broker or consultant is normally free, and they are under a duty to put their client’s interests first. Although paid commission by insurance companies, their primary duty is towards the policyholder, not the company. It is therefore sensible to use an insurance adviser, who can also advise you about claims and will check your insurance policy and premium notices etc when they are issued. Since a knowledge of boats and the sea is bound to be important, it makes sense to use a marine specialist for your insurance.

(John Cooper has specialised in boat insurance for more than 10 years, and will be happy to talk to members about insurance. Tel 03943 4749 between 10am and 6pm or Woodbridge 4314 in evenings).