- Over 195 years arranging marine insurance*
- Discounts with our partner brands
- 24-hour emergency claims helpline
- Marina Scheme Benefits (UK marina)
Boat Insurance at competitive prices
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Specialist Boat Insurance
GJW Direct has been arranging marine insurance since 1826, so you can be confident you are dealing with boat insurance specialists.
Find out more about specific boat insurance policies and get a quick quote below.
Why choose GJW Direct for boat insurance
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24-hour emergency claims helpline
Get access to our 24-hour emergency claims helpline should you need to make an urgent claim or require assistance.
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Special Offers
As a GJW Direct customer, you'll get access to a selection of discounts through our partners.
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Marina Scheme Benefits
If you keep your vessel in a recognised UK marina, you are entitled to Special Endorsements as part of our Marina Scheme.
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Instant cover & access to policy documents
When taking out a policy, you can choose to be instantly covered & get access to your policy documents.
What does boat insurance cover?
Boat insurance
While your policy will depend on the type of boat you’re insuring, boat insurance policies typically cover:
- Third-party liability claims.
- No excess for third-party claims for loss or damage.
- Boat's agreed value in the event of a total loss.
- Machinery damage and theft.
Additionally, depending on the type of vessel, policies may cover medical expenses, legal protection, and personal accident cover.
For more information on specific cover details, visit the page for the boat you want to cover, where you can find the product information document for each boat type.
There are several standard details that a boat insurance policy through GJW won’t cover, including:
- Wear and tear and lack of maintenance.
- The cost of repairing or replacing a latently defective part/item.
- A fault in design or construction.
- Defective workmanship.
- Wilful misconduct and your own deliberate acts.
- Mechanical or electrical breakdown.
- Theft of any item that does not meet the security requirements listed in the product information document.
To see the full list of what boat insurance does not cover, visit the page for the boat type you want to cover, and read the product information document.
Boat insurance specialist for over 195 years
Whatever type of boat you own, boat insurance is an important consideration when it comes to helping financially protect your boat and you. GJW Direct have over 195 years of marine insurance experience, tracing back to 1826. With such an extensive history in boat insurance, you get direct access to specialists who understand boat insurance.
How much does boat insurance cost?
How much your boat insurance policy will cost varies depending on several factors, including:
- the boat’s type and value
- your intended use of the boat
- the type of cover you select
- your mooring location
- your claims history and/or your no claims bonus
Depending on your boat type, you could also get marina scheme benefits or a protected no claims bonus (eligible boat types include yacht, narrowboat, RIB, speedboat and motor cruiser).
The best way to find out how much boat insurance will cost is to get an instant online quote through GJW Direct now.
Partnering with the RNLI
Since 2018, we've partnered with the RNLI to aid their target of halving preventable coastal drownings by 2024. By sharing important safety information with our customers, we've raised over £258,000.
Why should I consider boat insurance?
Boat insurance helps to provide financial protection against the risks of theft, accidental damage or loss, but there are several other reasons you may want to consider boat insurance, including:
- If you want to use canals or waterways managed by the Canal & River Trust, boat insurance becomes a mandatory requirement
- If your boat is financed or leased, lenders often require valid proof of insurance
- If you want to moor or launch your boat in a UK marina or harbour, or join a boating club, many require proof of at least third-party insurance
- If you want to take part in racing, or boat near others, it can protect you, your boat and other people and their boats should a third-party claim be raised against you
- Protection against the impact of severe weather
Boat insurance FAQs
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Boat insurance is protection for you and your boat against the risks of using your boat on inland waterways or the sea. Boat insurance can cover theft, loss or damage plus third-party claims if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while operating your boat.
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Boat insurance is not a legal requirement in the UK however many marinas and boating clubs will require proof of third-party boat insurance to access their facilities or become a member.
Third-party insurance is often the minimum level of insurance required by Marinas, Harbours and UK inland waterways for you to access their facilities or waters, so it is an important consideration.Visit the gov.uk website for more information.
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Third-party liability boat insurance protects you against any claims made against you if you accidentally injure another person or damage another person’s boat or property while operating your boat.
For example, if you accidentally damage another boat whilst manoeuvring in a marina, third-party liability insurance would help cover the legal costs if you were deemed responsible for the incident. -
Boat insurance is a requirement if you use canals or waterways managed by the Canal & River Trust. Many marinas and harbours also require proof of insurance for you to launch or moor there.
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Yes, through GJW Direct, you could get financial cover for you and your boat in the UK and Europe for up to 30 day per trip, depending on your boat type. Some boat types also provide insurance whilst the boat is in transit. For more information on where you can use your boat, visit the page of your boat type or visit our important documents.
For more information, explore the page of the boat type you want to insure, or visit the Important Documents page.
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When buying boat insurance, it’s important to consider that the policy aligns with your specific needs. While discounts aren't guaranteed, taking steps to increase your boat’s security, such as storing it in a recognised marina, can sometimes help reduce your premium.
GJW Direct policies can also include marina scheme benefits which may entitle you to special policy endorsements.
Visit the specific boat type page to see if your boat type offers any potential benefits or endorsements.
Discover our partner discounts
As a GJW direct customer, you’ll get access to a large selection of discounts. Explore the list of brands we work with.
Boat guides & news
Explore our useful advice, helpful tips and general guides on all things boating!
Refer your friends and you’ll both be rewarded
Refer your friends to GJW Direct and you'll both get a £20 voucher from one of six retailers when they take out a policy with us.
*GJW Direct has been arranging marine insurance since 1826
