How mandatory is boat insurance really?

When it is mandatory to insure your boat abroad

Some countries do require you to insure your boat. In particular, countries around the Mediterranean often have this requirement. For example, the following countries have this obligation:

• Spain
• Italy
• Croatia
• Greece

You can prove your coverage in these countries with an international certificate of insurance. You can request this proof from your insurer or intermediary before you go on vacation. This certificate can be different for each country. For example, there is a special Italy certificate which is only valid in Italy.

Are you going abroad with your boat? Make sure you have the international insurance certificate or Italy certificate. Otherwise you will be in for nasty surprises when you take your boat out on the water during your vacation.

Boats covered under your standard liability insurance policy

Standard third-party liability (liability) insurance covers damage you cause to others. Boats covered under this are:

• Canoes
• Rowing boats
• Sailboards
• Sailboats with a sail smaller than 16 m2
• Motorboats with power less than 4 hp

Please note that if your boat's engine has an output of exactly 4 horsepower it is no longer covered by your liability insurance.

Standard third-party insurance has world coverage in most cases. So even if you take your boat/canoe/sailboard on vacation, you are covered for damage to third parties. Just be sure to read your liability insurance policy to be sure.

Why it is wise to insure your boat at least third-party insurance

It is becoming increasingly crowded on Dutch waters. The risk of accidents is therefore increasing. This makes it wise to take out at least third-party insurance for your boat. An accident is in a small corner. Thus, the damage you cause to others is covered. These costs can be high in case of personal injury.

A third-party insurance does not have to cost a lot, you already have a third-party insurance for € 60,- per year (depending on your boat and situation) and taking out insurance does not have to be a chore. Within ten minutes you can calculate your premium and insure your boat online with immediate coverage.