Boat insurance not plain sailing
Boat owners are being warned that sailing away for a weekend break could cost them far more than anticipated - unless they are careful.
Current estimates show that there are more than 450,000 boats moored in the UK; and with a bank holiday on the way and temperatures rising once more, many will be taking to the nation's rivers and lakes - and possibly farther afield.
But an unusual trip could cost owners big, as Saga Boat Insurance warns today, as there may well be limits on boat insurance based on where the boat is sailed.
"Boat enthusiasts can easily be enticed beyond their normal sailing or cruising range, unaware that their insurance cover may be restricted to certain stretches of water," said Andrew Goodsell, saga chief executive.
And straying outside of an insurance policy's limit can be costly indeed.
Last year Saga's statistics reveal that a typical claim was against damage caused by another vessel and many cases the third party was unknown.
The average repair cost almost £3,000 - rising to £42,000 for one unlucky owner.
And as policies frequently restrict cover to non-tidal waterways, or UK controlled waters, meaning that budding Ben Ainslies planning on extended voyages could well fall foul of cover restrictions.
To make things simpler for sailors, Saga has produced a guide to safe and secure sailing - from buying a boat, to boat care and safe moorings.
It can be accessed here.
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