RIB Insurance

MattH · 23 May 2002, 09:34

Hi,
I hope this doesn't come across as too nieve. Some friends and I have bought a small RIB, about 3-4m long with a 30hp engine. Basically none of us have much experience, though we all have at least some.

So far we have merely taken it to our local watersports centre for an engine test (which went well thankfully!). My question is with regard to insurance. If we are simply going to use it to mess around in lakes and coastal areas, do we need to insure it? Obviously I wouldn't drive a car without insurance because it is illegal. What is the situation with boats?

Kind Regards,
MattH

Alan · 23 May 2002, 10:08

Third party at least. Suppose whilst messing about you hit someone else, damage their boat and injure them. If you are un-insured how will they recover damages other than by sueing you?
Typical liability insurance on a RIB is £1-2 MILLION. Imagine that the boat you hit had 5 stockbrokers on board each earning £250k p.a. and they all lost earnings It could all add up couldn't it?!

You wouldn't be so irresponsible to drive an uinsured car, a boats no different!

Insurance for your own loss or damage is another matter. But do you want to risk losing all when your boat sinks or the trailer overturns behind your car?

RIB insurance is cheaper than car insurance so no excuses for being insured.

Rant over. Have lots of fun!

Cheers,
Alan

Rene · 23 May 2002, 10:24

Regarding insurance prices...

Do any of you know if the UK Insurance agencies, will insure boats not located i the UK.
I'm from Denmark, and around here RIB insurance cost something like twice the amount of car insurance.

I have been writing to some of them, but mostly they don't answer the mail.

Regards
Rene

MattH · 23 May 2002, 10:27

Thanks for such a swift response Alan,
You said pretty much what I thought you were going to say.
Any chance you could advise on insurance companies? I have submitted a quote through this site, but would like to shop around as I do for car insurance.
Cheers,
Matt

Alan · 23 May 2002, 10:45

Rene - Well I ensure my RIB with a cruising limit from Brest to the Elbe (Basically Northern Europe) but I do specify that it is based in UK. You could give someone in the UK a try.

Matt - Try Mardon Insurance or PIC in Porthcawl or Euromarine.
As a guide my 7.5m costs me a shade under £300 a year to insure & thats with 2m liability and waterskiing. (which costs extra).

Cheers,
Alan

Jono Garton · 23 May 2002, 21:15

Hi

Search the forums under rib insurance, you should find more comapnies.

I go for PIC everytime, my RIB insurance was £40 cheaper with them including RYA teaching, than anyone else without teaching.

My yam (50hp) is about £180 and offshore (90hp) £220

Pete7 · 24 May 2002, 17:59

Rene, Mardon insured the Osprey when I had it in Germany for 18 months without any problems, cost about £130 four years ago if I remember correctly, web site is: www.mardon.co.uk

regards Pete

Rene · 31 May 2002, 09:21

Thanks Pete,

I have sent them an email, asking for a quote.

Rene