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What duties does a boat owner have under the policy?
Short answer
Every boat policy sets out duties, usually called conditions: report a loss promptly,
tell the police about theft or vandalism,
limit the damage and let the insurer inspect before repairs start.
Breaking a condition can reduce or end the claim.
Boat policies contain conditions, the duties you accept as the policyholder. They are not exclusions, but breaking one can have the same effect. Some conditions apply before anything goes wrong: using the boat only as declared, staying within the cruising area, keeping it in a suitable berth, maintaining it, and securing the outboard and trailer against theft. Others apply after a loss, and those are the ones owners most often trip over in the stress of the moment.
After a loss you are normally expected to notify the insurer promptly, report theft, fire and vandalism to the police and in a harbour to the harbour master, take reasonable steps to stop the damage getting worse, answer the insurer's questions truthfully and give it the chance to inspect the boat before repairs begin. Selling damaged parts before the claim is agreed is usually not allowed. How strictly a breach is treated depends on the policy and on the law that governs it, so read the conditions section once from start to finish.
What to do: keep a short card on board with the claims contact, the police number for the area and the marina office. Photograph any damage before anything is moved, take emergency steps to protect the boat, and do not instruct a yard until the insurer has agreed or inspected. If friends or family use the boat, give them the same card, because the conditions usually apply to anyone you let use it.
Worth remembering
Before a loss
secure, maintain, stay in area
After a loss
report, limit, let them inspect
Report first, protect the boat, repair later.
Questions
What owners ask us about this
What is a policy condition on a boat policy?
A duty you accept as policyholder, such as reporting a loss promptly or securing the outboard. Breaking one can reduce or end a claim.
Can I start repairs straight after a loss?
Only emergency work to protect the boat. Proper repairs should wait until the insurer has agreed or inspected.
Do the conditions apply when a friend uses my boat?
Usually yes, they apply to anyone you allow to use the boat. Brief them before they take it out.
Related
Not sure whether you qualify?
Whether it is “What duties does a boat owner have under the policy?” or another question: send us your residence and the flag your boat flies. You will get a straight answer in one email; including a no, if that is the answer.
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