Boat insurance: understanding theft and vandalism cover before heading out to sea

Taking out appropriate boat insurance remains an essential step before any launch, yet certain covers, such as theft and vandalism cover, are still poorly understood by many owners. This cover applies to very specific situations, so it is worth carefully checking the compensation limits, applicable excesses and exclusions listed in the policy, particularly in the case of navigation outside the authorised cruising area. Before the season starts, it's advisable to review the policy with an insurer or broker to match it to the boat's actual use (mooring, coastal cruising, towed watersports, paid crew if applicable). A poorly calibrated policy can leave the owner with significant out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim.