Who Can Drive My Boat?

Apart from the restrictions noted below, it is usual for an insurance to cover anyone driving your boat with your permission.

If there is someone who will regularly use the craft, whether or not you are on board, it is advisable to inform the insurer. Give details of the name, age, record and experience, together with any claims history of this person. Do this in writing and obtain a written confirmation of the insurer's acceptance.

Anyone borrowing the craft should also be made aware of any limitations to the insurance, in particular, where the craft may be used or moored.

Under the normal pleasure craft insurance there are specific references to restrictions as to who may "drive" the craft.

• There is a condition that the owner or a competent person should be on board and in command at all times while under way.
• The Third Party section contains a clause that excludes any third party liability while the craft is being "driven" by "any person operating or employed by the operator of any shipyard, repair yard, slipway, marina, yacht club, sales agency, delivery contractor or similar organisation". If any one covered by these categories is going to drive the craft it is essential that it is confirmed that the person involved carries their own "Third Party Insurance".
• If you are lending your craft for any form of "consideration", this will not be deemed "private pleasure use" it will be deemed to come under the heading of "hire or reward". This use is excluded under this insurance unless insurers have given their prior agreement to such use.

The above is for information purposes only. It is not intended to define legal terms nor is it intended to affect the interpretation of any policy we may issue.

If you have any questions concerning your insurance, there is no replacement for having your individual questions answered individually by your insurance broker or insurer.