Does Boat Insurance Cover on Water Towing?

When your boat breaks down or gets stranded, on water towing can be a lifesaver. It's crucial to know if your boat insurance covers this kind of emergency. Does boat insurance cover on water towing?

Understanding on water towing coverage

Types of boat insurance policies 

Boat insurance comes in several types:

• Liability insurance covers accidental damage to others and their property due to your negligence.
• Comprehensive insurance provides broad protection, including damage to your own boat and Towergate’s policy covers domestic towing for vessels in emergency situations only, to provide assistance or be assisted.
• Specialised policies offer coverage tailored to specific types of boats or activities. Check your policy for details.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive boat insurance offers wide-ranging protection. It can cover everything from damage to your boat to theft, storm, and accidents e.g. hitting submerged objects or collisions. Towergate’s policy covers existing mariners only – there is no cover for anyone with no / little experience.

It sometimes includes on-water towing if your boat breaks down or runs into trouble. Be sure to review your policy’s specifics, as coverage can vary based on the insurer and policy terms.

Scenarios where on water towing might be needed

Mechanical failures like engine breakdowns can leave you stranded on the water, making towing essential. Common issues include engine overheating, electrical faults or failed fuel systems. Without immediate help, you might drift into dangerous areas or be unable to return safely.

For Towergate’s boat insurance, machinery failure is included in comprehensive cover for vessels under five years old and is an add on to vessels between five to ten years old. Breakdown is not covered. You need to stay within the cruising limits shown on your schedule unless you are forced to by:

• The weather
• Any form of danger
• An order of a Government or legal authority

Fuel shortage

Running out of fuel can leave your boat helpless, and it may require towing to get back to shore. Regularly checking fuel levels and planning your trips in advance can help avoid this situation. Keeping a spare fuel supply on board is also a good idea for extra security.

Grounding or stranding

Grounding or stranding happens when a boat gets stuck due to shallow waters or navigational mistakes. This often requires towing to free the boat and get you back on track. Proper navigation skills and using updated charts and tools can help prevent such incidents and keep your journey flowing as smoothly as possible.

Adverse weather conditions

Sudden weather changes like storms or strong winds can make boating dangerous. Sometimes you’ll need to be towed to reach safety. Monitoring weather forecasts and preparing for possible changes can help you stay safe and avoid needing emergency towing.

Conditions for coverage

Policy inclusions 

Towing coverage often includes the cost of towing services but it might have distance limitations. Standard terms may cover towing up to a certain distance, like and it can sometimes include costs for loading and unloading. Always check your policy for these specific details to know what’s included. There is no specified distance limit on Towergate boat insurance.

Policy exclusions

Common exclusions for towing coverage include Towing for issues like minor mechanical faults or after-hours mishaps might not be covered. Always check for conditions that could void your coverage, like improper use or lack of maintenance.

Coverage limits

Coverage limits can include caps on towing distance and maximum costs covered. Reviewing your policy details helps ensure you’re aware of these limits and can prevent unexpected costs.

 

Additional assistance services

Towing and assistance packages 

Additional assistance packages enhance standard boat insurance with extra services like towing, fuel delivery and jump-starts. These packages can provide extra help for various issues, ensuring you’re covered beyond basic towing and offering more convenience on the water.

Benefits of assistance services

Assistance services can help to provide peace of mind with comprehensive support for emergencies. For example, they can be invaluable if you run out of fuel far from shore or need a jump-start. These services can ensure you’re not stranded and offer quick solutions to common problems.

Steps to ensure adequate towing coverage

Review your policy 

Reviewing your current insurance policy helps you understand what towing coverage you have. Look for specifics like towing distance, coverage limits and any exclusions. This ensures you know what’s covered and helps you make informed decisions.

Consult with your boat insurance provider

Consulting with your insurance provider can help to clarify coverage details and address any concerns. Ask about towing coverage specifics and available assistance packages. This can help you understand your policy better and ensure you have the right protection for emergencies.

Consider upgrading your policy

Consider upgrading your policy or adding assistance packages if your current coverage is lacking. Comprehensive towing and assistance coverage can provide added security and convenience, ensuring you’re well-prepared for unexpected issues on the water.

Ready to get covered?

To ensure you're covered for on-water towing, review your policy for towing inclusions, exclusions and coverage limits. Consider additional assistance packages for extra support.

Boat insurance from Towergate

Get in touch for a boat insurance quote either online or by phone: 0344 892 1987.

About the author

Adam Summersby is a respected leader with 11 years’ varied experience in niche personal and commercial lines insurance, including caravan, site operators and excess reimbursement, with proficiency in leadership, sales and account management.

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.