Question 1

What boats do you cover?

Accepted Answer

GIO Boat Insurance is designed for owners of trailered boats who use their boat for private use only. Private use - using your boat wholly for personal pleasure or recreational sporting activities and not used for hire, charter or fee or any income earning activity.

We cover a range of boats including power boats, ski boats, cruisers, trailer sailors and sailing dinghies. We don't cover boats that are normally moored and boats used for any business or commercial activity.

Question 2

Am I covered if I compete in a sailing race?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve added the optional 'Cover for sailing boats when racing' (available to add on to Comprehensive Boat Insurance for an additional cost), then yes you will be covered when competing in a sailing race. It provides cover when you’re racing, up to 100 nautical miles in total distance travelled. We don’t cover power boats when racing, however.

Question 3

Am I covered if my motor breaks down?

Accepted Answer

We don’t cover the cost of fixing a mechanical breakdown (including seizing or overheating) of your boat motor. However, if you have Comprehensive cover we will cover your boat motor if it’s damaged as a result of fire, impact, malicious damage, sinking or grounding.

Question 4

How does lay-up cover work?

Accepted Answer

If you've added the optional 'Lay-up period' cover (available to add on to Comprehensive Boat Insurance for an additional cost), your boat will be covered for up to 6 months when not in use, for example in winter.

Your premium (the amount you pay for your insurance) will be reduced and during this time you're only covered for theft and accidental damage that happens when your boat’s at home, in secure commercial storage, in transit to a repairer after we’ve approved a claim, or going to be serviced.

Question 5

What counts as ‘contents’?

Accepted Answer

Contents that we cover are items owned by you and your family when they're on your boat or locked in a fully enclosed room, shed, garage or vehicle (if you have Comprehensive Boat Insurance or have selected the option for ‘additional cover for boat contents').

Contents include things like:

portable fuel tanks (excluding fuel), barbecues and gas bottles
clothing, bedding, unfixed furniture, cooking appliances and portable refrigeration
fishing rods and tackle, diving equipment and water-skiing gear (when not in use)
maps, charts, tide and weather guides.

It doesn't include personal belongings like jewellery, mobile phones, laptops or cameras.

Question 6

Is there a speed limit attached to this insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You aren't covered when your boat is exceeding 60 knots or its maximum design speed, whichever is less.

Boat Insurance FAQs