Narrowboat Insurance

A narrowboat is a specific type of canal boat that was designed to navigate the narrow waterways of the UKs canal system which was developed during the industrial revolution. They were originally used for the commercial transport of materials and goods around the country. Since the 1970's narrowboats have gradually become increasingly popular as permanent residences and holiday lets.

All narrowboats are 6 feet 10 inches wide, which enables them to navigate the vast number of locks that pepper the canal system across the country. They are generally constructed entirely of steel with the hull’s flat base usually being 10mm thick. There are three major stern configurations which are Traditional, Semi-traditional, and Cruiser.

Most importantly, narrowboat insurance will provide you with third party liability cover if you were to cause damage to other people’s property or injury to another person. £2m of public liability cover is also compulsory before you can obtain a licence from the Canal and River Trust.

In addition Comprehensive narrowboat insurance can provide you with financial protection if your boat is involved in an accident, stolen or damaged by fire or storm.

Yes, it is compulsory for everyone to have at least £2m of public liability cover in order to obtain a licence from the Canal and River Trust. In addition, most marina on the UK’s inland waterways will require you to have public liability cover before allowing you to moor your narrowboat.

If you are looking for more coverage, Comprehensive narrowboat insurance can provide you with financial protection if your boat is involved in an accident, stolen or damaged by fire or storm.

It is important to make sure that your narrowboat insurance is adequate for your needs. Most accessories and equipment that is specific to your boating activities can be covered by boat insurance if you opt to include them.

Noble Marine’s narrowboat insurance will cover:

• Accidental Damage
• Fire or Explosion
• Theft or Attempted Theft
• Malicious Damage / Vandalism
• Storm Damage
• Your liability for damage or injury to other parties

Narrowboat insurance policies generally do not cover:

• Wear, tear, depreciation, gradual deterioration e.g. corrosion or electrolysis
• Mechanical breakdown
• Damaged deliberately caused by you
• Faulty workmanship

For full details of Noble Marine’s Narrowboat Insurance cover and exclusions please see our Narrowboat Insurance Product Information Document.

Our boat insurance policies provide cover for all types of boats including wide-beams, barges and Dutch barges however these are not eligible for our "Beat your renewal guarantee". Premiums will vary depending on a number of factors. Get a quote online or call us on 01636 707606.

Premiums will vary depending on a number of factors including its value, age, what its used for, no claims bonus etc. Get a quote online or call us on 01636 707606.

Most boat insurance policies only allow one boat per policy, however Noble Marine’s policy allows you to insure all your boats from canoes and paddle boards to dinghies and yachts under the same policy, you will also benefit from a 12.5% Multi-boat discount (up to £150 per policy).

If you sell your narrowboat and replace it with a new or different narrowboat then you can keep the same policy and simply swap them over.