Damage and losses can happen when boats are on moorings Saga's analysis of claims over the last five years suggests that boats are most at risk when the owners are absent. And, it's as sailors start gearing up for summer afloat that they discover losses or damage that's happened over the winter months.
Most costly claims whilst moored
Average cost of claims
Fire £17,155
Mooring Failure £8,129
Sinking £6,450
Force of Nature £2,346
Vandalism/Malicious Act £1,165
Third Party Negligence £1,056
Theft £1,041
Roger Ramsden, Chief Executive, Saga Services comments: “Our claims data highlights the importance of making sure boats are secure and insured even when not in use. It is also essential to protect your boat against fire risks. After all no one wants to be left high and dry if the worst happens.”
Fire is the costliest claim overall
Of the claims that have occurred over the last five years fire is by far the most expensive, costing on average a whopping £15,665. Boat fires can be a result of lack of general maintenance, gas being stored incorrectly and electrical items not being unplugged.
Top tips for preventing boat fires:
• Fit alarms and detectors to stay safe.
• Always check for the British or European safety mark when buying electrical goods.
• Use a trained marine electrician to install and service electrical items on your boat.
• Only use the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer. Other types may burn too hot.
• Never leave cooking unattended. Turn things off until you come back.
• Leaks, spills and vapour can ignite easily. Clean them up straight away and make sure filler caps are secure after refuelling.
• Try to choose furniture that carries the fire-resistant label.
• Heat from light bulbs can cause fires. Energy saving light bulbs do not get as hot and are therefore safer.
• Don’t overload adaptors. Keep to one plug per socket. Use the right fuse or circuit breaker to avoid overheating.
• Unplug appliances when they’re not in use or when you leave the boat.
Most costly claims on the water
Of the third of claims that occurred whilst boats were on the water, one of the most common and costly causes over the last five years has been striking submerged objects. More than one in ten people claimed for striking a submerged object and these claims account for more than 10% of all boat claims during this period.
Mother Nature hasn’t made for plain sailing either. In fact damage caused by force of nature such as heavy seas, frost and storms cost on average £1,755 per claim.
Average cost of claims whilst at sea
Grounding £5,585
Sinking £3,769
Fire £2,898
Striking Submerged Object £2,565
Accidental Damage £2,009
Force of Nature £1,755
Collision £1,416