Noble Marine Insurance

Noble Marine Insurance, specialist boat insurance broker

Noble Marine Insurance is a British brokerage dedicated exclusively to boat insurance. The firm operates under the trading name Noble Insurance Services Ltd, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 305884, and has more than three decades of activity in the sector. Its team handles both policy placement and claims management in-house, which allows it, according to its own presentation, to settle claims quickly and guide the insured towards suitable repairers for their boat.

Boats covered

The offering covers practically the entire range of recreational craft. The catalogue includes policies for sailing and motor boats of different sizes, as well as for water sports and smaller craft. Among the categories the company states it covers are:

• Dinghies and RIBs
• Cruisers and motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Speedboats and motorboats
• Paddleboards, sailboards and surfboards
• Rowing boats
• Narrowboats
• Kayaks and canoes
• Jet skis and personal watercraft

The company notes that it can insure boats with a value of up to £750,000.

Cover and exclusions

Noble Marine policies generally provide protection against accidental damage, fire or explosion, theft or attempted theft, malicious damage or vandalism, storm damage, and liability for damage or injury to third parties. The company also allows the inclusion of accessories and equipment specific to boating activities, such as trailers, trolleys and safety equipment, which are often overlooked and costly to replace.

According to the published information, wear and tear, depreciation and gradual deterioration (corrosion or electrolysis), mechanical breakdown, damage deliberately caused by the insured, and damage resulting from faulty workmanship are excluded. Full terms and exclusions are set out in the policy and in the insurer's insurance product information documents.

Discounts and multi-boat policies

Noble Marine offers a multi-boat policy that allows boats of different types to be combined under a single contract, from canoes and paddleboards to dinghies and yachts. This product applies a 12.5% discount (up to a maximum of £150 per policy). In addition, members of the class associations sponsored by the company receive an extra 10% discount on boats in their class.

Racing cover and use abroad

Racing cover is included as standard on policies for dinghies, sports boats, rowing boats, canoes, kayaks, surfboards, sailboards and paddleboards. Racing cover is also available for sailing yachts, in this case with a possible additional charge depending on the type of racing. The insurer also states that it can provide a solution for those sailing in distant waters or racing abroad, and that the policy can be extended to include boats under skippered charter.

Requirements and regulatory context

Boat insurance is not a legal requirement in the UK, but most marinas, harbours and recognised mooring areas require evidence of third party liability cover. The same applies at most lakes and reservoirs, and proof of this cover is needed to obtain an inland waterways licence. Organised events such as racing also usually require evidence of liability cover. The company reminds customers that many policies require the boat to be kept in a seaworthy condition and its systems to be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or recognised good practice.

Connection with the boating community

Founded as a specialist dinghy insurance broker, Noble Marine maintains active support for sailing at all levels. The company sponsors more than 25 class associations and numerous sailing events throughout the year. Policies can be arranged online or by phone.