Insuring your RIB boat: Complete guide
Sailing on crystal-clear waters with your RIB boat offers an unparalleled experience, but this adventure requires more than just sailing skills. The peace of mind you seek also requires adequate protection!
That's where boat insurance comes in. In this article, Orca Retail answers your questions about the world of RIB insurance, exploring obligations, costs, types of insurance available, and more!
Is boat insurance compulsory for RIB boats?
For private customers
Whether you own a sailboat, motorboat or RIB, you are under no obligation to insure your pleasure craft. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to take out insurance for your RIB, to make sure you're covered in the event of an accident. Grounding, shipwreck, collision with a rock, storm - navigation at sea is not without risk when you take your RIB out for a ride.
For professionals
If you use your boat for professional purposes, you must take out boat insurance, unlike pleasure boaters. As a minimum, you must be covered by professional liability insurance. You are covered for all bodily injury and property damage caused to a third party.
The same applies if you're a sports sailor. For competitions, you must be covered for third-party liability. In the event of damage to an opponent's boat, for example, your insurance will cover repairs. Mooring a RIB in a port also requires a certificate of civil liability insurance.
How much does RIB insurance cost?
As a general rule, the cost of an insurance premium is generally estimated at around 1% of the boat's value.
On average, the price of insurance for a RIB is around €100 per year, with minimum coverage . For comprehensive insurance, prices rise to €400/year.
However, several factors can influence the price of your contract. In fact, the amount of the insurance premium depends on specific criteria, including :
- The age of your boat
- Market value
- Its dimensions
- Number of selected warranties
- Engine power
- Your marine accident history
What types of boat insurance are available?
If you want to insure your semi-rigid boat for your sea and river outings, there are three types of cover: third-party insurance, comprehensive insurance and term insurance.
- Third-party liability insurance covers you for damage (material or physical) caused to a third party.
- All-risk yacht insurance covers total loss of the RIB, material damage to the RIB and personal injury on board, as well as damage to third parties.
- Temporary insurance covers a boat for a short period, for example if you rent a zodiac for a day.
What's the best insurance for RIBs?
It's hard to determine the best boat insurance for your inflatable. Coverage depends on your needs (boat hire, sporting activities, etc.). Do you prefer minimum coverage? Good coverage for your sea outings? Coverage for your passengers? For some, the best insurance is the cheapest. For others, it will be the one offering the best coverage in the event of a claim.
RIB boat insurance comparison :
- MAAF : Civil liability, Individual marine, Personal assistance, Boat assistance, Legal assistance.
- ALLIANZ: Civil liability, Damage and loss on land for the boat, Total or partial theft (including accessories), Damage and theft of the trailer, Assistance and rescue at sea, Individual marine in case of death, temporary or permanent disability of the pilot and passengers.
- Groupama: Civil liability, Defense and recourse, Assistance for boat and people on board.
- MAIF: Compensation following a climatic event if your boat is less than 5 years old and your engine less than 3 years old, Damage to the boat and its equipment following a climatic event, Loan of your boat, Assistance for your boat and your passengers, Legal information on the Internet, Defense recourse.
- MMA: Civil liability, Crew protection, Criminal legal defense and recourse, Sea search expenses, Individual marine (medical expenses, permanent disability, death), Retirement expenses.
- MACIF: Civil liability, Criminal defense and recourse, Legal protection, General assistance, Dockside assistance.
What guarantees are there for a semi-rigid boat?
Like all watercraft, RIB insurance covers a wide range of risks. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the cover offered by insurers as part of a comprehensive policy.
Boat warranties
- Hull insurance for repairs to damage sustained during navigation.
- Total or partial theft coverage.
- Loss and damage guarantee.
- Hidden defects warranty if the boat has any anomalies.
- Coverage of assistance and towing costs at sea.
- Coverage of salvage or wreck removal costs.
Equipment warranties
- Engine theft coverage.
- Theft of passengers' personal belongings.
- Theft or damage to navigation and safety equipment.
Coverage for people on board
- Coverage of medical expenses due to an accident.
- Repatriation cover for injured persons.
- Search and rescue at sea.
- Payment of a lump sum in the event of death, disability or total or partial incapacity.
Ancillary warranties
- Legal protection for criminal defense and recourse following a claim.
RIB insurance FAQ
Do I need a boating license for a RIB?
To drive a boat with a motor rated at over 4.5 kW, you need a boating license. For more information on this subject, please refer to our article:"What kind of boating license is required for RIBs?
What insurance do I need for a RIB rental?
If you rent an inflatable boat, you have several options for insuring it: you can take out the insurance offered by the rental company, or take out a temporary insurance policy.
How do I insure my boat online?
More and more insurance companies are offering online boat insurance. To do so, you'll need to fill in some administrative details and answer a few questions about the boat you wish to insure. You'll also need your inflatable boat's registration document or "acte de francisation", the signed bill of sale, your boating license, and a bank account number for direct debit.
What should I do if my RIB boat is damaged?
In the event of a claim, it's essential to act quickly to ensure optimum coverage by your RIB insurance. Here are the steps to follow:
- Contact your insurance company: Immediately inform your insurance company of the incident and help them assess responsibility if a third party is involved.
- Make a detailed declaration: When making your declaration, be sure to include the following information: Place of loss, date of incident, type of loss (accident, theft, vandalism, weather damage, etc.), and a detailed description of the damage found.
- Attach the necessary supporting documents: such as purchase and repair invoices, photos of the damage, medical certificate in the event of injury, etc.
In the event of theft, lodge a complaint with the appropriate authorities and provide your insurer with the report.
Conclusion
Insuring your RIB is not just a formality, it's a crucial guarantee of your ability to sail with peace of mind. Whether you're a keen yachtsman or a professional sailor, understanding the nuances of boat insurance is essential to protecting your investment and ensuring the safety of you and your passengers. Carefree boating starts with judicious foresight!
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