Find the houseboat Insurance that's right for you

Houseboat Insurance

No two houseboats are quite the same. From converted vessels on the Thames to Dutch barges in Kent and residential narrowboats across the UK, each floating home has its own character, layout and insurance needs. At InsureMy, we help you find houseboat insurance that protects your vessel, your belongings and your life on the water.

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£200

Average annual houseboat insurance

Over 25 years

We have been providing insurance for over 25 years

5 years

Customers stay with us on average for 5 years

Do I Need Houseboat Insurance?

Houseboat insurance is not always a legal requirement in the UK, but many inland waterways, marinas and mooring providers require at least third-party liability cover before you can keep or use your houseboat on their waters.

Legal Requirements:

While houseboat insurance may not be compulsory in every circumstance, many waterways, marinas and mooring operators require proof of insurance. Always check the rules of the waterway or mooring where your houseboat is kept.

Financial Protection:

Fire, theft, storm damage, accidental damage and repairs can all lead to significant costs. Insurance can help cover repair bills, replacement costs and other unexpected expenses.

Liability Cover:

If your houseboat causes injury to another person or damage to another boat, mooring, pontoon, lock or property, liability cover can help protect you against expensive claims and legal costs.

Peace of Mind:

Knowing your houseboat is insured gives you greater confidence whether it’s used as a holiday boat, a permanent home or kept on a mooring, so you can enjoy life on the water with less worry.

The Cost of Houseboat Insurance

The cost of houseboat insurance can vary widely based on several factors:

Boat Value: The value, age and condition of your houseboat can affect the cost of insurance.

Liveaboard use: A houseboat used as a permanent or semi-permanent home may need different cover from one used only for leisure or holidays.

Mooring Location: Premiums can vary depending on whether the houseboat is kept in a marina, on a residential mooring, on a canal mooring, or moves regularly.

Contents and Personal belongings: Higher levels of contents cover can increase the premium, especially for liveaboard houseboats with furniture, appliances and personal possessions on board.

£230

average premium per year with InsureMy

Based on InsureMy data, prices correct as of period 2025 to 2026

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What Can Affect Your Houseboat Insurance

Understanding what affects your houseboat insurance premium can help you make informed decisions and potentially reduce costs.

Excess:

Choosing a higher excess can lower your premium, but you’ll pay more out of pocket if you need to make a claim

Safety and Security:

Secure locks, alarms, fire extinguishers, and smoke or carbon monoxide alarms can help reduce risk.

Mooring & Storage:

Where your narrowboat is kept matters. Secure moorings, marinas and winter storage can help reduce theft or damage.

Experience:

Your boating experience, claims history and recognised training can influence your premium and support discounts.

what do we cover?

What is covered in houseboat insurance?

What Can We Cover?

Lifting & hauling out of the water

Launching

Fire, lightning, storm and explosion

Accidental & malicious damage

Personal accident cover of £15,000

Public liability up to £3 million

Family and friends cover

What's Not Covered?

Loss, damage or theft if the houseboat was not secured properly

Legal cover

New for old cover

Round the world sailing

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What can affect your premium

What Can Affect Your Houseboat Insurance?

The cost and availability of houseboat insurance can depend on several factors, including the age, size, construction and condition of your vessel. Insurers may also consider where the houseboat is moored, whether it is used as a permanent residence or leisure vessel, and whether a recent marine survey is available.Your chosen level of cover, contents value, security arrangements and any previous claims can also affect your quote.

houseboat FAQS

FAQs For Houseboats

Find below some of the top houseboat insurance queries our customers ask.

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Our experienced support team is here to help you

Our team of dedicated insurance specialists are here to help, no matter what type of query, we’re ready for you.

‍Call us on 01608 647400

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Find the houseboat Insurance that's right for you

Houseboat Insurance

Do I Need Houseboat Insurance?

The Cost of Houseboat Insurance