Call us on 01608 647400

Dark blue narrowboat

Find the narrowboat & canal boat insurance that's right for you

Narrowboat & Canal Boat Insurance

If you enjoy the sense of tranquility on a narrowboat, then make sure you feel at peace with cover from a specialist insurer.

Start a quote
6000

The amount of narrowboats registered as permanent homes in the UK

32,000

Estimated amount of canal & narrowboats currently on the British waterways

£100,000

Average cost of a new narrowboat

Do I Need Narrowboat Insurance?

Narrowboat insurance is not always a legal requirement in the UK, but most inland waterways, marinas and mooring providers require at least third-party liability cover before you can keep or use your boat on their waters.
Legal Requirements:
While narrowboat 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 boat is kept.
Financial Protection:
Accidents, theft, fire, storm 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 narrowboat causes injury to another person or damage to another boat, lock, mooring or property, liability cover can help protect you against expensive claims and legal costs.
Peace of Mind:
Knowing your narrowboat is insured gives you greater confidence whether you’re cruising the canals, moored in a marina or living aboard, so you can enjoy life on the water with less worry.

The Cost of Narrowboat Insurance

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

Boat Value:  The value, age, and condition of your narrowboat can affect the cost of insurance.
Liveaboard use: A narrowboat used as a permanent or semi-permanent home may need different cover from one used only for leisure.
Mooring Location: Premiums can vary depending on whether the boat is kept in a marina, on a canal mooring, or moves regularly.
Contents and personal belongings: Higher levels of contents cover can increase the premium, especially for liveaboard narrowboats.

£190

average premium per year with InsureMy

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

Factors Influencing Your Premium

Understanding what affects your narrowboat 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.

Get Your canal boat or narrowboat Covered today

What Is Covered With Narrowboat And Canal Boat Insurance?

At InsureMy we know that whether your narrowboat or canal boat is used for recreation or as a permanent residence, you want to keep floating along nicely all year round. Unlike a standard houseboat, it isn't a legal requirement to have insurance on your narrowboat but it is highly recommended.

Get a quoteTerms & Conditions Apply
Large blue narrowboat on a canal near shops

compare

Canal Boat Insurance

Large jet ski

Compare

Boat Insurance

our ethos

Our Aim Is To Ensure You Have Insurance That Works For You

Love icon

We Know Narrowboats

We are experts in our field

Magnifying glass

We Have
Experience

We have been providing insurance for over 25 years

Quick clock

We're
Quick & Simple

Get a quote in less than 2 minutes

narrowboat insurance for everyone

We're Here To Keep Your Boat Protected

A leisurely life on the water can be a dream and at InsureMy, we work with specialist insurers to ensure you get the essential cover you need along with some perks to keep your dream alive!

Quick clock

Instant Cover For Your Boat

Find the best price for you and get covered instantly.

Quick clock

New For Old Contents Cover

Hassle-free fully comprehensive cover available from our top-rated providers.

Quick clock

Discounts Available

Discounts available for all our policies

Quick clock

Custom Options

We offer thousands of custom options to help you find a policy you'll love.

Green narrowboat going down a tranquil river with a couple
Get a quoteTerms & Conditions Apply

insurance you can count on

Our Guarantee

guarantee logo

We won’t be beaten on price.

We price match all our quotes you can be confident that you’re getting the best deal.

Insurance you can trust.

We only use insurers we trust and know, our team are on hand to help.

An Insurer you can trust

Why Choose InsureMy?

Ticks

With InsureMy

Friendly & experienced support team


Over 25 years providing specialist insurance


We provide instant quotes to help you get the best deal

Cross icon

With Other Providers

Lack experience in providing specialist insurance


Getting a quote and cover can be a lengthy process


Perks & Benefits

What Are The Benefits Of A Narrowboat?

Living on the calming water and being one with nature is just one of the many benefits from owning a narrowboat.

Ticks

Freedom

Narrowboats offer transportation and somewhere to stay all in one.

Ticks

Exploration

Explore the wonders of the English canal network.

Ticks

Could Save You Money

Mooring costs can be expensive, but are likely to be much cheaper than rent in some areas!

Ticks

Skills & Exercise

Like any boat, you learn skills and keep fitness levels up.

We know insurance

Over 25 Years Helping Our Customers Get Insurance They Deserve

We only suggest policies from providers we know and trust.

Our customers stay for an average of 5 years

We love boats heart logo

Our support team is here to help with any query.

That’s why over 230,000 people insure with us every year.

Here for you

Our 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

Red narrowboat moored

Compare insurance for your boat today

Compare Narrowboat Insurance Today

Boat insurance you can trust

Find a policy that works for you and your insurer

You can call us on
01608 647400
Monday - Thursday 9am - 7:30pm, Friday 9am - 5:30pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm