Narrowboat Insurance
Our policies cover Canal and Narrowboats cruising the UK and European inland non-tidal waterways.
We ensure that you get the right level of cover with our policies so you can enjoy cruising on your Canal or Narrowboat with confidence.
We offer insurance for all types of Narrowboats and inland vessels including:
- Traditional Stern Narrowboat
- Cruiser Stern Narrowboat
- Semi Traditional Stern Narrowboat
- Dutch Barges
- Inland Cruisers
- River Cruisers
- Canal Boats
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Insurance Required for Narrowboats?
Narrowboat insurance isn’t legally required in the UK, but you do need at least £2 million public liability cover. This is necessary to obtain a boat licence for UK marinas and inland waterways.
Beyond legal requirements, a Narrowboat is a significant investment. Our insurance helps protect your boat from unexpected problems like theft, loss, or damage, all for a small monthly or yearly cost.
What's the Cost of Narrow Boat Insurance?
The cost of your insurance policy depends on factors such as your boat’s value, age and usage. At Topsail Insurance, we offer competitive comparison quotes to ensure you receive the best coverage at an affordable rate.
What Does Our Insurance Policy Cover?
- Fire, Theft, Accidental damage & Vandalism
- Agreed value basis (In the event of a loss you will be paid out what you insured the vessel for).
- Mechanical breakdown cover included
- Personal Effects Coverage
- Personal Accident
- Medical Expenses
- Up to 25 % No Claims Bonus (NCB)
- Marina benefits
- Bicycle and Mopeds cover available
Is Third Party Damage Covered in my Insurance Policy?
Yes, our comprehensive policies include up to £3 million third party liability cover as standard. In most cases, we can also arrange Third Party Only polices too.
What Additional Benefits are Available?
- Excess Waiver
- Protected No Claims Bonus
- Legal Expenses cover
Where Am I Covered to Cruise?
We cover UK and European inland non-tidal waterways.
Discounted Rates Available with Topsail Insurance
We offer discounts for a number of Owners’ Associations and Boat Clubs.

Why Choose Topsail Insurance?
With over 100 years of combined experience in boat and travel insurance, our team understands the needs of the boating and sailing community. Since 1996, we’ve been providing specialist marine insurance for narrowboat owners, canal cruisers and long-distance sailors.
At Topsail, we take a personal approach to insurance. Whether you're staying local or cruising the inland waterways of the UK and Europe, we aim to give you peace of mind on the water.
Our policies offer wide-ranging cover and helpful extras and all this comes with the support of our expert team and strong customer service.
We understand that owning a narrowboat is more than just having a vessel, it’s a lifestyle. That’s why our insurance policies are designed to cover all the important aspects of narrowboating.
From protecting your boat and personal belongings to including cover for accidental damage and mechanical breakdown, we aim to provide peace of mind so you can fully enjoy life on the water.
You can get a quote quickly and easily using our online quote and buy tool. If you need help or have questions, our team is here to offer friendly, expert support.
We also insure many other types of boats, including yachts, motorboats, sailing dinghies and inland cruisers. For those travelling further afield, we offer travel insurance made for boaters, plus leisure insurance for touring caravans and static caravans.
Wherever boating takes you, we’re here to keep you protected.
Next Steps
We offer FREE online quotes which are ready to purchase immediately if you are cruising within the UK or Europe. Click here to access our online Quote and Buy.
Our team will be happy to compare your insurance renewal quote or provide you with a quotation for your new insurance policy.
For more information about the features of our Topsail Insurance, please refer to the relevant policy document.
Enjoy making memories, we’ll handle the rest.
Topsail Marine & Leisure Insurance operates as a trading name of Topsail Insurance Ltd., which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.