Sailors warned to check their insurance

Boat owners are being warned to check their insurance before heading off this summer, as it has been revealed that many may not have adequate cover.

A recent survey carried out by Saga Boat Insurance has found that many people who sail off on their boats are often not aware of the fact that they may be insured only within a certain distance.

It is currently estimated that there are around 450,000 boats moored across the UK ? highlighting the importance of the sector to the insurance industry ? but many could find themselves in hot water if they stray out of their normal sailing or cruising range.

Saga chief executive Andrew Goodsell warns that insurance may be restricted to "certain stretches of water", and as such sailors and those intending to spend their summer on their boat are strongly advised to check their policies before leaving shore, and extend their cover if they decide to venture beyond their usual waterways.