Flood damage

Sunken boats are becoming a familiar sight in Tewkesbury. Photo: Cara Hurren

With a climate change, rising water levels and increased flood risks, the standard of new buildings should be improved, the Association of British Insurers announced today.

Last summer’s floods cost the insurance industry more than £3bn. It’s not just the house insurance market that has been affected, but the boat and marine insurance market as well.

Though a small inflatable boat or canoe stored in a garage can assist in the case of a flood, boats and yachts can be affected to the “beyond repair” extent. In a flood situation, boats can be forced by the current, float uncontrollably and then hit bridges or buildings.

This narrow boat floated into the tunnel as the water level rose, until it filled up with water and sank. Photo: Patrick Campbell

If you are a boat owner, you will be responsible for recovering the vessel, which can be a difficult and expensive task when the water level finally drops. Even worse, you might be responsible for the damage your boat causes to someone else’s property. So, to avoid major financial loss, ensure you have fully comprehensive boat insurance or at least be covered by third party boat insurance.