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Rowing club insurance: what affiliation does and doesn't cover

A common surprise for new treasurers: liability cover is not boat cover.

By Civil Digital, the team building BoatLog · Last updated

BoatLog is independent software from Civil Digital. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by British Rowing or any organisation named in this guide. Always check the current official guidance and follow your club's own procedures.

Liability vs property

Liability insurance covers claims made against the club, for example if someone is injured and the club is held responsible. Property insurance covers the club's own things: boats, trailers, launches and buildings. They are different policies.

What British Rowing provides

British Rowing offers affiliation options, and its higher option includes club liability cover arranged through its insurance broker. British Rowing has said this is liability only and does not include buildings or equipment. Individual British Rowing memberships include personal cover that depends on the type. Check British Rowing's insurance pages for the current detail.

What clubs usually add

  • Cover for boats, oars, launches and trailers, including in transit and at regattas.
  • Buildings and contents cover, if the club owns or leases a boathouse.
  • An up-to-date asset list with values.

How BoatLog helps

BoatLog keeps the evidence an insurer asks for: a fleet list, and a dated damage and repair history for every boat, including who reported it and when.

BoatLog screenshot with example club data: A dated record of damage and repairs for every boat, useful when making a claim.
A dated record of damage and repairs for every boat, useful when making a claim. Example data from a fictional club.

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Questions

FAQ

Does British Rowing insurance cover our boats?

British Rowing has said its affiliation liability cover does not include buildings or equipment. Boats usually need separate cover.

What insurance does a rowing club need?

Typically liability cover for the club, plus property cover for boats, trailers, launches and any building the club owns or leases.

Are boats covered at regattas?

Only if your property policy covers transit and away events. Check with your broker.

Related

Guide: British Rowing membership types explained The difference between club subs and British Rowing membership, the main British Rowing membership types, and which one a rower needs to race. Guide: Pre-outing boat checks: heel restraints, bow balls and quarantining kit A quick pre-outing boat check for rowing clubs: heel restraints, bow balls, hatches, fin, lights, and what to do with a boat that fails. Guide: Rowing trailer loading and towing checklist A checklist for loading and towing a rowing boat trailer: licences, weight, loading order, ties, lights, overhang and checks before every trip.

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