Danish insurance rules change

Compulsory liability insurance introduced for ‘speedboats’

The Royal Yachting Association is warning boaters of new regulations governing all boats under 15m long being used in Denmark, including visiting boats from the UK. The rules apply to ‘personal watercraft and speedboats’, which will require a certificate of operation and compulsory liability insurance. This must be presented to Danish authorities if requested. The boat’s operator is responsible for taking out the compulsory insurance and crucially, the insurance must be provided by a company which is a member of the Danish association of insurance companies. This could rule out many existing valid policies from reputable British-based insurance companies, even if they carry the required level of cover.

‘Speedboat’ is defined by a slightly complex calculation and does encompass some larger cruisers. To check, multiply the length of the boat in metres by itself and then add three. If the engine power (in kw) exceeds this figure then your vessel is designated a speedboat.

Coleman Insurance Brokers’ Tony Pauffley told MBY, “Some British policies will already be of the required level of cover and approved by the Danish authorities. Any insurance placed with Lloyds, for example, should be. But clearly anyone visiting Denmark would be strongly advised to confirm this in advance.”

Insurance must be provided by a member of the Danish association of insurance companies