Boat breakdown assistance

Boat breakdown assistance is essential when you stall due to engine problems, a dead battery or running out of fuel. It ensures that you can continue sailing quickly, safely and without stress. Whether you only go out on the water on weekends, rent out your boat or have children on board, immediate help is not a luxury. Want more information on how boat breakdown assistance works and what to look out for? Then be sure to read on.

The blog in brief:

• You'll read how breakdown assistance works on the water and what to expect
• We explain what forms of roadside assistance are available and for whom
• You discover what a boat insurance policy with roadside assistance does (and does not) cover

What exactly does boat breakdown assistance entail?

Boat breakdown assistance is a service where you get quick help in case of engine failures, dead batteries or other technical problems on the water. Just like you are used to when you have a breakdown on the road with your car. A mechanic comes to your location and often helps you get back on the road immediately. If repair is not possible at that time, you will be towed away to a safe haven.

Never alone in problems

A subscription to boat breakdown assistance gives many boaters peace of mind. You know you're never alone when problems arise and avoid expensive ad hoc solutions. The service is usually available through a fixed emergency number, 24/7 or during boating seasons. More and more providers are expanding their network to include remote lakes and rivers.

What types of roadside assistance subscriptions are there?

There are different types of subscriptions for breakdown assistance on the water, depending on your type of boat and boating habits. Most providers offer flexible packages: from basic services for occasional boaters to comprehensive coverage for rental companies or active families. Depending on your situation, you can choose from Vaarzeker:

• Roadside assistance
• Basic assistance
• Complete assistance package

Is roadside assistance also available for older boats?

Many owners of older boats doubt that they will be helped in the event of a breakdown. Fortunately, most boat breakdown services also offer support for boats that are 10, 20 or even 30 years old. However, certain conditions may apply: for example, annual inspection or a maximum age of the engine.

Is your boat covered?

Do you own a classic motorboat or sail an old model sloop? Then it is smart to check in advance whether your type of boat is covered. Reliable providers make this clear in their terms and conditions and have experience with older boats.

How quickly is help available in the event of an outage?

A common question, especially with families or rental companies: how quickly will someone arrive if something goes wrong? Response time varies by region, but within the Netherlands you can usually count on help within 30 minutes. That's fast enough to avoid stress and panic - especially if you're with children on board. In practice, you often get:

• Direct telephone contact with a technician or control room
• Estimation of waiting time and situation at your location
• Real-time updates via text message or app
• Quick on-site service with tools and parts

What does boat insurance with roadside assistance cover?

A common misconception is that your boat insurance covers roadside assistance by default. This is by no means always the case. Some insurers offer roadside assistance as an additional module or as part of an all-in package. But often this service is not included in a basic insurance policy. Boat insurance with roadside assistance usually offers:

• Assistance with engine problems, dead batteries or fuel shortage
• Towing service to nearest port
• Help with jamming or blockages
• Reachability via emergency number

What can you do if you have a breakdown?

You're standing still on the water, and for a moment you don't know what to do. Not a rare scenario-and the cause is often something small. Still, it can be stressful. It's important to stay calm and be well prepared. Practical tips in case of breakdown:

• Switch off engine and set anchor if possible
• Call your roadside assistance emergency number immediately
• Use your GPS or app to communicate your location
• Be able to give visible signals to passing boats

Is boat breakdown assistance suitable for weekend sailors?

To be sure. Especially if you only sail on weekends or vacations, the chance of breakdowns is relatively high. The engine has fewer running hours, maintenance is more likely to be forgotten and you are often less familiar with technical problems. Weekend sailors are increasingly opting for:

• Flexible subscriptions
• Help on Saturday and Sunday
• Clear cost structure with no surprises

Carefree on the water with the right roadside assistance

Boating breakdown assistance provides security, safety and peace of mind. Whether you're an experienced boater or just an occasional family boater, immediate help makes all the difference. You avoid stress, damage and unexpected costs. At Vaarzeker, we're here for you. Choose now from one of our subscriptions.

Still have questions about breakdown assistance on the water or want to know which subscription is right for you? Feel free to contact on with our team. We will be happy to help you.