River and lake insurance: the essential guide to protected navigation

Navigating France's rivers, canals and lakes offers unique opportunities, whether for transporting goods or for pleasure. Although inland navigation is often considered less dangerous than maritime navigation, it is not without its risks. Technical damage, collision with another boat, fire or even damage to the cargo being transported can all occur. In the face of these hazards, appropriate insurance is much more than a simple precaution: it is an essential component of the safety of your activity or your leisure pursuits.

River and lake insurance, however, obeys specific rules, distinct from those of traditional land-based insurance and even from its close relative, marine insurance. Understanding the broad outlines of this particular regime, knowing what the main coverages are - to protect your boat, your cargo or your liability - and knowing the basic obligations is essential to making the right choices. This guide gives you an overview of the essential points of river and lake insurance in France.

Why is river insurance different?

The world of river insurance has its own legal framework. It does not follow all the common rules of the Insurance Code applicable to motor or home insurance policies. Like marine insurance, it is largely governed by a specific title of the Code (Title VII of Book I), but with adaptations and exclusions specific to the river context. For example, certain maritime concepts such as "fortune of the sea" or specific cases of abandonment do not apply directly.

In addition, rules exclusive to inland navigation (articles L. 174-1 to L. 174-6 of the Insurance Code) define the basis for "hull" (the boat), "cargo" (the goods) and liability insurance. In addition to these texts, it is the insurance policies themselves, drawn up by the insurers, which detail the cover. Finally, inland navigation law (safety regulations, technical standards) and river transport law (carrier liability, standard contracts) have a direct influence on the content and application of insurance contracts.

Protecting your boat: hull insurance

This is basic insurance for all river boat owners. It covers property damage to the vessel itself (hull, engines, equipment, etc.) following events such as a shipping accident (collision, striking, accidental grounding), fire, explosion or an event of force majeure. The insured value is fixed in the contract (agreed or actual value) and serves as the basis for compensation.

This policy also includes a limited liabilityIt covers certain third-party claims for material damage caused by collision or strikings. It can also cover the cost of removing the wreck if required by the authorities.

However, beware of exclusions Normal wear and tear, inherent vice, gross lack of maintenance, sailing in prohibited conditions (flooding, ice, etc.) or drunk driving are not generally covered. Many additional clauses There are also a number of other options available to extend cover (machine breakdown, electrical damage, civil liability extensions for pollution or personal injury, cover for lost freight, etc.). In the event of a claim, it must be reported quickly (often within 5 days), followed by an expert appraisal. Compensation is based on the cost of repairs, less an excess. In the most serious cases (total loss, cost of repairs greater than the insured value), the neglect (transfer of the boat to the insurer in return for compensation for total loss) may be considered.

Securing cargo: cargo insurance

If you transport goods, or if you are the owner (shipper or recipient), facultés" insurance is that which protects the cargo itself. There are two main levels:

• Major Events" cover : Basic cover, limited to a list of defined serious events (shipwreck, collision, fire, accidents involving an accessory land vehicle, etc.). Cheaper, but leaves many risks uncovered.
• All Risks" cover : Covers all property damage and loss, unless specifically excluded. This is the broadest protection (including theft under certain conditions, breakage, etc.).

This insurance also covers certain costs incurred to preserve the goods or continue the journey after an incident. The specific exclusions are important: inherent defects in the goods, road shrinkage (natural loss of weight) and damage due to inadequate packaging (especially if this is done by the insured party) are not generally covered. Delays in delivery are also excluded. The guarantee usually runs for "shop to shopThis insurance covers the entire journey, including pre- and post-carriage by land, but for a limited period after unloading. In the event of a claim, an appraisal by a damage surveyor is required, and compensation is based on the justified insured value. Unloading is also possible under strict conditions.

Covering carrier liability: contractual liability insurance

This insurance is specific to professional river transporters. It does not cover damage to the boat (this is hull insurance), or general liability towards third parties (collision, pollution, etc.), but does cover the following contractual liability of the carrier vis-à-vis its customer for loss of or damage to goods entrusted to us.

It is not not always compulsory This depends on whether the carrier operates under a standard contract that requires it. However, it is strongly recommended. It works directly with limitations of liability provided for by law or the contract of carriage: the insurer will not pay compensation above these ceilings, unless a declaration of value has been made by the customer and accepted by the insurer (subject to an additional premium). Notable exclusions include delays, fines, or damage caused by by the goods. In the event of a customer complaint, the carrier must declare immediately its insurer and not to acknowledge responsibility or negotiate without its formal agreement.

Common key points to remember: exclusions and obligations

In addition to the specific features of each policy, there are a few cross-cutting points to bear in mind:

• Frequent exclusions: Most contracts exclude damage caused by war, terrorism (with some exceptions), nuclear risks, intentional fault on the part of the insured, or occurring outside authorised shipping areas. Valuables are often excluded (except for possible repurchase of goods).
• Essential obligations of the insured :
  • Declaring the risk (including aggravations such as a mortgage).
  • Paying the premium on an ad hoc basis (notice periods are shorter than for terrestrial insurance).
  • Providing reasonable care the insured property (diligence, maintenance).
  • Taking precautionary measures in the event of a claim (salvage, preservation of recourse against third parties).
  • Declaring a claim within the deadlines set out in the contract (which are often very short).

Compliance with these obligations is a condition for benefiting from the insurer's guarantee. And don't forget that claims under the insurance contract are generally time-barred after two years.

There are many subtleties to river and lake insurance. Advice tailored to your situation could save you time and resources. Contact us to find out more.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the main difference between river and marine insurance? Although they share a common basis in the Insurance Code, river insurance has specific rules and exclusions adapted to the different risks of inland navigation (e.g. certain rules on seaworthiness or maritime abandonment do not apply).
2. Is river insurance compulsory in France? Insurance of the vessel ("hull") is not legally compulsory, but is strongly recommended. Contractual liability insurance for inland waterway carriers is only compulsory if the contract of carriage used (often a standard contract) provides for it.
3. What are the main risks generally excluded by river insurance? Common exclusions include damage due to war, terrorism (outside France), nuclear risks, intentional fault on the part of the insured, inherent vice of the insured object, normal wear and tear, or occurring outside authorised sailing areas.
4. Do I have to declare a mortgage on my boat to my insurer? Yes, the existence of a mortgage on the insured boat must be declared to the insurer (when the policy is taken out or during the term of the policy), as this may influence the insurer's assessment of the risk.
5. What does hull insurance cover on a river boat? It mainly covers material damage to the boat itself (hull, engine, equipment) following a sailing accident, fire or explosion, as well as a limited amount of civil liability for collision.
6. Does hull insurance cover damage to other boats? Yes, basic hull insurance cover generally includes civil liability for material damage caused to other boats or installations as a result of a collision or direct impact with the insured boat.
7. How do you insure goods transported on a barge? You need to take out comprehensive insurance, either with "Major Events" cover (limited to listed events) or "All Risks" cover (broader cover, subject to exclusions).
8. What is the difference between "All Risks" and "Major Events" insurance for goods? All Risks" covers all material damage unless explicitly excluded, while "Major Events" only covers damage resulting from a limited list of serious events (shipwreck, collision, fire, etc.).
9. Does river insurance cover the theft of goods? All Risks" cover may cover theft, but often only under certain conditions (e.g. traces of forced entry for partial theft, proof of non-delivery for whole parcels). Major Events" cover generally does not cover theft.
10. Is it compulsory for an inland waterway carrier to insure against liability for goods? No, unless the standard transport contract he uses requires him to do so. However, this insurance is strongly recommended to cover your liability in the event of loss or damage to the goods entrusted to you.
11. What should I do if my customer claims compensation for goods damaged during river transport? As the carrier, you must immediately report the claim to your contractual liability insurer and, under no circumstances, admit liability or negotiate without its formal agreement.
12. How long do I have to report a river insurance claim? The time limits are generally short and set by the policy: often 5 days for a claim affecting the boat (body) or the goods (faculties), and sometimes only 24 hours to declare a carrier liability claim.
13. What is "abandonment" in river insurance? In very serious cases (total loss, exorbitant cost of repair), the insured party can transfer ownership of the damaged boat or goods to the insurer in exchange for compensation for total loss.
14. Does my river insurance cover me if I sail during high water? Probably not. Hull" policies often exclude cover when sailing at or above the highest navigable water level, because the risk is deemed excessive.
15. Are personal effects on board my boat covered by "body" insurance? This depends on the contract. Some 'body' policies may include limited cover for the personal effects of the crew or the insured, but high value items are almost always excluded and require separate insurance.