Many anglers invest heavily in their fishing kit. Rods, reels, bite alarms, luggage, bait boats bivvies and other accessories can quickly add up to thousands of pounds’ worth of equipment. Yet when it comes to insurance, a surprising number of anglers assume their gear is protected simply because it is stored in the boot of their car and covered by their motor insurance. Unfortunately, that assumption may lead to disappointment if the worst happens. We regularly get asked the question ‘’ is my fishing kit insured if it is stolen from the boot of my car?’’.

Most standard car insurance policies include only limited cover for personal belongings left inside the vehicle. This is typically known as a “personal effects” allowance, and it is often capped at a relatively low amount. In many cases, the limit is around £500 in total, regardless of the actual value of the items stolen. For anglers who may be carrying several rods, high-quality reels, alarms, nets and other accessories, the true value of their kit can easily exceed this amount many times over.

As a result, if a thief breaks into a car and steals fishing equipment, the payout from a motor insurance policy may fall far short of what is needed to replace the stolen gear. In addition, there may be other conditions attached to the claim. Some policies require that items are hidden from view, stored in a locked boot, or only covered during certain hours. Even when all conditions are met, the low personal-effects limit often means the angler is left significantly out of pocket.

A specialist fishing tackle insurance policy such as Angling Protect has been designed by Anglers, specifically with anglers in mind. Rather than offering a small general allowance for personal belongings, specialist cover such as ours, insures the full declared value of your fishing kit. This means that if your equipment is stolen or damaged, you have protection that reflects what your gear is actually worth.

Another major advantage is the flexibility of where the equipment is covered. With a specialist policy, your fishing kit can typically be insured wherever it is – whether it is at home, in your car or van, or with you on the bank while you are fishing. This broader coverage gives anglers greater peace of mind, knowing their equipment is protected throughout their fishing activities rather than only in limited circumstances.

For anglers who regularly travel to fisheries, store equipment in vehicles, or carry a substantial amount of tackle, relying solely on motor insurance can be a risky approach. We would advise that you check your policy carefully to understand the personal effects limit. A specialist fishing tackle insurance product ensures that your investment is properly protected and that, should the unexpected happen, you are far more likely to receive the level of cover needed to replace your gear and get back to fishing.

Submit Your Requests