sailing yacht insurance uk

Yacht Insurance

Bespoke yacht insurance.

Our Yacht Insurance Policies cover sailing vessels both large and small cruising UK Waters, Europe and Worldwide. Whether you're seeking to renew your boat insurance or inquiring about coverage for a new vessel, we've got you covered.

Get the right level of cover with our yacht & sailing boat insurance so you can enjoy cruising on your Yacht, Keel Boat, Sloop, Catamaran or Sailing Boat with confidence.

Why Choose Topsail Insurance?

The team at Topsail Insurance are highly passionate and knowledgeable in Boat Insurance and Travel Insurance, with over 100 years of combined experience, they will ensure you get the policy best suited to you. We are marine insurance experts offering a personal service and practical approach to find the best policy suitable to your needs.

Feel free to reach out to our dedicated team of real people for tailored advice on our policies. Whether you're unsure about the appropriate level of insurance for your needs or seeking guidance on the best coverage for your boat, we're here to assist you. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Our policies offer comprehensive and flexible cover for both local and offshore sailing.

We offer both agreed value and market value insurance policies to suit your individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What typically does our yacht insurance policy cover.

Your insurance policy will include cover for:

• Accidental damage

Is Third Party damage covered?

Yes, our comprehensive policies include up to £5 million third party liability cover as standard. In most cases, we can also arrange Third Party Only policies too.

What additional benefits are included in my Yacht Insurance cover?

Many of our polices include:

• Personal Accident
• Medical Expenses
• Up to 25 % NCB
• Marina benefits
• Access to our helpline services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• 24 hour claims helpline

We can often offer Excess Waiver, Protected No Claims Bonus and Legal Expenses cover.

What cruising areas do we cover?

We cover UK, Europe and Worldwide/Bluewater cruising.

Do we offer any discounts?

We offer discounts for a number of Owners’ Associations, and Yacht Clubs, such as our partners, The Cruising Association and Ocean Cruising Club .

Click here to access our online Quote and Buy .

We will provide you with an instant quote online which you can purchase immediately.

Our team will be happy to compare your boat insurance renewal quote or provide you with a quotation for your new boat insurance. Enjoy making memories, we’ll handle the rest.

For more information about the features of our Topsail Insurance, please refer to the relevant policy document and terms and conditions.

With over 1000 reviews on Google from satisfied clients, Topsail Insurance stands as a trusted authority in the field. Rest assured, you're in capable hands with our team of experts.

Enjoy making memories, we’ll handle the rest.

Boat Insurance with a new look

As the UK’s first online boat insurer, we’ve now made our website even easier to use. Our premiums are as competitive as ever and there’s our great App too!

Save on Boat Insurance

Fully Comprehensive Boat Insurance. £5m Third Party, 3 page Plain English Policy. How much will you save?

Mobile App Insurance on the go

Stay Connected, Open the App to run your boat insurance from your phone

Boat Insurance

Yacht Insurance

• Inland Non-Tidal Waterways

Motorboat Insurance

Narrowboat Insurance

Racing Dinghy Insurance

RIB Insurance

Speedboat Insurance

SUP & Sailboard Insurance

• Canoe/Kayak

Small Boat Insurance

Third Party Insurance

What our customers say.

Check out some of our reviews

What We Offer

Craftinsure app.

The Craftinsure App lets you make changes to your cover from your phone and save images of high value contents and gear insured. Geolocate your boat so we can send you relevant help when the wind blows hard or areas flood. Upload video and pictures instantly of the damage and make a claim, all from your phone. Boat Insurance as painless as possible. Open the App

Professional Crew

Boats are our passion - we understand the joys and the challenges of owning a boat. At the helm of Craftinsure are 3 boat owners - we all have our own boats, too many in some cases!. We race Dinghies most weekends and our MD is on his Beneteau as often as he can get out of the office. We bring many years Underwriting experience and the leadership team are all Insurance qualified, (ACII). Claims are dealt with by our own claims crew. We don’t outsource our claims to call centres. Our claims team are also vastly experienced, and again you might see them afloat at the weekend.

Craftinsure Limited is a privately owned Underwriting Agency and craftinsure.com is a trading name. Craftinsure is owned by Boat owners who are set up the business nearly 20 years ago and Craftinsure now insures over 25,000 boats. We only insure Boats. Craftinsure is a ‘Quote and Buy’ online business, we pass on the cost savings of being online to you as very competitive premiums. We are direct to customers only – we do not deal with brokers or marinas, so you get the savings.

Craftinsure enjoy sponsoring boating events in the UK. These are usually Sailing Regattas, but we do support all types of boating events. Craftinsure support a number of Dinghy and Yacht Class and Owners Associations – Get in contact if you want to work with us.

20 years o f cover

Craftinsure was started in 2001, we were the first online Boat Insurer. Remember dial up modems? We have become a leading Boat Insurer in the UK. With more than 25,000 current policyholders we are now one of the largest boat Insurers. We removed the paper chase that we saw in boat insurance and replaced it with a 4-6 question quote – quotes take 20 seconds, and 2 minutes to get on cover. To be asked to fill out a form and send it in to underwriters is not reasonable in 2020 - Craftinsure - Boat Insurance made easy.

Risk Advice

We produce a lot of advice on how to reduce the risk of loss or damage to your boat. We understand that if we can help you avoid having an accident it's even better than paying the claim. We post advice on our website and use social media to engage with our customers. We aim to ensure our advice is topical so that it's provided at the relevant time. If you have our App we can serve advice specific to your boat type and where your boat is located.

Boating Resources

Find Repairers/Suppliers in your area

FIRE SAFETY ADVICE

SPRING ADVICE - TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE SEASON

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Select your yacht

Select your motor cruiser

Select your board

Trust your vessel with Velos

Are you looking for a competitive all-risk insurance policy that is right for you and your boat? Velos offers competitive premium and wide cover that will put your mind at ease and cover you for all eventualities.

The right policy for you and your boat

Whether you’re looking for pleasure boat insurance or commercial marine

insurance for your vessel, you’ve come to the right place.

Get a FREE quote online or call us on 020 7929 4058

Craft Insurance

Velos offers insurance for yachts and sailboats of all sizes as well as for motorboats, cruisers and narrowboats.

Yacht Insurance

We can cover you for all eventualities so you can forget the small print and focus on the trip of a lifetime.

Independent specialist marine insurance broker operating exclusive specialist facilities for small commercial crafts.

Trade Insurance

Specialist marine trade insurance broker operating exclusive specialist facilities for marine trade crafts.

Why Choose Velos

Velos Insurance Services is one of the leading marine insurance providers in the UK.

We have been providing commercial and private marine insurance to yacht, pleasure craft and boat owners since 1975, and our team of expert marine insurance specialists has over 100 years of accumulated experience. Applying this experience we are able to offer competitive rates to our customers, as well as the best possible cover for all of their marine insurance needs.

• Tailor-made, bespoke insurance policies
• Competitive premium & wide cover
• Market-leading reputation for customer care
• Professional underwriting team
• Efficient and fast claims handling
• 100+ years of experience in the marine insurance industry

What our customers have to say

Don’t just take our word for it, read what our customers think about us

and our services

Patient and Helpful

” The team was super helpful and patient with me, even though I had a million questions. They really took the time to understand my needs and tailor the coverage accordingly. “

Exceptional boat insurance

” Velos Insurance is an exceptional boat insurance service that provides comprehensive coverage for boat owners. “

Efficient Service

” Thank you for your fast & efficient service over the years. “

Super Helpful

” I recently went with Velos, speak to Kel, he’s super helpful “

Competitive Service

” Velos has provided me with an excellent competitive service over the years. If I buy another boat I will have no hesitation in requesting a quote from Velos again. “

Take a look at our FAQ’s or call us on 020 7929 4058 for more information

Get a quote online:

1. please select where is your vessel flagged or registered:.

2. Please choose which area your vessel is currently moored or located in:

3. select one of the following cruising areas, 4. please select your boat type:.

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Velos Insurance Services Ltd Notcutt House, 36 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9EU

Registered Address 5 Market Yard Mew, 194-204 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. No. 3484670. Velos Insurance Services Ltd is a member of BIBA (British Insurance Brokers Association)

• Get A Quote

B o at insurance specialists

Noble Marine has been providing a personal and professional service to marine insurance customers for over 30 years.

Policies and claims are dealt with in-house by our knowledgeable staff giving exceptional levels of service. Get a quote online for your boat insurance today.

get a quote

From surfb o ards to racing yachts

Quote and buy online or call us on 01636 707606, quote and buy online or call us on 01636 707606.

Noble Marine Insurance are a specialist boat insurance provider with over 30 years experience in insuring everything from surfboards to £1m racing yachts.

Our marine team has decades of experience that has allowed us to develop our own policy wordings tailored to the specific needs of the varied types of craft and users. This enables us to cater for everything from standard craft to the more unusual and specialist craft.

All our claims are handled by our own, in house, team. This means that we can settle claims quickly and we can also help you find a suitable repairer if you need us to.

Whether you own a single boat or multiple craft of different types, we can cover them all on a single policy to keep all your marine insurance in one place, keeping it simple and saving you money with our 12.5% mulit-boat discount (up to a maximum of £150 per policy).

Noble Marine Insurance has been an enthusiastic supporter of sailing at all levels since we were founded as a dinghy insurance broker, we are still highly committed to the sailing community and we sponsor over 25 class associations as well as numerous sailing events throughout the year.

We offer a great on-line service but if you would prefer to arrange your policy over the phone we are always delighted to speak to our customers.

Boat Insurance FAQs

What is boat insurance?

Most importantly, boat insurance will provide you with third party liability cover if you were to cause damage to other people’s property or injury to another person.

In addition Comprehensive boat insurance can provide you with financial protection if your boat is involved in an accident, stolen or damaged by fire or storm.

Do I need boat insurance?

Boat insurance is not actually a legal requirement in the UK however most marinas, harbours and in recognised mooring areas require evidence of third party boat insurance. Most lakes and reservoirs require the same, and you will need to produce proof of third party boat insurance to obtain an inland waterways licence. Also most organised events such as racing will require evidence of liability cover.

In addition to third party liability cover most people will want to insure their boat for damage including from fire or theft to protect their investment and ensure that they are able to stay on the water as much as possible. Noble Marine Insurance can insure boats up to a value of £750,000.

What does your boat insurance cover?

It is important to make sure that your boat insurance is adequate for your needs, and not to forget additional equipment such as trailers, trolleys and safety equipment that can be easily overlooked and are often costly to replace. Most accessories and equipment that is specific to your boating activities can be covered by boat insurance if you opt to include them. Noble Marine’s boat insurance will usually cover:

• Accidental Damage
• Fire or Explosion
• Theft or Attempted Theft
• Malicious Damage / Vandalism
• Storm Damage
• Your liability for damage or injury to other parties

Boat insurance policies generally do not cover:

• Wear, tear, depreciation, gradual deterioration e.g. corrosion or electrolysis
• Mechanical breakdown
• Damaged deliberately caused by you
• Faulty workmanship

For full details of Noble Marine’s Boat Insurance cover and exclusions please click here for a copy of our policy wording and Insurance Product Information Documents.

Are there any conditions of my boat insurance?

It is also a condition of many boat insurance policies that your boat is maintained correctly and in a seaworthy condition. Whilst it is important to ensure your boat insurance policy will be valid in the event of a claim, this is also good practice to ensure that you and your passengers and/or crew are safe when on the water. It is important to ensure that all systems of a boat are checked and, as necessary, maintained in accordance with manufacturers guidelines or generally acknowledged best practice. If you are unsure it is worth getting professional advice from a yard or surveyor.

How much will my boat insurance cost?

This depends on the type of boat, who’s using it, where it is being used and what it's being used for. Prices start from around £40 per year.

What types of boats do you offer boat insurance for?

Noble Marine can provide boat insurance for most types of pleasure craft including:

• Canal boat Insurance
• Canoes Insurance
• Dinghy Insurance
• Jet Ski Insurance
• Sport Boat Insurance
• Motor Cruiser Insurance
• Motorboat Insurance
• Narrowboat Insurance
• Paddleboard Insurance
• RIB Insurance
• Rowing Boat Insurance
• Sailboard Insurance
• Speedboat Insurance
• Surfboard Insurance
• Yacht Insurance

What if I want to insure more than one boat?

Most boat insurance policies only allow one boat per policy, however Noble Marine’s policy allows you to insure all your boats from canoes and paddle boards to dinghies and yachts under the same policy, you will also benefit from a 12.5% Multi-boat discount (up to £150 per policy).

Does your boat insurance cover me abroad?

If your boating adventures take you to more distant shores or you are involved in racing abroad, then Noble Marine Insurance can provide a solution to meet these needs in most circumstances. We can also extend the policy to include boats that are Skippered Charter.

Just call us to discuss your requirements and we will help you through the process or enter your details online by clicking ' Get A Quote ' and we will get back to you.

Please note that policy cover is subject to the terms and conditions of our Marine Insurance Policy .

Do you offer boat insurance for racing?

Racing cover is included as standard on all of our dinghy, sports boat, rowing boat, canoe, kayak, surfboard, sailboard and paddleboard policies.

We also offer racing cover for sailing yachts, this may be at an additional charge depending on the type of racing you’re doing.

For full details of Noble Marine’s Boat Insurance cover and exclusions please check our policy wording and Insurance Product Information Documents .

Can I transfer my boat insurance to a different boat?

If you sell your boat and replace it with a new or different boat then you can keep the same policy and simply swap them over.

Your claims are handled by our own in house experts.

Noble marine is a trading name of noble insurance services ltd who are authorised and regulated by the financial conduct authority. firm reference number 305884..

Towergate together with our parent company The Ardonagh Group are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. She is remembered by our colleagues and worldwide as a beacon of duty, wisdom and service.

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Our service is rated ‘Excellent’ on Feefo

Over 2000 insurance specialists ready to support you

Yacht and Catamaran Insurance

Sail further with our yacht and catamaran insurance.

• Up to £5 million in third-party liability and racing liability
• 24-hour single-handed use cover as standard
• Get a £40 Amazon voucher when you buy a new policy over £250*

Call us on 0344 892 1987 or get a quote online

*Terms & Conditions - £40 Amazon Voucher offer

A £40 Amazon voucher is available to new customers who purchase a boat insurance policy online where no code is needed or over the phone and quote the code AMAZON40. This offer is subject to an annual price of £250 (including insurance premium tax at 12% and our customer service charge) or above and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts. In addition, it is not available on the Towergate Active product for small craft where the annual price paid is under £250. Cover is subject to your individual circumstances and our eligibility criteria. The voucher will be issued to you by email after 30 days on cover. If you cancel before you have been on cover for 30 days, you will not be eligible for the offer. Offer expires on 31/12/2024 but can be withdrawn or amended at any time if it is necessary to do so. Policies purchased after this date will not be eligible for the offer.  There is no cash alternative available, and we reserve the right to substitute a reasonably equivalent alternative, of equal value, should circumstances make this necessary.

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Overall service rating 4.6 / 5

Based on 4521 customer reviews

Why choose yacht and catamaran insurance with Towergate?

Single-handed use of yachts.

Covers 24-hour single-handed use of yachts and catamarans as standard.

£5m yacht liability cover

Be ‘marina ready’ with up to £5 million in third-party liability cover.

Racing liability for yachts and catamarans

Racing cover as standard, with damage to masts and sails as an optional extension.

Pay by Direct Debit

Choose to spread your payment into 10 monthly Direct Debit  instalments.

About yacht and catamaran insurance

What does it cover, be 'marina-ready'.

Whatever your yachting style is, you can be ‘marina and race-ready’ with up to £5 million in liability cover. Exclusions include, employees and marine trade workers, fare paying passengers, water skiers, parascenders and divers.

24-hour single-handed use

Our yacht and catamaran insurance policies cover single-handed use. This is the case for up to 24 continuous hours for avid UK sailors. Check our policy wording for more details.

Specialist claims handler

For more complex claims, a specialist handler will be assigned to manage your yacht or catamaran claim. They will carefully lead you through the whole process.

Optional personal accident cover

Our personal accident cover can be added as an optional extra. It may help to pay for medical expenses should you be involved in something a bit more serious. Please be aware that if you’re over the age of 76, you will not be eligible for personal accident cover.

How do claims work?

When you need to make a claim, we'll guide you through the process and get your claim settled as quickly as possible.

• Find your insurance documents and make sure you have all your information at hand, including your policy number.
• Call the claims team for current claims on 0330 018 2292. From 1 Nov, new claims can be reported by calling 01273 863 450 , and explaining exactly what happened
• Provide photos if requested to help us understand what happened as quickly as we can.

Ready to get covered?

• Fill in our online quote form or call us
• Purchase your policy
• Relax - You're covered!

Yacht and catamaran insurance FAQs

What is yacht insurance.

Essentially, yacht insurance aims to protect your craft, other craft on the water and of course, you and your passengers. The idea of insurance is to put you back in the financial position you were in before you experienced a loss of some sort.

This financial loss could come about in the form of damage to your boat, a third party claiming against you for damage to their craft or in the worst case, loss caused by injury to you or one of your passengers.

Towergate yacht insurance covers all the areas mentioned above. Though it isn’t necessarily a legal requirement, many marinas require a minimum of third party cover if you’d like to use their facilities. In any case, it is strongly advised you have insurance in place due to the high value of the yachts themselves and the potential for injury.

How can I get the best value from my yacht insurance?

Moor in a marina - Our policy offers extra benefits for mooring in a marina as mooring at a berth in a marina is typically safer and more secure than a swinging mooring.

Use Smart Water - Mark your equipment with a Smart Water kit purchased using your unique Towergate code and you can receive a further 10% discount.

Get a survey of your craft completed if it’s over 25 years old

Let us know if you have RYA qualifications - We like to reward those who try to develop their own sailing competence as this only makes them safer on the water. Let us know if you have a RYA qualifications and we could award you another 10% discount.

Let us know if you’re planning on racing

Do you offer laid up cover for yachts?

Not all of us are lucky enough to use our yachts all year round. There are likely to be times when the weather is too rough or your yacht is in need of essential maintenance. During these times, you may wish to take your boat out of the water and store it in a dry dock or stack storage.

It's also a strong possibility that your boat will need to be out of the water if you're selling it on. It's a good idea to take it out of the water to allow potential buyers to fully inspect the hull, keel and other components which sit below the waterline.

As well as covering your yacht when it's in the water, Towergate can also apply laid up cover for when it is out of the water and not in use for an extended period. This cover will insure your yacht against theft, damage, vandalism and third party cover whilst it is off the water. It won't cost you any more money, you just need to let us know that you're taking your boat off the water and how long for.

Does this cover come with any exclusions?

It’s very important to read your policy documents in detail, so you understand what’s covered and what could void your cover. Listed below are a few key exclusions you should be aware of. Check your policy document for a full list of exclusions.

• Mechanical failure is not covered if your craft is over three years old.
• Personal accident cover won’t cover individuals over the age of 76 - If you are over the age of 76 the personal accident aspect of our cover will not apply. All cover relating to the craft however, will still apply.
• Wear and tear and mechanical failure are not covered - If your craft is under three years old, we can provide mechanical failure cover. Wear and tear however, is not covered.
• Replacements beyond the sums insured on your policy - Our policy works on a market value basis. Therefore, it’s important to know the true replacement value of your yacht. You will be unable to claim for a replacement yacht above the value you give us. If you’re unsure of the value of your yacht, a marine surveyor will be able to make an assessment and give you an accurate value.

What are the benefits of yacht insurance?

Our yacht insurance comes with a few different options allowing you to get the cover that’s right for your value of craft, level of sailing experience and mooring arrangements. Listed below are just a selection of our best features and how they can benefit yacht owners just like you.

• £3,000,000 third party liability included as standard - The waterways, rivers and seas can be tricky places to travel around on and sometimes mishaps occur. Add to that the fact that yachts and other craft tend to carry a hefty price tag and you’ve got a recipe for some expensive accidents. Our yacht insurance policy includes £3,000,000 third party cover so if you accidently cause damage to someone else’s property whilst on the water your insurance will cover the cost of that damage. • Personal accident cover (optional) - If you enjoy challenging yourself with rough seas and high speeds, we advise you add personal accident cover to your policy. Our personal accident feature will cover medical expenses and emergency treatment. • Protected no claims bonus (platinum level cover) - Take out our highest level of cover to have your no claims bonus protected year on year even if you have to claim (No more than two claims per year). • Marina benefits (platinum level cover only) - If you permanently moor your boat on a marina berth or keep it ashore at the same location, we won’t charge your excess on any claim made while it’s moored or stored. This also won’t affect your no-claims bonus. • Failure of machinery (on yachts less than three years old) - You’d hope that newer yachts wouldn’t have too much trouble with the machinery on-board. Never-the-less, we include cover for this should you be unlucky. • Legal expenses cover - Should a third party bring charges against you for damage caused to their craft or personal injury caused by you, our legal expenses cover can help with your legal fees up to £100,000. • 24 hour legal and claims advice line - In addition to covering legal fees, we also offer legal advice to guide you through what to do if you get involved in a legal dispute. • Travel concierge service - Part of the joy of owning a yacht is the ability to travel to new places. The travel concierge service can arrange; local hotels, restaurants, theatre tickets and more.

I have some expensive equipment on-board. Will this be covered on and off the water by my yacht insurance policy?

Our yacht insurance covers a number of items, including things you’d carry on your person such as digital compasses or pocketknives. These smaller items do have a single article limit of £300. However, you can also cover more expensive items such as on-board GPS equipment and outboard motors. All you need to do is let us know what you’d like covered so we can include it in your sums insured. Please let us know if you would like to cover any items over the £300 single article limit.

Are there any restrictions on my cruising range?

Unfortunately, we can’t cover you in the Caribbean or the Baltic seas, though we can sometimes refer this to our underwriters. As a rule, we do not cover any cruising more than 35 degrees east in the Mediterranean. Again though, you’ll need to let us know if you want to change your cruising range from what you originally agreed when you set up your policy. See the question below for more detail.

If I need to make changes to my yacht policy, can I do this halfway through the year?

Things never stand still in the world of boating. So, if you’ve installed the latest gadget and you need your sums insured amended or you’ve changed your mooring arrangements or cruising range, give us a call and we’ll update your policy. There is an administration fee charged to change the details on your policy plus any premium increase related to the additional cover you require.

Do I need to get my yacht surveyed?

If your yacht is over 35 years old, we will require proof that you’ve had it surveyed. Furthermore, we will require your craft to have a survey every 10 years thereafter. For yachts under 35 years, no survey is required for you to take out insurance.

Can I get third-party liability cover for older yacht and catamarans?

Yes, we also provide liability for those actively using older yachts or launching onto the water. This third-party cover product includes the removal and disposal of wrecked craft, as well as the re-floating and removal of damaged craft.

How do I qualify for discounts on my yacht insurance premium?

In some ways, yacht insurance works like car insurance. If you’re an experienced sailor, your premium might work out cheaper. Contact us to see if any discounts apply.

Can I pay in instalments?

If you would prefer to spread the cost of your yacht and catamaran insurance policy, you have the option of setting up a Direct Debit to pay your premium in monthly instalments through our preferred provider, Premium Credit Limited (PCL).

To find out more about PCL and direct debit payments, select  Direct Debit . To understand more about how PCL work together with Towergate, please read our  Regulatory Information .

Where can I find full details of my policy?

We have provided a summary of the key features of the policy, above. For details of the terms and conditions applicable, please refer to the insurance product information document and policy wording, which are available during the quotation process.

Why choose Towergate?

We are a specialist insurer who keep our finger on the pulse of the boating world. Our boat insurance teams are trained to find the right cover for you and we feel our combination of flexible insurance and a helpful customer service, will ensure you're covered correctly and be a huge comfort every time you take to the water.

Should you need to claim, we will guide you through each step of your claim and advise you on how to gain a swift resolution. It's our aim to take the stress out of what's often an already stressful situation. Simply give us a call and we’ll take it from there.

See our range of cover

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This infographic gives you the low down on the most expensive yachts, who owns them and how much they cost to run.

Yacht owners' gadget guide

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We’re proud to say our boat insurance is among the best in the business. We cover many different types of vessel, so you’re sure to find the right cover for your craft.

Protect your barge from waterway mishaps with our top-notch boat insurance policies. Go for ‘Base Layer’ if you just want third party protection, and ‘All Weather’ for comprehensive cover.

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Whether you use your dinghy for racing or recreation, you’ll want to know you’re fully covered when you set sail. Check out our policies and see what floats your boat.

When you own an inland cruiser, the world’s waterways are your oyster. But it’s best to plan for the unexpected, as even on a day trip, anything can crop up.

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Variety is the spice of life, and for narrowboat owners, that’s especially true. So you’ll want boat cover that’s flexible enough for whatever crops up, from a team that really knows the ropes.

Whatever you use your RIB for, one thing’s certain – your boat insurance needs to be as hard-working as your boat. And when you take a policy with Haven Knox-Johnston, rest assured it will be.

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You can’t beat the yacht life, but it’s no secret it’s not the cheapest of passions. With our in-depth knowledge of the yachting sector, we’re perfectly placed to protect your price and joy.

If you’re looking for insurance for your watercraft, but it doesn’t quite fit the mould of a standard boat like a yacht or a motorboat, then we’ve got you covered.

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For a boat insurance quote:, boat insurance. comes with crew..

When you take out a boat insurance policy with Haven Knox-Johnston, you get great cover plus your very own Award winning* support crew – us. We’re a close-knit bunch at HK-J, with years of boat insurance experience between us. And many of us are keen boating enthusiasts, too. If you do need to claim we’ll aim to get you back on an even keel just as fast as we can. Promise.

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We’re delighted to introduce Have n Knox-Johnston Specialist and Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial .

Our parent company, Howden UK & Ireland launched the new marine insurance practice providing a full spectrum of insurance solutions to the marine industry, UK boat owners and blue ocean cruisers.

The new structure brings together the existing Howden Group marine businesses: A-Plan Marine, Howden Fastnet, Euromarine Insurance Services, plus Howden’s most recent marine acquisition, Curtis Marine.

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With a highly experienced team, including some of the industry’s most recognised professionals, plus more than 70 insurance specialists across six office locations, Haven Knox-Johnston is perfectly placed to service the insurance requirements for inland, coastal and ocean water boat owners, as well as support the commercial insurance needs of sole traders, small businesses owners and national operators that service the needs of the marine community.

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Boat Insurance FAQs

Why do i need boat insurance.

Even if all you need is to get a boat from A to B, life is just not that straightforward. Boat insurance provides a safety net when things aren’t always just plain sailing. 

As one of your most prized possessions, boat insurance can provide financial security and peace of mind against third party claims, loss or damage to your pride and joy.

What does boat insurance not cover?

Like all the best relationships, you have to give your boat some regular care and attention; lack of upkeep, general wear and tear and improper storage of your boat could all affect your cover. Your insurance policy is not a maintenance contract. Check out Haven’s Helpful Hints for tips on how to remedy some of these! 

If you are an adventurous sort, it is also important to check that your boat insurance covers racing, offshore sailing and long-distance trips as well.

How much does boat insurance cost?

Boats may often be seen as a luxury but here, at Haven KJ, we see them as one of life’s essentials; that’s why our boat insurance is often much cheaper than people expect.

Of course, (engine) size matters – as does age, maintenance, value, location, storage and use. However, you’ll find insuring a £100k yacht for normal use is a nautical yarn size cheaper than insuring a supercar at the same price.

Is boat insurance a legal requirement as a boat owner?

Surprisingly not – maybe it’s our long nautical history as pirates and vagabonds but boat insurance is not compulsory in the UK. 

It might not be a legal requirement of all waterways, but the risk of piratical boarding aside, we are talking about the potential damage to high value possessions and the possibility of injury.

If that doesn’t make you shiver your timbers then most marinas require at least third-party liability (our Base Layer policy) as a minimum. International territories including Spain, Italy and Greece require proof of the same. Luckily, we can supply you with relevant boat insurance documents to prove you have it.

What boat insurance do I need?

The first question to ask yourself is what is on your boating wishlist this year? Which direction will the wind or currents take you, and are you planning any races to get there?

Our Base Layer (third party) cover offers security for pleasure sailing, covering third party claims against you and worst-case scenarios of injury and more. Or for the full bells, whistles and foghorns, our All Weather (all risks) policy covers you from fire, theft, vandalism, accidental damage, emergency medical expenses, personal accidents and a whole ship-load more.

What does boat insurance cover?

As a general rule boat insurance should cover your boat, other boats and anybody on board, but the level of cover is down to what policy you take.

As a handy guide, we have a list of our Important Documents highlighting what you can expect from our policies.  Or to see a summary of both policies and what is/is not covered see below.

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How much is Yacht Insurance in the UK

If you are a yacht owner or looking to become a yacht owner then one of the most important things on your list will be yacht insurance and how to ensure that the policy you sign up for fits both your sailing plans and your budgeting requirements.

Is it a legal requirement to have Yacht Insurance in the UK ?

The type of  Yacht Insurance  you need depends entirely on how you intend to use your yacht and where.  There is no legal requirement to have yacht insurance.  However, an increasing number of local authorities and marinas insist upon a minimum level of third party liability insurance.  For example, you will need a minimum of £1 million third party liability insurance prior to registering your boat for use on inland waterways and usually £3 million at most marinas.

For more information on owning a boat, statutory certificates and safety requirements at sea we suggest you visit the  Owning A Boat  web pages on the UK government website. Alternatively, why not  contact  our specialist team for advice on obtaining yacht insurance that reflects your needs.   That way you will obtain the best possible cover at a competitive premium to cover your sailing plans.

When buying a Yacht when should I purchase Insurance?

We would advise that you have yacht insurance in place prior to taking a financial interest in the yacht or when the sea trials have been completed and the boat is handed over, in the case of a new boat.  Even if you have no immediate plans to take your new pride and enjoy for a sail, it will be at the mercy of both the weather and other people’s carelessness.

What information will I need to provide for obtaining a Yacht Insurance Quote ?

When obtaining a  Yacht Insurance Quote  for either a yacht that you already own or one that you are planning to buy, you will need to have the following information to hand:

• All your personal details and contact information
• Full details of people in charge of the yacht including experience, previously owned boats, sailing qualifications and any claims.
• Details of the yacht including model, value, age etc.
• Engine manufacturer, horse power, maximum designed speed and type of fuel.
• Details of the use – private,  corporate entertainment or charter
• Value to be insured.  This should be market value or price paid
• Details of the mooring and the location and planned cruising within the first year of the insurance policy.
• And, finally the date of when you would like the yacht insurance policy to commence.

How to reduce the risk and yacht insurance premium cost

Just like any other insurance policy, your yacht insurance premium cost will depend on the level of risk, i.e. where in the world you intend to sail her and how she is secured.   Here are a few top tips from our experts at  Admiral Yacht Insurance  on reducing risk:

• Before you buy a second hand yacht make sure you arrange for a full out of water survey by an independent surveyor.
• You are also advised to have the rigging checked.  If the rigging is more than 10 years old it should be replaced and you therefore need to factor this into your offer.
• Ask for an alternative quote with a higher than normal excess, as comparison, as this will reduce the premium.
• Never insure for a larger cruising area than you need.  If you are not sure you can always ask for an option to extend the cruising area for an additional premium.

If you would like more information on keeping your yacht insurance costs to a minimum or require advice on the type of insurance cover you will need, and an indication of cost, prior to buying a yacht please  Contact Our Team  of experts who will guide you through the process.

Admiral Marine is a trading name of Admiral Marine Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 306002) for general insurance business. Registered in England and Wales Company No. 02666794 at 1st Floor, One The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6DG

If you wish to register a complaint, please contact the Compliance and Training Manager on  [email protected] .  If you are unsatisfied with how your complaint has been dealt with, you may be able to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).  The FOS website is  www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

+44 (0)1722 416106 | [email protected] | Blakey Road, Salisbury, SP1 2LP, United Kingdom

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Bluewater cruising insurance – what you need to know

• April 13, 2022

Janneke Kuysters looks at bluewater cruising insurance and explains what you need to know and why it's become increasingly difficult to insure your yacht for long distance cruising

There’s no getting around the fact it has become a lot harder to get boat insurance, particularly bluewater cruising insurance. However, there are still ways to secure good coverage – you just need to know what makes insurers tick.

If you want to ruin any cruising sailors’ potluck party on a tropical beach, just drop in a question about boat insurance. Many boat owners have stories to tell. Just about every aspect of the process has become more complicated for bluewater cruising insurance, it takes a bigger chunk out of the cruising budget every year and the rising deductibles make it more and more tempting to go uninsured. So, what is going on in the market and how do you get proper insurance to match your cruising plans?

How bluewater cruising insurance works

First, let’s look at who you are dealing with when you try to get your yacht insured for a trip to the Med, the Caribbean or a circumnavigation.

The insurance company covers your yacht: they write the cheque when there are damages to it or when you’ve caused damage. All this depends on the conditions that you agreed to when taking the policy, but in general, you don’t deal with the insurance company directly when you try to get insurance for a bluewater itinerary. Unlike car insurance, boat insurance is a very specific product and it requires a tailor made approach. Most likely you’ll do business with a broker or an underwriting agent.

Uninsured yacht owners could face enormous salvage, repair and environmental damage costs if the worst should happen. Photo: Ben Welsh Premium/Alamy

The broker considers you, your boat and your plans and presents this ‘package’ to several insurance companies. A single insurance company may want to insure you, but it could also be a syndicate of insurers: each insurer accepting a certain percentage of the risk presented by your package.

There are different kinds of brokers; the difference lies in the amount of work they take off the hands of the insurance companies. If the broker is just helping you to get cover for your beautiful blue water itinerary, you’ll get a policy with the header of the insurance company. If the broker does a lot more work, for instance manning phone lines for 24/7 assistance and handling of claims, you may find their company name at the top of your policy. Brokers that take the most work off the hands of the insurers are called managing general agents (MGAs).

What has changed?

Why has it become more complicated to get yacht insurance for blue water voyages? Mike Wimbridge, managing director of Pantaenius UK, explains: “Yacht insurance for offshore itineraries has always been a tailor made market. And we see that, in recent years, there has been less appetite from the insurance companies when it comes to yacht insurance in general. For coastal cruising in UK waters, things are still fairly easy to insure. But for more bespoke risks like insuring a bluewater cruise, we see that the market is nervous.”

There are several reasons behind this change, Wimbridge says. “Up until 2017 this was a highly competitive market, so prices were as low as possible. It then became untenable for many insurers, especially when a few big windstorms tore through areas where lots of yachts were stored.

“Insurance companies and their reinsurance companies pulled out of the market, leaving a few behind who needed to safeguard their financial situation. So the premiums and deductibles rose. Things are stabilising now, but we still see slight increases annually.”

There are other factors at play. The effects of climate change mean extreme weather events happen more often.

Sailing off the beaten track can be challenging to insure. Photo: Janneke Kuysters

The typical consumer profile has also changed. In the past, yacht owners usually set off on passage armed with sextants, paper charts and a wealth of experience. Nowadays it has become a lot easier to get started – thanks to everything from computer-based navigation systems to powered sail handling – so owners can set off on a bluewater cruise with less experience.

At the same time, boats have become larger and potential claims more expensive: a single lightning strike can destroy tens of thousands of pounds worth of electronics, so it’s perhaps understandable insurers can be nervous to write bespoke policies.

However, there are signs that the market is rebalancing. Ric De Cristofano, director of underwriting with Topsail Insurance, says: “The good news is that the insurance market is cyclical: it will bounce back. I think we have the worst time behind us and we’ll see that insurers become more open to write policies for bluewater cruising yachts.”

How to get bluewater cruising insurance

If you are looking for insurance for a bluewater itinerary, Wimbridge says, “Getting a quote is getting harder and harder. You have to ‘pitch’ yourself, your boat and your plans to the insurer. The broker can help you to do this or you can select a carrier that has staff on hand who are experienced in this area. Things like your sailing CV, diplomas and those of your crew, previous long passages that you have successfully undertaken, and technical or managerial skills that will benefit your sailing, are very important to mention.

“When it comes to the boat: the more seaworthy, the better. There is no real threshold when it comes to boat value, but a well found yacht that is suitable for offshore cruising is paramount to get insurance.”

“We have added a maintenance log to our ‘pitch’ to get insurance,” say American cruisers Jason and Nicky Wynn (see gonewiththewynns.com). “This has added to the success of securing insurance for our boat.” Keep receipts and take photographs as proof of upgrades and repairs, and record a log of routine maintenance.

“The third element in your ‘pitch’ is your itinerary,” continues Wimbridge. “The Atlantic and Pacific are well-cruised areas where insurers can assess the risk they are writing. But if you’re heading around Cape Horn or further afield in the Indian Ocean, premiums will rise. So with your choice of itinerary you can influence the height of your premium and insurance conditions.”

Hurricane damaged yacht. Photo: Pantaenius

In general, insurers are not keen to cover your yacht if you sail in areas with a cyclone/hurricane risk. They have predefined areas and dates which are important to adhere to if you want to stay insured. You will also have a very hard time finding insurance to sail in areas with political instability, war or threats of terrorism. War Risk zones are internationally acknowledged areas where even large commercial ships pay breathtaking insurance premiums.

De Cristofano adds: “Start looking for an insurer at least six months before you plan to leave. Have a chat with your broker to see if they will be able to find insurers that will cover your itinerary. Give yourself ample time to put your ‘pitch’ together and to discuss possible alternatives with your insurer that will lead to a policy that fits your budget.

“It pays to negotiate about the deductible: if you are willing to accept a higher deductible, this may make a significant difference in the premium you will be paying, because it signals to the insurer that you have confidence in your yacht and your skills to maintain it properly.”

However, Wimbridge warns: “Price is not all; think of insurance as a partnership with the insurer. The cheapest policy may not do what you need it to do when you are in trouble on the other side of the planet. You need an insurer who has the knowledge and the capacity to get help to you where you are: spare parts, technical assistance or even worst case, salvage. A lot of the cheaper insurance options will require hiring a third party provider locally, which may present all sorts of cultural and language barriers. So look at the quality of the policy.”

Real world solutions

Bill Garlick is a well known name in the cruising community: many boat owners who have sailed to the other side of the world and run into trouble with their insurance get help from Bill at The Marina Shop in Opua, New Zealand.

“The marine insurance market had a monumental dislocation at the end of 2018 when many Lloyds pleasure craft syndicates closed their books,” Garlick explains. “The lost capacity created a worldwide shortage of marine insurance for pleasure craft. Cover was difficult to find and premiums started rising. Around 95% of our clients were insured with Lloyds at the end of 2018 and those now with Lloyds can be counted on one hand. A number of insurers stepped in to fill the abyss which meant brokers and clients had to deal with new policy wordings and cruising parameters. By the end of 2019 most clients were placed with new insurers.

Keeping a log of regular maintenance can be helpful. Photo: Janneke Kuysters

“A consequence of the contracting market is that marine insurers have tighter criteria and marine insurance is more difficult to secure. Older (30 years-plus), smaller (under 40ft) and low value boats (less than US$100,000) are difficult and sometimes impossible to insure. Standing rigging must be no more than 10 years old (a rig inspection and report is no longer acceptable), surveys are generally required when an insurer takes on a new risk unless the vessel is a relatively new factory production model.”

He adds: “Registration is now the key factor in securing marine insurance. Many insurers are not registered in all countries/jurisdictions so they can only offer cover to certain flags. Choosing a flag is now the decision that determines which – if any – insurers can offer terms.”

Claudia Masson, CEO of the specialised German yacht insurance broker Preuss, says Brexit has also had an impact on European brokers: “Since Brexit, it is no longer possible for us to insure a UK registered yacht with a UK owner. We’ve had to cancel all the policies of our UK clients; this has limited the amount of alternatives there are for UK boat owners.”

“Lightning, windstorm and saltwater damage to electronics and electrical systems are problematic,” adds Garlick. “Many marine insurers simply refuse to offer cover for these risks and others mitigate their exposure by offering high excesses/deductibles.”

Go uninsured?

Every year a number of cruising yacht owners decide to sail uninsured. There are several reasons for this, but usually it’s because of budget constraints or simply because they cannot find an insurer.

But there are considerable risks to going uninsured. First of all, some countries will not let you enter or leave without at least liability insurance – Panama being one example. The same applies to most harbours or marinas.

But the most important thing to consider when you sail uninsured is whether you can afford to lose your boat and equipment. Would being uninsured likely change your behaviour – would it make you less likely to issue a Mayday? In the case that you hit a reef, could you finance the cost of salvage and repairing environmental damage? Or the liability if you accidentally hit another yacht or a swimmer in the water?

“If you are considering sailing uninsured, there are insurers in the UK that will accept yachts for just the liability insurance,” says Ric De Cristofano of Topsail Insurance.

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Boat insurance you can trust..

Groves, John and Westrup have specialised in Marine Insurance for over 195 years. In fact we can trace our roots back to 1826; our experience means when you insure your boat with us you’re in safe hands.

Insure Direct For Great Service And Competitive Premiums.

When you deal with GJW Direct you are dealing direct with your insurer. You have direct access to specialists and what’s more we offer one of the most comprehensive Boat Insurance policies available at a very competitive price, plus a fast and efficient service and greater peace of mind. 

Whatever Your Vessel type, We’ve Got It Covered.

We insure all types of Boats - Yachts, Sailing Boats, Motor Cruisers, Inland Waterway Boats, Narrowboats, Barges, Houseboats, Speedboats, Rigid Inflatable Boats, Waterski Boats, Jet Skis and Personal Watercraft.

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You can trust our expertise and strength. GJW Direct is a member of one of the world’s largest insurance groups, assuring you of excellent financial security and leaving you free to enjoy your boating with nothing to worry about but the weather.   

From 1st January 2022, GJW Direct became a trading name of Munich Re Specialty Insurance (UK) Limited,  a company within the Munich Re Group. GJW Direct are one of a number of brands under Munich Re Specialty Insurance (UK) Limited. 

This change is part of a group reorganisation and will have no effect on you as a policyholder.  Your insurance will remain in force and your cover will remain with the same insurer. Groves, John & Westrup Limited has roots dating back over 195 years and our new structure will enable us to continue to enhance our products and service levels, whilst strengthening internal operations within the Munich Re Group.     

GJW Direct will continue to trade as usual with the high service levels you experience and expect. 

Our services to you may include arranging your insurance policy with the insurer, helping you to make any changes to your policy and to submit a claim. We act as an agent of the insurer under a delegated authority agreement, which allows us to bind risks, issue documents and handle claims.

GJW Direct acts on a non-advised basis; this means we provide information about our products and services but do not make a personal recommendation as to the suitability of the insurance policy.

We receive commission from the insurer which is a percentage of the total annual premium. We apply administration charges for arranging, amending, renewing and cancelling of any insurance policy. Details of any fees/charges will be declared to you in advance of them being incurred.

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Yacht Sharing Guide: Best Ownership Options & Schemes

The thought of signing up for a yacht sharing may seem totally out of your comfort zone but you could be surprised about the options and schemes available writes Sue Pelling .

Look at any marina and you’ll notice that a huge percentage of privately owned cruising yachts hardly ever go anywhere. They just sit in the marina year after year at great expense, and often deteriorate. Eventually these precious assets get sold off at great financial loss, and often the process repeats itself again and again under new ownerships.

So, what’s the answer? Unless you know you’ll be using your yacht on a regular basis, and/or will be using the boat for racing, it really does pay to ‘do the sums’ and work out whether you should consider the growing trend of boat share ownership. 

This sad trend in boat ownership over the last decade or so has prompted a growing move towards loaning or sharing in the marine sector with a steady flow of companies launching fractional/shared ownership, and gym-style club membership schemes.

It’s a bit like the car industry that has seen a huge shift in customers choosing to lease rather than buy. With plenty of good deals ‘out there’ and the chance of being able to drive a top-of-the-range car that would otherwise be out of the range in financial terms in many cases, it is a serious temptation.

It’s the same with yacht shared ownership/lease schemes, with many companies offering a choice of top of the range, fully maintained yachts. Those who choose charter, particularly in gym-style club membership schemes, have the advantage of sailing a range of top-spec yachts, without the outlay of purchasing or having to deal with time-consuming repairs and maintenance. Just step aboard, sail, and hand back when you’ve finished. 

Schemes available

Charter company shared ownership.

Some yacht charter companies such as Nautilus Yachting , Sunsail , The Moorings , Dream Yacht Worldwide , Sail Ionian , and Navigare Yachting have expanded into charter purchase schemes, which can be a cost-effective option particularly if you are a regular charter holiday customer. These ownership schemes are an extremely popular way to enjoy boating without the full financial burden of outright ownership.

Depending on the company you choose, you’ll get a chance to sail up to 12 weeks a year in the most beautiful destinations in the world. If you sign up with Sunsail , for example, you’ll  have a dedicated owner team to deal with all the administration side of the ownership scheme, a range of Dufour yachts , or Leopard catamaran to choose from, up to 12 weeks of holiday per year, access to many of the company’s bases around the world, use of other Sunsail boats of equivalent size, no harbour fees, no insurance, and no maintenance costs. You will also have a choice of taking a fixed/guaranteed monthly income, or a reduced purchase price at the end of the contract. 

Dream Yacht Worldwide is equally attractive with its worry-free charter ownership management programmes, with a total of seven options to choose from and, like most schemes like this, allows you up to 12 weeks a year sailing on either your own or a similar yacht, in 40+ of the world’s best charter destinations.

Sail Ionian’s charter yacht partnership scheme has been around for the last 18 years and has proved a great success with an unprecedented level of second term investment. The company reports that 80% of charter yacht partnership investors have re-invested in a new yacht for an additional five years, so it’s worth looking at what Sail Ionian has to offer.

Syndicates/fractional ownership 

This is a great way of sharing the purchase and running costs of owning a yacht with a group of people you know, but there is a lot to consider in legal terms and, it is imperative you have an agreement formalised from the outset. Having an agreement in place will help avoid any clashes between members, not only about usage of the boat, and ongoing expenses, maintenance and repair but also about if/when you want to terminate your part of the contract.

It makes sense therefore to use a professional managed boat share company that is set up to deal with all the necessary paperwork and any problems that arise. A good start is the RYA’s legal department that offers advice on Buying with a Syndicate, or  sharingcontracts.com – a company that offers ready-made boat share contracts. 

For an all-in-one package, you might like to consider signing up with the yacht share brokerage company Yacht Fractions.  Established in 1991, this company was one of the first to launch a scheme of this sort and operates in the UK as well as globally. The website lists an extensive range of yachts to choose from, so all you need to do is pick your yacht and let Yacht Fractions deal with all the share agreement paperwork and legal issues. 

Gym-style membership schemes

If you want the flexibility of owning a yacht but don’t want the commitment, then this sort of gym-style membership where you can step on and off without the hassle of boat maintenance and berthing fees, this is the one for you. There are several UK basked companies such as Flexisail , Pure Latitude Boat Club , Hamble Point Yacht Charters , and Fairview Sailing offering this subscription-style service, and it is becoming more and more popular as would-be boatowners/boatowners realise the advantages.

As with all schemes, you need to read the fine details before signing up to see how it works because in most cases there is a one off ‘club’ joining fee plus a monthly subscription, and you need a RYA Day Skipper and VHF qualifications. Most have variety of membership levels, and a good selection of yachts to suit you requirements.

Pure Latitude has four bases in southern England, and, for a standard membership of £700 monthly fee (on a points basis), you have the choice of 20+ sail and motor boats to use, with around 15-20 days of boating a year. 

Flexisail has three membership levels – Midweek, Weekend, Anytime – with the Midweek option from £500 per month with up to 30 days sailing a year. This company’s Flexibook online booking system is popular too, which allows you to make, cancel, swap or exchange time with other members at any time, up to 12 months ahead.

Finally, Hamble Point Charter Membership is simple  and flexible, and its Standard membership scheme starts at £300 per month, which gives you a chance to try out a large range of yachts from 30ft to 56ft. There is no joining fee, and you get up to 41 days of sailing a year. 

Useful contacts

dreamyachtcharter.com

sunsail.com

mooringsyachtownership.com

yacht-charter.co.uk [Hamble Point Charter]

flexisail.com

sailionian.com/yacht-ownership

purelatitude.com

sharingcontracts.com

nautilusyachting.com

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Offering a wealth of practical advice and a dynamic mix of in-depth boat, gear and equipment news, Sailing Today is written cover to cover by sailors, for sailors. Since its launch in 1997, the magazine has sealed its reputation for essential sailing information and advice.

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