While yachting is meant to be all about escaping the humdrum aspects of life, to enjoy the experience with full peace of mind it’s a wise idea to get your trip – and your vessel – insured.
Yachts line the famous harbour in Monaco (Photo: Mike McBey via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
From brokers to charterers to concierge, most operators in the yacht world are focused on one thing and one thing only: selling yachting as an enticing lifestyle choice that you can’t do without. But behind this glossy idyll, the comparatively prosaic requirement of choosing an insurance policy that protects yacht owners and charterers from unforeseen events looms large. We’ve picked out 5 of the best yacht insurance companies currently on the market.
Pantaenius
Pantaenius has been providing insurance across a number of sectors dating back to 1899, and for the yacht industry since 1977. Today the company is widely considered one of the leading insurance specialists on the yacht market in Europe and globally thanks to their tailor-made solutions developed by skippers, for skippers, and designed to eliminate all of the worry and stress from the cruising experience. As well as their standard coverage options such as hull insurance, personal accident insurance and crew medical insurance, they also offer a unique online solution, which allows vessel owners to choose their own cover according to the modular principle and manage contracts easily online.
IYC
Perhaps best known for the sales and charter arms of the business, IYC are also a leading international player in the yacht insurance sector. Their team of insurance experts help owners navigate their way through the multitude of customised solutions available to cover the exposures linked to the operation of their yacht. With direct access to US, Lloyd’s and European insurance markets, they are uniquely positioned to offer exclusive, competitive yet fully comprehensive yacht insurance products to clients. As well as market-leading yacht coverage, they also offer personal accident coverage (including emergency medical expenses and search and rescue) providing peace of mind for both owner and crew.
Lockton
A family-run business with offices around the world, Lockton offer fully comprehensive coverage for vessels of all sizes. Their dedicated Yacht Practice provides specialist advice and expertise, working with clients to tailor insurance programmes that meet the complex needs of yacht ownership and provide comprehensive insurance resolutions. By combining the talents of both Private Client and Marine colleagues, they deliver seamless programmes to protect these high-value assets and their staff. Their solutions include coverage for hull and machinery insurance, tenders and submersible vessel insurance, medical and personal accident insurance for your crew and guests, berth liability insurance, and plenty more.
Admiral Marine
For over 25 years Admiral have been providing yacht insurance for sailors across the world. Launched by Robert Holbrook, a keen yachtsman, who recognised the need for flexible yacht insurance for yacht owners, today it specialises in insurance for vessels based in the UK, Northern European waters, the Mediterranean, South East Asia and the Caribbean. The company prides itself on its personal touch and practical approach, with all claims handled in-house, making claim settlement fast, easy and stress-free. Along with the standard yacht cover, their insurance policy benefits include no excess for third party claims, no excess if you are struck by another vessel when moored, a contribution to accommodation costs if the yacht is rendered uninhabitable, and cover for piracy, acts of terrorism and associated risks.
Coleman Marine
Coleman Marine Insurance is the company’s highly specialised marine division, providing bespoke solutions for all aspects of yacht insurance. Whether it be power or sail, monohull or multihull, yacht or custom tri-deck, the company provides tailored insurance solutions for you. Close relationships with leading yacht insurers have been nurtured to provide an extensive range of products for yacht and motorboat owners’ risks, with Coleman’s established specialists able to provide proven policy wordings and an exemplary claims service. A full 24-hour, 365-day-a-year claims management service is delivered by staff who work closely with leading marine surveyors in the UK, Europe and further afield.