Visit our Popular Forums

theway · 31-12-2017, 00:45

I was able to get BoatUS Insurance when I purchased first and only boat, a Pearson 323 (7yrs ago little experience). Full coverage was $864/yr.

When I left California for Hawaii 5yrs later no one would cover me during the crossing... I went solo. When I got to Hawaii BoatUS covered me again for the year. Little more expensive.

Leaving Hawaii I went self insured again until Australia. Here I have insurance from a local company that covers foreign yachts. I only have liability. The cost was AUD$474.

It’s not really a problem but some/most marinas will ask for it, i anchored 99% of the time. I didn’t enter a country that requires it, they must be pretty rare.

sailinglacigale · 03-02-2018, 20:24

Hi,

Perhaps a slightly tardy reply, but hopefully a useful one. We’re currently sailing around the world, having left Europe in October of last year, having fun in the Caribbean right now before heading to Panama.

Europe insurance: 1% of boat value
Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and US: 1.5% of boat value
Pacific: 2.4% of boat value
Global (ie Cape Horn etc - but not the Antarctic): 2.6%

That’s for us, a European boat, annually (adjusted pro-rata for time spent there).

You’ll get a 40% no claims discount from the start (so don’t claim). You’ll need to be out of hurricane areas in hurricane time and freak hurricane will have 20% deductible.

Liability insurance on top, but cheap in comparison. Medical on top too and that’s a much bigger topic. Best thing seems to be to get insured at home and have repatriation insurance. And small stuff is just out of pocket.

Simi 60 · 03-02-2018, 22:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by theway

Leaving Hawaii I went self insured again until Australia. Here I have insurance from a local company that covers foreign yachts. I only have liability. The cost was AUD$474.
.

What company was that?

Simi 60 · 03-02-2018, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailinglacigale

Hi,

Perhaps a slightly tardy reply, but hopefully a useful one. We’re currently sailing around the world, having left Europe in October of last year, having fun in the Caribbean right now before heading to Panama.

Europe insurance: 1% of boat value
Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and US: 1.5% of boat value
Pacific: 2.4% of boat value
Global (ie Cape Horn etc - but not the Antarctic): 2.6%

That’s for us, a European boat, annually (adjusted pro-rata for time spent there).

You’ll get a 40% no claims discount from the start (so don’t claim). You’ll need to be out of hurricane areas in hurricane time and freak hurricane will have 20% deductible.

Liability insurance on top, but cheap in comparison. Medical on top too and that’s a much bigger topic. Best thing seems to be to get insured at home and have repatriation insurance. And small stuff is just out of pocket.

Same question.
This 40% no claims discount has me intrigued.
We are more used to 20% increase for no claims bonus.

theway · 03-02-2018, 22:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simi 60

What company was that?

Nautilus Marine... The folks over at Marine Auctions (marineauctions.com.au) helped find and organize the process.

sailinglacigale · 04-02-2018, 03:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simi 60

Same question.
This 40% no claims discount has me intrigued.
We are more used to 20% increase for no claims bonus.

It’s a Swiss broker called Murette. But the company behind is Allianz which is the largest German insurance company and #1 in Europe. I’d definitely use a broker as they’ll ensure that should you ever have to claim, your claim is handled properly. On the discount, I was puzzled as well - I think it’s basically given if you have the right sailing qualification but again, a decent broker can help you work that one out.

rourkeh · 04-02-2018, 04:16

Insurance companies are in the business of collecting premiums not paying claims. Why would they want to cover people who have no practical experience operating a boat who are willing to set out on some kind of adventure sailing all over the place learning as they go. Are we really surprised companies do not want to write policies until you prove you are capable and worth the risk?
After a quick chat with most of the boaters I meet, I would not want to risk my money on the chase they might not screw up out there in one of the most hostile environments on the planet.