Insurance update

What effect might lockdown and the inability to get to your boat have on your marine insurance policy? Sam Jefferson finds out

- Sam Jefferson

The season was about to begin for most sailors in northern Europe. Recommissioning and launching was suddenly put on hold, with yachts left on the hard for far longer than intended, some boats ready for their own period of isolation, some less so. Either way, no owner could check if their yacht was okay. Meanwhile, blue water cruisers left their craft in unknown marinas or anchorages to fly home. Brokerage deals and potential new boat purchases stalled.

The past two months has led to widespread uncertainty for boat owners and many of you contacted us with lockdown-related insurance queries.

We have put your questions to marine insurers and their answers provide broad guidance. You’ll need to contact your insurer direct for detailed advice on your specific policy and how it relates to your circumstances.

What if damage to my yacht was not discovered while my port or marina was closed?

Simon Tonks from marine insurers Pantaenius explains the position of his company on this matter: “Your yacht is insured in port or on land. If you are unable to regularly check on your boat yourself, you should assign someone else to do it. If this is not possible either, you should use the first opportunity after the measures imposed as a result of the Coronavirus have been lifted to check the condition of your boat. If damage has occurred, this is of course also insured.