Yacht Delivery Insurance Requirements Explained

Understanding Insurance for Yacht Delivery

Proper insurance is non-negotiable for professional yacht delivery. Both the vessel owner and the delivery company carry responsibilities, and understanding how they work together prevents gaps in cover.

Hull and Machinery Insurance

The vessel owner's hull insurance policy needs to cover the delivery voyage. Key points to check with your insurer:

• Crew clause: Confirm your policy permits a professional delivery crew to operate the vessel
• Navigation limits: Ensure the delivery route falls within your policy's geographic limits
• Passage conditions: Some policies exclude offshore passages or require notification for deliveries over a certain distance

If your existing policy doesn't cover delivery, your insurer can usually add a temporary extension. We can advise on the specific wording required.

Skipper Third-Party Liability Insurance

As a bare minimum, delivery skippers should carry third-party liability insurance — typically through specialist maritime insurers such as Schomacker or Pantaenius. This cover protects against claims arising from damage or injury caused during the delivery. The policy must be appropriate for the voyage route, vessel type, and size. A skipper delivering a 60ft motor yacht across Biscay needs different cover than one moving a 35ft sailing yacht along the coast — make sure the policy matches the job.

Crew Personal Insurance

Delivery crew should have personal accident and medical insurance valid for the delivery route. This is separate from the vessel's hull insurance and covers the crew themselves. STCW-certified crew will have the required medical fitness (ENG1) certificates.

What a Good Delivery Company Should Provide

When evaluating a delivery service, ask about:

• Skipper third-party liability insurance — through a recognised maritime insurer, appropriate for the vessel and route
• STCW and ENG1 certificates for all crew
• Guidance on hull insurance requirements for your specific route
• Risk assessments that your insurer may request

Common Insurance Mistakes

The most frequent issue we see is owners assuming their marina or mooring insurance covers a delivery voyage. In most cases, it does not. Always confirm with your insurer before the delivery and provide them with the planned route and crew details.