Superyacht insurance

Bespoke insurance programmes for owners of large luxury yachts

Howden Sturge specialises in large, privately-owned super and mega yachts with values between €5m and €500m. Currently we arrange insurance for over €9bn worth of superyachts, including a significant number of the Top 100 list. 

In view of the size and quality of our portfolio we are able to arrange advantageous rates, structures and coverage mechanisms from our favoured international markets.

We work for yacht owners, captains, managers and home offices directly or through local brokers who wish to access our preferential relationships with specialist superyacht MGAs, and the Lloyd’s of London, European and US markets. 

Our client advisory team is second to none in terms of knowledge and experience

We enjoy close working relationships with many of the top firms in the yachting industry and we only work with first class underwriters and insurers who can provide our clients with the security they require.

Financial strength is integral to the insurer selection process; and we feel it is crucial to monitor both the financial health and capacity of the insurers that we use, and continue to do this on an ongoing basis.

Hull and machinery coverage

If it forms part of the yacht then it can usually be included. Generally, this coverage will be on a comprehensive “All Risks” and “Agreed Value” basis. 

We can arrange cover for hull, materials, contents, engines, machinery and everything connected therewith including: 

• Tenders, water craft and water sports equipment
• Interior fixtures, fittings and contents including artwork, antiques and objet d’art
• Personal effects of the owner, guests and crew
• Loss of charter hire.

Liabilities (protection and indemnity)

We can also provide covered for a wide range of third party liabilities: 

• Damage caused to other yachts
• Crew negligence
• Liability arising out of the use of tenders and the
• yacht’s water craft
• Water sports liabilities – injuries to guests,
• damage to docks and harbours
• Pollution liability
• The assured’s legal liability to employed crew
• including MLC requirements
• F D & D legal expenses cover for disputes.

Crew Welfare 

We provide 24/7 and 365 days cover for full-time, part-time and seasonal crew. 
Protect your people ashore or afloat, on or off duty, signed-on or on vacation. 

Our exclusive Crew Welfare offering includes cover for:

• Medical expenses, doctors or hospital fees for accidents or illness
• Lump-sum payments for accidental death or permanent disability
• Salary indemnity for temporary disablement, worldwide repatriation, crew replacement expenses
• Trauma counselling
• 24 hour emergency assistance, MLC Compliant.

Pre-delivery risks

We regularly arrange policies to cover the assured’s liability to paid crew that are on site, plus their medical expenses and personal accident insurances. 

Owner supplied items and furnished equipment including tenders etc., in store or present at the shipyard can also be insured and protected.

Builders’ risks, refit and restoration 

We are able to arrange customised insurance programmes for yachts that are in build or under major refit/alteration, where a conventional yacht insurance policy is not appropriate. 

We also regularly policies for classic or vintage yachts that are being restored or rebuilt. Howden Sturge has been involved with many projects that have seen new life breathed into famous yachts of the past.