yacht insurance without survey

Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time.

Log in to Markel

• US Broker Agent

US customer login

Log in to make a payment, view policy documents, download proof of insurance, change your communication and billing preferences, and more.

Log in to access admitted lines for workers compensation, business owners, miscellaneous errors and omissions, accident medical, general liability, commercial property, farm property, and equine mortality.

Markel Online

Log in to access non-admitted lines for contract binding property & casualty, excess, and commercial pollution liability.

MAGIC Personal Lines portal

Log in to access personal lines products including marine, specialty personal property, powersports, bicycle, and event insurance.

Markel Surety

Log in to access Markel's surety products.

• News and press

Yacht insurance

The marine insurance leader for over 45 years.

Find a Markel marine agent and get a free, no-obligation quote today.

If you love your yacht, you’ll love our insurance.

We’ve been the yacht insurance leader for over 45 years because we provide coverages that fit your yacht and your lifestyle. Markel yacht insurance can offer distinct advantages in coverage features, options, knowledge and experience.

Why do you need yacht insurance?

Whether you own a yacht or a houseboat, we understand it’s not a typical boat and shouldn’t be covered by a typical boat insurance policy. That’s where we come in—each Markel yacht insurance policy can be customized to fit your yacht, your needs, your budget and your style.

Still not sure?

Here’s a few of the potential advantages to insuring your yacht with us:.

More complete coverage than any other carrier at no additional cost.

Experienced yacht underwriters and marine claims specialists who provide prompt, responsive service.

Discounts and cost-effective coverage options to save you money.

Flexible payment options.

Save money by customizing your yacht insurance

Actual cash value coverage (ACV) Reduce your coverage to ACV, which factors in depreciation of your yacht should you have to file a claim.

Lay-up option We’ll discount your yacht insurance premium during the winter months when your yacht is not in use.

Higher deductibles If you can manage minor repairs to your boat on your own, selecting a higher deductible will reduce your premium.

Windstorm exclusion Live in an area that isn’t at risk for a hurricane? You may consider removing windstorm coverage from your policy.

Liability only Coverage in case you damage another yacht and/or person (doesn’t require a survey—even for older boats).

What we offer

We offer coverage for a variety of watercrafts over 26 feet in length, including:.

• Sport fishing boat

Our coverages can include:

• Coverage for your yacht
• Coverage for you
• Optional coverages

Hull and equipment insurance protection including:

• Protect and recover can cover reasonable costs incurred when trying to protect your yacht from further damage after an accident
• Consequential damage for non-wood yachts–normal wear and tear and deterioration is not typically covered under a yacht insurance policy. However, if your yacht suffers damage from fire, explosion, sinking or collision because of one of these conditions, you may be protected
• Ice and freezing damage coverage if you contracted with a commercial marina or repair facility
• Agreed value for total loss
• Deductible waived on most total losses
• No depreciation on most partial losses
• Automatic tender coverage

Windstorm extra expense If there is a named storm, watch or warning, we will share the expense with you to help protect your yacht before the storm makes landfall.

Personal effects coverage For all the “extras” you physically bring onto your yacht. (i.e., smart phone, camera, etc.)

Emergency towing and assistance Coverage for towing expenses if your yacht happens to get stuck in or out of the water, including the delivery of gas, oil and parts.

Rental reimbursement coverage Coverage for when your yacht is being repaired from a covered loss.

Uninsured boater Unfortunately, not all boaters on the water have insurance. This coverage helps protect you and your family members if you are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured boater. Coverage is automatically included if watercraft liability is purchased.

Pollution liability Pollution coverage helps protects you if you are held legally liable due to an oil pollution leak or spill.

Medical payments Coverage for injuries suffered during an accident on your yacht.

Paid crew (Jones Act) Protection for you if you are legally responsible for injuries to a paid captain or crew member while on your yacht.

Protection and indemnity Coverage in the event that you are responsible for injuries to another person, or damage to their boat or property. Wreck removal is included with purchase of hull coverage.

• Boat trailer coverage
• Boat lift and boat house coverage
• Fishing tournament reimbursement for fishing boats
• Fishing equipment protection
• Transit and storage coverage
• Trip coverage
• Trip interruption reimbursement
• Personal liability coverage if you live aboard your yacht

Frequently asked questions about yacht insurance

General questions.

How much coverage do I need? Each boat, person, location and situation is different. There isn't a good way to give a "ballpark" figure for how much coverage you need. It’s best to evaluate your comfortable level of risk when protecting your boat, assets and passengers. Your best option is to call our boat specialists at +1.800.236.2453 to discuss the best coverage for you.

Can I insure my yacht for liability only? Yes, we offer protection and indemnity (liability only) coverage to help protect you in case you are responsible for injuries to another person or damage to another boat or property. Many carriers do not offer liability-only policies for yachts, or if they do, require a survey. However, Markel’s protection and indemnity coverage does not require a survey, so you’re able to do what you love without worries out on the water.

Will my policy cover normal wear and tear of my yacht? Most insurance policies will not cover normal wear and tear of your yacht and the deterioration or the resulting damage. However, if your yacht is damaged from fire, explosion, sinking, collision or stranding, you may be protected under our consequential damage coverage.

Can I use my yacht for chartering? We know that sometimes yacht owners charter their yacht for sightseeing tours or even sport fishing to help offset some of the costs of owning a yacht. Markel offers an optional limited charter coverage for these situations provided the captain of the watercraft has a minimum of 2 years loss-free experience of yachting. Additional restrictions may apply.

I live on my yacht. Am I covered? Markel provides live aboard coverage. Be sure to disclose that you live aboard to your agent.

My yacht is in a corporation's name. Can I still insure it with Markel? Our yacht insurance policy can cover corporately titled boats for both personal use and client entertainment. We do require all corporately titled boats designate a designee of the watercraft. Contact your agent to learn more.

Do I need to insure my yacht in the winter? It may seem that since you don't use your yacht in the winter you don't need to insure it. This is a risky way of looking at insurance and one that we have seen cost far too many people far too much money. Your yacht is at risk for damages at all times of the year, not only when it's on the water. For example, if your yacht is placed in storage for the winter and is damaged, you will not have any assistance in paying for those repairs without an active insurance policy.

Do you cover unique boats? We offer coverage for various kinds of boats that other insurers may shy away from, including: high performance boats, airboats, hovercraft, etc. Not sure if your watercraft will be covered? Give us a call at +1.800.236.2453 to speak with one of our marine insurance specialists.

What kind of fishing equipment is covered? Your rods, reels and tackle are automatically covered under your personal effects coverage up to the limit purchased. If that coverage isn't sufficient, our fishing equipment coverage provides insurance protection at replacement cost. Please contact one of our marine insurance specialists at +1.800.236.2453 to find out more.

Claims questions

How do I file a claim? We understand that no one wants to file a claim. That's why we do everything we can to make the process as painless as possible. You can report your yacht insurance claim by calling our office at +1.800.236.2453 or submit your claim online and we'll take it from there.

How long will it take for my claim to be processed? We are committed to investigating, evaluating and resolving marine insurance claims in a timely manner.

Is there anything I can do to help speed up the claim process? Yes, you can help streamline the claims and settlement process and avoid delays by providing the following information when you file your claim:

• Policy number
• Date, time and location of loss or damage
• Description of loss or damage
• Digital photos (if possible)
• Phone number to reach you

Additional resources

Related articles.

From boat safety tips to breaking down yacht insurance, find the information, advice, and resources you’ll need all in one place.

Warrior Sailing

Markel is a proud supporter of Warrior Sailing, an organization dedicated to healing and strengthening the lives of veterans through sailing. Visit warriorsailing.org to learn about Warrior Sailing and how you can donate to the program so they can continue to help the lives of wounded veterans.

Related products

Specialized coverage designed specifically for boats 26 feet or less, such as pontoons, runabouts, fishing boats and more.

Personal watercraft

Insurance for personal watercrafts (PWCs) such as a Jet Ski, Sea-Doo or WaveRunner.

High performance boat

Coverage for speedboats greater than 26 feet in length and capable of speeds 66 to 120 m.p.h.

Yacht Dreaming

Can I Get Boat Insurance Without a Survey?

Understanding Boat Insurance

Boat insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides financial protection for your boat or personal watercraft. It covers a wide range of risks that boat owners may face, including damage to the boat, theft, and liability for injuries or damages caused to other people or property. Boat insurance can be mandatory or optional, depending on the state where you reside and the type of boat you own.

When it comes to getting boat insurance, one of the main requirements is a survey. A survey is an inspection of the boat by a qualified marine surveyor, who evaluates the condition and value of the vessel. The survey helps insurance companies determine the risk associated with insuring the boat and the premiums that the owner should pay.

However, not all boat insurance policies require a survey. Some insurance companies may offer policies that do not require a survey, but the coverage and premiums may be different from those that do require a survey. In this article, we will explore whether you can get boat insurance without a survey and what factors you should consider before making a decision.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Boat Insurance

When choosing boat insurance, there are several factors you should consider. These factors can help you determine the coverage and premiums that are right for your situation:

Type of Boat

The type of boat you own can affect the coverage and premiums you need. For example, a small, older boat may require less coverage than a newer, larger boat. Depending on the type of boat, you may need coverage for:

• Physical damage
• Medical payments
• Towing and assistance
• Uninsured boaters

Navigation Area

Your navigation area can also affect the coverage and premiums you need. If you plan to boat in an area with high risk of storms or hurricanes, you may need more coverage than if you plan to boat in a calmer area. Insurance companies may also have restrictions on where you can boat, and some may require additional coverage for certain areas.

The way you use your boat can also affect the coverage and premiums you need. If you use your boat for recreational purposes only, you may need less coverage than if you use it for commercial purposes. Insurance companies may also have restrictions on how you can use your boat, and some may require additional coverage for certain activities.

Your experience as a boater can also affect the coverage and premiums you need. If you are an experienced boater with a good safety record, you may be eligible for lower premiums than if you are a new boater or have a history of accidents.

Can You Get Boat Insurance Without a Survey?

The short answer is yes, you can get boat insurance without a survey. However, whether you should get boat insurance without a survey depends on several factors, including the age and condition of your boat, the type of coverage you need, and the insurance company you choose.

Some insurance companies may offer policies that do not require a survey, but the premiums and coverage may be different from those that do require a survey. For example, policies that do not require a survey may have higher premiums or lower coverage limits than policies that do require a survey.

If you are considering getting boat insurance without a survey, it is important to do your research and compare policies from different insurance companies. Look for policies that offer the coverage you need at a price that fits your budget, and make sure to read the fine print to understand any restrictions or limitations.

Boat insurance is an important investment for any boat owner, as it provides financial protection for your vessel and can help cover the costs of damages or liability. While a survey is a common requirement for boat insurance policies, it is possible to get insurance without a survey.

When choosing boat insurance, it is important to consider factors such as the type of boat, navigation area, usage, and experience. By doing your research and comparing policies from different insurance companies, you can find the right coverage and premiums that fit your needs and budget.

Exploring the Wonders of Boat Tours in Delray Beach

The Best Boat Rentals Miami: Exploring The Ultimate Experience

© 2024 Yacht Dreaming

Available Coverage

• Liability Insurance
• Medical Payments
• Uninsured Boater

Liability-Only Boat Insurance

Saving you money with liability-only insurance.

For many small boat owners or owners of older vessels, liability coverage is the most important reason to insure their boat. This provides coverage for injury or damage to a third party. Our liability only policies also include medical coverage, which often offers higher limits than a homeowner’s policy. This can also cover other types of accidents like a fuel spill that damages someone else’s property.

Many choose this coverage because the cost is generally much less than full coverage and a survey is not required, regardless of age. Additionally, most boat owners will find that their marina requires them to provide proof of liability insurance.

It is important to understand the full breadth of your marine liability insurance. If you do not know what your current insurance covers it might make sense to get a quote from Marine Underwriters. 

Can I Rely on my Homeowner’s Insurance for Boat Liability Coverage?

Sometimes folks think that their watercraft or boat is covered by their home owners insurance – in fact in many cases homeowner’s insurance does not cover your watercraft. Even if they do it generally is limited to very small boats like row boats, canoes and vessels with 25 or less HP. So if you are relying on your homeowners insurance for boat coverage, you could be risking more than you know. 

We offer a variety of liability insurance limits to meet your needs! Call us today or fill out this form to get a quote.

Toll free: 800-631-2147 Local: 843-979-9000

Marine Underwriters Agency, Inc. 1903 Bridge Street St. Matthews, SC 29135

Office Hours Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time

Get a Quote Today

Call us at 1-800-631-2147 to speak directly with a yacht insurance specialist. Or complete our online and one of our insurance experts will get back to you within 24 business hours.

Start My Quote

© 2024 Marine Underwriters Boat Insurance. Privacy Policy

• Yacht Insurance
• Megayacht Insurance
• Powerboat Insurance
• Sailboat Insurance
• High-Performance Boat Insurance
• Houseboat Insurance Coverage
• Personal Watercraft/Jet Ski Insurance
• Charter Insurance
• Liveaboard Coverage
• Liability Only Insurance
• Coverage Map
• Get a Quote
• File a Claim
• Request a New Broker Kit
• Quick Quote Application for Agents
• Agents Report a Claim

LATEST NEWS

Do I Need a Survey for Boat Insurance?

If you are currently looking at getting boat insurance for your vessel, then you may well come across boat surveys as viable options.

Some insurance companies do indeed request that professionals survey certain ships before they can accurately insure them.

However, not all vessels are necessarily subject to these kinds of surveys, so how do you know if yours will be and if you’ll need a survey for boat insurance ? 

The chances are that, yes, your boat will need to be surveyed by a professional in order to secure fully comprehensive insurance. It’s worth preparing yourself for a pre-purchase survey regardless of the vessel you’re buying.

But why does your boat need to be surveyed, and what exactly happens during a boat survey?

What Is a Survey for Boat Insurance?

A marine insurance survey is a series of inspections that your boat will have to go through to determine the current state of both the interior and the exterior of your vessel.

Boat surveys happen whether you have a new boat or an older one. 

Boat insurance companies either suggest that you use a marine surveyor that they know and work with or that you contact an accredited professional by yourself.

The surveyor will check the hull, the fuel system, the sole boards, the deck, the rigging, the electric system, the fire extinguishers, other safety equipment, etc.

A proper survey will include a detailed inspection of both the exterior and the interior of the boat to determine the current state of the boat, how safe it is, and generally, what it is worth.

Most surveyors reference moisture meter readings, oil testing, and other tests to determine the current state of the boats.

A good surveyor may even request a sea trial and is likely to request that you haul out your boat in order for them to take a better look at the hull in particular. 

Many insurance companies require that boat owners have marine surveys in order to fit the policy to the specific vessel better.

The insurance company can also decide whether or not it is worth covering the boat and may advise you to fix certain problems before they can give you a comprehensive cover. 

However, you may have successfully managed to set up boat insurance before and have found that your boat insurance company wants all the information regarding your vessel, including insurance surveys before they can move ahead.

It’s a good idea to comply!

Do You Need a Boat Survey for Insurance?

Whether or not your insurer will require a survey depends on a few things: 

• The insurance company: Many insurers do require boat surveys; however, there are still some that don’t. However, if they do not ask for a survey, it won’t necessarily be a good thing. Given the fact that the survey is there better to determine the value and safety of your boat, your costs could be a lot cheaper than what they would be without a survey. 
• The vessel type: Whether you have a brand new yacht or an older boat will have a big impact on whether or not your insurance company will ask for a survey report. Boats become more difficult to maintain and are more prone to issues past a certain age. Large boats are also more prone to needing a condition survey, as they tend to go farther and cost more to maintain, repair, etc. So yacht insurance or super yacht insurance will generally require one.
• Any previous claims that you may have made: Whether or not you have already made a claim, your boat insurance will determine whether or not you will need to have your boat surveyed. It will also determine whether or not you have had accidents in the past, what kinds of accidents, etc. 

Generally speaking, boat surveys depend and vary on the insurance company and on you as a boat owner. Some insurance companies may even ask for a pre-purchase survey, too.

How Much Does a Boat Survey Cost?

Generally speaking, surveyors charge based on the size of the boat and, therefore, the time that it will take them to examine the boat entirely.

They very rarely run at a flat rate due to the differences in vessels that they see.

Certain things may cost more to test, although most things that need surveying are generally included in the price.

It is best to ask the surveyor about the different tests that are needed and their general marine survey cost before you have them come to do the survey. 

Moreover, as easy as it may seem, you cannot do the survey by yourself.

In fact, most insurance companies will not even allow the marinas to do the surveys and instead ask that you hire professionals to do it.

You can always ask their advice about surveyors that they have worked with and their general rates. 

Do All Insurers Require a Boat Survey?

Insurance companies typically ask for boat surveys on both new boats and older vessels.

You may find that your boat is not subject to a marine survey just yet, but it is very likely that it will be in the future as it gets older. 

You may even find that, a boat survey is required on an older vessel that might still be a new purchase to you.

As the current owner, it is best if you know as much about the boat’s history as possible to better determine the points that will need to be addressed in the policy wording. 

However, you will not necessarily need to get a boat survey in order to get insurance quotes.

It can help to assure market value, however – so even if you are not offered a marine survey outright, it’s worth keeping them in mind.

If your boat does need surveying for insurance purposes, then it is best to prepare the vessel beforehand. Take up any repairs that you think need doing, and clean up your boat.

Leaving clutter around will make it more difficult to determine the current state of your vessel, and it will take longer for the surveyor to complete the survey. 

There are also ways of helping your insurance policy go down in price, and increasing the market value of your ship, simply by investing in safety equipment, certain repairs, etc. Preparation is key!

Get a quote online:

1. please select where is your vessel flagged or registered:.

2. Please choose which area your vessel is currently moored or located in:

3. select one of the following cruising areas, 4. please select your boat type:.

• Boat Insurance
• Cabin Cruiser Insurance
• Small Commercial Craft Insurance
• Yacht & Pleasure Craft Insurance
• RIB Insurance
• Motor Boat Insurance
• Fishing Boat Insurance
• Marine Trade Insurance
• Inland Waterways Insurance
• Narrowboat Insurance
• Bluewater Yacht Insurance
• Speed Boat Insurance
• Sailboat Insurance
• Small Boat Insurance

Velos Insurance Services Ltd Notcutt House, 36 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9EU

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Registered Address 5 Market Yard Mew, 194-204 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. No. 3484670. Velos Insurance Services Ltd is a member of BIBA (British Insurance Brokers Association)