Key takeaways
- ✓The owner’s hull policy covers the boat — tell your insurer a delivery skipper will be in charge, and check the route and dates are covered.
- ✓A professional delivery skipper should carry skipper liability insurance, which covers third-party damage caused by their negligence.
- ✓Many policies ask for the skipper to be named or approved, and may have limits on area, season or crew.
- ✓Put the insurance details in the delivery agreement and keep copies on board.
Who covers what
| Cover | Who arranges it | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Hull (and machinery) insurance | Owner | Damage to or loss of the boat itself |
| Third-party liability on the boat’s policy | Owner | Damage or injury the boat causes to others |
| Skipper liability insurance | Delivery skipper or company | Claims arising from the skipper’s or crew’s negligence while in charge |
| Personal accident / travel / medical | Each crew member | Injury, illness and travel problems of the crew themselves |
Questions to ask your insurer before the trip
- •Is the boat covered for this route, these dates and this season?
- •Does the policy need the skipper to be named, or to hold a particular qualification?
- •Is there a minimum number of crew for the passage?
- •Are there restrictions during the hurricane season or in certain areas?
- •Are you covered while the boat is moored on the way, and in the destination port?
What to check with the skipper
- •Do you hold skipper liability insurance, and up to what amount?
- •Can you send a copy of the certificate?
- •Who in your crew is covered, and are they named?
Put it in writing
Write in the delivery agreement which insurance applies, who pays any excess, and what happens if the trip is delayed by weather or a breakdown. Record the boat’s condition with photos and signatures at pickup and at delivery, so any claim starts from facts both sides agree on.
On Maritime Delivery the delivery agreement is signed in the app, and the digital handover report records the boat’s condition with photos and signatures at both ends — useful evidence if you ever need to make a claim.
Frequently asked questions
Does my boat insurance cover a delivery skipper?+
Often yes, but many insurers need to be told in advance and may ask for the skipper to be named or approved, or for certain qualifications. Always tell your insurer before a delivery and check the route and dates are covered.
What is skipper liability insurance?+
Insurance held by a skipper that covers claims arising from their own or their crew’s negligence while they are in charge of a vessel. It does not replace the owner’s hull insurance.
Who pays the excess if something goes wrong on a delivery?+
It depends on the agreement. Decide in writing before the trip who pays the policy excess and in which situations.
Sources
Put it to work