Insuring a superyacht requires a specialist approach. These large, privately-owned vessels are often technically complex and operate across multiple jurisdictions, with professional crew, tenders, and specialist equipment onboard.
At Soak Insure, we help arrange tailored luxury yacht and superyacht insurance programmes by working with established insurers and underwriting markets that specialise in large luxury craft. Our role is to help owners, captains, and managers access appropriate cover designed around how the superyacht is owned, operated and used.
Insurance designed for high-value yachts
Large yachts present a distinct set of risks. International cruising, professional crewing arrangements, extended time in marinas or shipyards, and high-value interiors or equipment all increase both complexity and exposure. Insurance solutions must take these factors into account to ensure appropriate protection can be put in place.
We can assist with arranging insurance for privately owned luxury yachts, professionally crewed superyachts and vessels that are undergoing delivery, refit or restoration. Cover availability and structure will depend on the vessel profile, its value, and intended use, as well as other insurer underwriting criteria.
What can I get cover for and what does it mean?
Hull & Machinery Insurance
Hull and Machinery insurance can provide cover for the physical structure of the yacht and its permanently installed machinery. This type of cover is typically arranged on an agreed value basis and may be written on an “all risks” wording, subject to exclusions and policy conditions.
Cover can extend to the hull, superstructure, engines, generators, fixed systems and onboard machinery. Depending on the policy, reasonable costs associated with salvage, wreck removal or emergency repairs following an insured incident may also be included.
Liability insurance (Protection & Indemnity)
Liability cover is a fundamental part of superyacht insurance. It is designed to help protect against legal liability arising from incidents such as damage to other vessels or property, injury to third parties, crew negligence, the use of tenders or watercraft, water sports activities and pollution incidents.
Policies may also include cover for certain legal expenses related to disputes, subject to the policy wording.
Crew Welfare and Employers’ Liability Insurance
For professionally crewed yachts, specialist crew welfare insurance is often required. This type of cover can include medical expenses, emergency treatment, accidental death or disability benefits, repatriation costs, salary protection following injury or illness, and access to emergency assistance services.
Where applicable, cover can be arranged to meet Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) requirements, subject to insurer terms.
Tenders, onboard equipment and personal effects
Superyacht insurance policies can often be extended to include tenders, watercraft, and water sports equipment, along with interior fixtures, fittings and contents. High-value items such as artwork, antiques or specialist equipment may also be able to be included, subject to declaration and valuation.
Personal effects belonging to the owner, guests and crew can often be covered, although limits, exclusions and storage conditions will apply.
Access to specialist yacht insurance markets
Soak Insure works with a panel of insurers and specialist underwriting partners with experience in the luxury superyacht sector, including UK and international markets. This allows us to help structure insurance programmes that reflect the operational and geographic demands of large yachts.
When arranging cover, careful consideration is given to factors such as cruising limits, crewing arrangements, management structure and the financial suitability of the insurer. Naturally, all policies are subject to insurer acceptance, terms and conditions.
Meet the Soak Insure Team
Founded by insurance professionals with a combined 50 years of industry experience
Simon Tonks
As the Founder of Soak Insure, Simon has spent the last 25 years in the specialist world of marine insurance. Simon has raced dinghies, keelboats and yachts all around the world and sails with his family from Hayling Island Sailing Club.
Henry Coxe
Henry has extensive knowledge of the yachting and wider marine world, gained partially from his engineering experience working on 50m+ superyachts. With a deep technical understanding of the day-to-day operations and requirements of superyachts.
Daniel Higham
Dan has experience working across technical projects and client-focused roles, which has given him a strong eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work. Dan brings a fresh perspective to the team alongside insurance knowledge he has built up through his work with private clients.
How can Soak Insure help with Yacht & Superyacht Insurance?
Rather than simply offering standardised solutions, we work with specialist insurers to help arrange insurance programmes aligned to your yacht’s value, usage and operational requirements, and look to ensure you understand your coverage and how it supports you.
Our role is to provide informed guidance, help review cover options and support you as your cruising plans or ownership arrangements evolve. If the unexpected occurs, Soak Insure provides access to an in-house Claims Team to provide guidance to clients throughout the claims process. While all claims are assessed and settled by insurers in accordance with policy terms and conditions, we work on your behalf to help ensure the process is clear, efficient and managed with minimal disruption, as well as negotiating with insurers and challenging their decisions if needed. From initial advice following an incident to assistance with documentation and repair estimates, we aim to support you at each stage of the claims process.
Get in touch with Soak Insure
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