All About Yacht Insurance

• Yacht Insurance in the UAE
• What Yacht Insurance Covers
• Why Yacht Insurance is Necessary
• How Much Does Yacht Insurance Cost
• FAQs

Nestled on the Arabian Sea, UAE leverages a hot water coastline which is ideal for sailing. Unlike other parts of the world, yachts in the UAE are not only used for sailing or events. Residents often use yachts and boats to access residential communities located on islands. You can even witness a yacht jam along the Emirates coastline. That said, the greater number of yachts in the water increases the chances of accidents. Therefore, it is suggested to avail of the yacht insurance offered by different companies in the UAE.

Let’s take a closer look at different types of yacht insurance, insurance coverage, and its pros and cons in more detail.   

Yacht Insurance in the UAE

Whether you use your yacht for boating in Dubai or for daily commuting to your residence, getting your boat insured is necessary. This will not only provide coverage for your expensive yachts but will also cover the passengers. Mentioned below are different types of yacht insurance that you can avail of. 

Types of Yacht Insurance

Yacht owners can choose from different types of insurance provided by yacht insurance companies in the UAE. 

Here we have mentioned types of yacht insurance commonly offered by the companies. 

Third-party Insurance

Similar to the car third-party insurance the yacht third party covers all the damages caused by another party. Some insurance providers also cover the legal fees on behalf of policyholders if required. 

Agreed Value Insurance

As evident from the name, in the agreed value insurance, the insurer and yacht owner agreed on a certain amount that will be paid by the insurer in case of any damage. However, if the yacht is destroyed or has irreparable damages, the agreed amount will be reimbursed.  

Market Value Insurance

In market value insurance, the insurer pays off the entire market value of the yacht in case of total damage. The market value is estimated by the insurer including depreciation. 

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance covers all sorts of damage caused in an accident. This might include third-party liability, damage from natural disasters and theft. 

What Yacht Insurance Covers

The elements covered by yacht insurance depend on the type of insurance you opt for. Following are some general things that are covered in yacht insurance. 

• Machinery Damage: The insurer covers machinery and yacht accessories damaged in an accident or lost due to theft. 
• Body and Transit Damage: The body damages due to accident and transit damages caused when shipping a yacht from the road to the sea are covered by the insurer. 
• Third-party Liability: The insurer is responsible to pay on behalf of yacht owners to a third party involved in an accident. 

Alongside these, yacht owners can also ask for additional coverages mentioned below. 

• Medical bills
• Towing and repair assistance
• Crew personal accident 
• Passenger legal liability
• Search and rescue operation
• Racing and watersports risks

Remember that these are the generalised coverage often provided by yacht insurance companies. Therefore, it is recommended to contact your yacht insurance provider to confirm whether they provide the coverage mentioned above or not.

Yacht Insurance Claim Process

The claim process of yacht insurance varies from insurance provider to provider. Commonly following steps are involved in the insurance claim process. 

• Step 1: Inform the insurance provider regarding the accident and all the other necessary details. 
• Step 2: Submit all the documents required to file the claim and wait for approval from the insurance provider. 
• Step 3: Once approved, get your boat repaired by the insurer’s garage or get it repaired by yourself and receive reimbursement from the insurer. 

Why Yacht Insurance is Necessary

Following are the reasons which make yacht insurance necessary in the UAE. 

Asset Protection

Yachts are one of the most expensive water vehicles that you can purchase. Therefore, it is necessary to get your yachts insured to avoid any financial drains in case of accident or theft. 

Liability Coverage

Similar to cars, yachts are also prone to accidents and hence require liability coverage provided by insurance companies. Moreover, yachts used for commercial purposes can use liability coverage to cover the medical bills of passengers in case of an accident. 

Safety from Natural Disasters

Yachts are prone to natural disasters like hurricanes, tsunamis and floods. Since yachts are expensive, getting them repaired is also a costly process. That said, adequate yacht insurance can cover the damages caused by natural disasters. 

How Much Does Yacht Insurance Cost

The cost of yacht insurance depends on the total market value of the yacht and the type of insurance you opt for. Alongside, some other factors are also considered when estimating the cost which may include:

• Captain’s age
• Cruising limit
• Seating capacity
• Usage (Commercial or Personal)

FAQs

Will yacht insurance cover my jet ski?

Yes, jet skis and other watersports activity vehicles are covered in the comprehensive yacht insurance. However, you might have to pay an additional premium for this coverage. 

Will insurance cover damages caused during yacht transportation from the road to the coastline?

Yes, insurance companies cover all the transit damages, but it might vary as per the insurance type you have purchased. 

Is there any cruising limit?

Yes, insurance companies have a cruising limit for insurance coverage. 

Does my policy include damages caused during a boat race?

Generally, racing damages are not covered by normal insurance. However, racing damages are offered as an additional coverage and you can add it to your insurance by paying a higher premium. 

This was all about yacht insurance in the UAE. Yachts are expensive and therefore, require proper insurance to protect owners from financial drains in case of an accident. That said, if you find new yachts too expensive, browse through these used boats for sale in the UAE and purchase a yacht within your budget. 

Besides, if you are buying a boat for the first time, here are some tips for buying boats in the UAE.

Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog to know more about yacht insurance brokers.