Marine & boat insurance broker
Marine and boat insurance solutions for runabouts, yachts, fishing charters, whale watching cruises, water taxis, open blue water and racing vessels, motor cruisers, sailing boats, jet skis, houseboats and even personal watercraft.
Leisure use & pleasure craft
Whether on the lake, in the bay or across open blue water, we have the insurers on hand ready to provide competitive premiums, great policy terms and conditions for personal watercraft.
Whether your boating pleasure is water skiing, jet skiing, fishing or anything in between, we can find the right insurer to cover it as we deal with them all. As your boat insurance broker, we will ensure you are covered for all your vessels, fixtures, fittings, additions and contents. That way, you can relax, unwind and enjoy the ultimate boating lifestyle with peace of mind.
Commercial vessels
If your vessel is used for any form of commercial enterprise (fishing charters, whale watching, water taxi, dive charters, etc.), then it may not be able to be insured under a standard marine insurance policy, so we need to ensure that the right cover is available from the right insurer.
Certain aspects of cover are relevant to providing the right cover, such as where cover ceases on a marine policy for the embarkment and disembarkment of passengers, service of alcohol and food, provision of equipment to passengers and more. Additional public liability policies may be required to ensure full protection
Open blue water vessels
If your vessel can cross the oceans, then it is obviously of size and class to do so. However, many standard marine insurance policies also have offshore territorial limits (maybe up to 250nm off the coast). For international waters and vessel delivery and transfer, the right cover must be in place.
If you’re planning a trip across the ditch to spend some time in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands or a long-haul trip to relax off the coast of Croatia, insure your boat through Ian Jones. Our brokers will ensure that your pride and joy is protected under the right marine insurance policy by an insurer with experience in this unique and privileged class of vessel.
Yacht racing risks
Bridge to Bridge, offshore super boat racing, twilight club sailing events or Sydney to Hobart sailing. If this is your passion, make sure your insurance policy lets you do it with full cover. Insurers want to, and need to know what a vessel is used for, as certain endorsements, exclusions and coverage restrictions may apply otherwise.
Don’t get caught after the event with the realisation that your insurance coverage has sunk with your boat. Let us source a comprehensive policy to give you confidence, knowing you can push your vessel to the limits to win that cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boat insurance is designed to protect you financially if your boat is damaged, stolen or involved in an accident.
It can also include third-party legal liability cover, which protects you if you’re found legally responsible for personal injury to another individual or damage to someone else’s property while using your vessel.
As cover can differ, it’s important to check what’s included and excluded in your specific policy. At Ian Jones, we can help you secure the right insurance cover for your boat, how you use it and where you keep it.
Boat insurance can cover most recreational and pleasure craft, including:
- Tinnies
- Runabouts
- Jet skis, hovercrafts and other personal watercraft
- Pontoon boats
- Cruisers and cabin boats
- Yachts, catamarans and sailing boats
- Motor sailers
Cover availability can depend on the vessel’s size, age, construction and intended use, so it’s best to confirm details before arranging a policy.
While coverage varies by policy, boat insurance in Australia generally does not cover:
- Wear and tear or poor maintenance: Damage caused by lack of upkeep, deterioration or unseaworthiness.
- Mechanical or electrical failure: Breakdowns or faults on their own are usually excluded, though resulting accidental damage may be covered.
- Gradual deterioration: Including corrosion, electrolysis, osmosis, blistering or delamination, unless caused by a sudden, accidental impact.
- Failure to take reasonable care: Loss or damage resulting from inadequate security, protection or care of the vessel.
- Alcohol or drug-related incidents: Claims where the boat was operated by someone under the influence, and you were aware of it.
As exclusions apply, always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand your cover before you buy it.
Yes. Many boat insurance policies include an optional temporary or emergency accommodation benefit.
This optional add-on can help pay for short-term accommodation if your vessel is damaged by an insured event, such as fire or storm damage, and is no longer safe or practical to stay on while you are away from your usual mooring.
Boat and marine insurance coverage is not legally required for recreational vessels in Australia, but it is strongly recommended.
Boats can be damaged or lost even when not in use through fire, theft, storms or accidental impact. Repairing or replacing a boat can be expensive without cover.
Additionally, many marinas and mooring providers require at least third-party liability cover, and often comprehensive insurance.
Moreover, if your boat is financed, your lender will usually require insurance.
A single policy can protect your boat, motor, trailer, accessories and equipment, helping you meet marina requirements and safeguard your investment.
Usually, no. Some home and contents policies may provide limited cover for small boats or watercraft while they’re stored at your home address, but this is often restricted and excludes use on the water. Dedicated boat insurance offers far broader and more appropriate protection.
Lay-up refers to periods when your trailerable boat or jet ski is not being used, such as during winter, and is securely stored in a garage, shed or behind locked gates or fencing.
During the lay-up period, cover generally continues for:
- Accidental loss or damage at the storage location
- Theft or malicious damage
- Transport to and from, and storage at, a dealer or service centre for routine maintenance
Lay-up options can reduce premiums while still protecting your vessel when it’s off the water.
The cost of your boat insurance premium will vary based on your vessel and how it’s used. Common factors that affect its price include:
- The boat’s market or agreed value
- Type, size and construction materials
- Where and how the boat is stored
- Level of third-party liability selected
- Engine type, fuel, power and top speed
- Optional covers (such as lay-up, racing, and transit)
- Chosen excess amount
- Your claims history and overall risk profile
To confirm the right cover and pricing for your vessel, please speak with our experienced marine insurance brokers. Professional advice ensures the policy is structured properly and provides suitable protection for every voyage.
To arrange a boat insurance quote, you’ll typically need to provide:
- Contact details: Including licence details if required for the vessel type.
- Vessel information: Boat type, make, model, age, value, engine details and trailer information (if applicable).
- Storage information: Where the boat is kept when not in use, such as at home, in a marina or dry stack.
- How you use the boat: Recreational use, watersports or business use can affect cover and pricing.
Giving your boat insurance broker accurate, full details upfront helps ensure your policy offers the right protection from day one.