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How we handle it: every Nordic Crew Worldwide delivery is covered by our own professional skipper insurance, in addition to the owner’s hull and liability policy.
Insurance is one of the most overlooked parts of moving a yacht — and one of the most expensive to get wrong. This guide explains who insures what during a delivery and what to check before your boat leaves. It is general information, not legal or insurance advice: your policy wording decides.
Who insures what during a delivery?
| Cover | Who arranges it | What it protects |
|---|---|---|
| Hull & machinery | Owner | Damage to or loss of the yacht itself |
| Third-party liability (on the yacht’s policy) | Owner | Damage the yacht causes to others, e.g. another boat or a marina |
| Skipper liability insurance | Skipper / delivery company | Third-party claims arising from the skipper’s actions; some policies also cover damage to the yacht being skippered |
| Crew personal accident / medical | Crew or delivery company | Injury and medical costs for the delivery crew |
Check your own policy before departure
- Tell your insurer. Inform them that the yacht will be moved by a professional delivery crew, and when.
- Cruising limits. Many policies cover only a defined area (for example the Mediterranean or EU waters). A delivery from Scandinavia or across the Atlantic may need an extension.
- Crew approval. Some insurers want to approve the skipper’s qualifications or require a minimum crew number for offshore or ocean passages.
- Season and storm clauses. Policies often limit cover in hurricane areas during the hurricane season, or for named storms.
- Laid-up vs. in commission. A boat insured as laid up is usually not covered at sea — switch it to in commission before the delivery.
- Deductible. Know your excess, and agree in writing how it is handled if damage occurs during the delivery.
- Get it in writing. Ask for written confirmation that the delivery is covered.
In the UK, owners must keep the vessel insured for the waters to be traversed for the duration of a delivery, while the skipper provides for themselves and the crew. Rules differ between countries, so check the requirements for your flag and the countries on the route.
Skipper liability insurance
Skipper liability insurance protects the skipper — and indirectly you — against claims for damage caused while they are in charge of the boat. Specialist marine insurers offer it, often as an annual policy with options for private or commercial use and different cruising areas. Before you hand over the keys, ask your delivery skipper or company:
- Do you have skipper liability insurance, and with which insurer?
- What is the limit of liability, and does it cover commercial deliveries?
- Does it cover damage to the yacht you are delivering, or only third parties?
- Does it apply in all the waters on the route?
Common gaps that cause problems
- The route goes outside the policy’s cruising area
- The policy excludes ocean passages or requires more crew than planned
- The insurer was never told a third party would skipper the boat
- Rudder damage or towing after an orca interaction — check how your policy treats it (see our orca guide)
- Transport by truck or ship: hull policies often do not cover the yacht while it is being lifted or carried as cargo, so cargo insurance may be needed
Our insurance partner
Nordic Crew Worldwide works with a trusted marine insurance partner. With our Complete Care Passage, we guide you to suitable cover and help you understand what your policy needs before the delivery. See our packages, read how to choose a yacht delivery skipper and our preparation checklist, or request a free quote.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is my yacht insured during a delivery?
Usually under your own hull policy, but only if that policy covers the delivery voyage, the whole route and a professional delivery crew. Tell your insurer about the delivery and get written confirmation.
What is skipper liability insurance?
Insurance taken out by the skipper that covers claims for damage they cause while in charge of a boat. Some policies also cover damage to the yacht being skippered. Ask your delivery skipper for proof of cover.
Does my policy cover an Atlantic crossing?
Not automatically. Many policies have cruising limits, crew requirements for ocean passages and restrictions in hurricane areas during the hurricane season. Ask your insurer for an extension if needed.
Is my yacht covered when it is transported by truck or ship?
Often not under a normal hull policy while the boat is lifted or carried as cargo. Check your policy and arrange cargo or transit insurance if required.