How to get a yacht insurance in the UK: Guide for Americans

Owning or chartering a yacht in British waters sounds like a dream, but you also have to deal with insurance paperwork.

Whether you're buying a new vessel or relocating your boat to the UK, you'll need yacht insurance coverage, and you may wonder if it's possible to get it as an American in the UK.

The short answer is that Americans can get yacht insurance in the UK, but there are a few things you need to know to protect your vessel and comply with local requirements.

Here's what they are.

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Table of contents
Can Americans insure a yacht in the UK? Steps for getting yacht insurance in the UK as an American How much does yacht insurance typically cost in the UK? What documents do you need to prepare for getting yacht insurance in the UK? What taxes are associated with keeping your yacht in the UK as an American Some important rules and considerations

Can Americans insure a yacht in the UK?

Yes, Americans can get yacht insurance in the UK.

Most UK insurers work with international clients, including US citizens who own or operate vessels in British waters. You don't need to be a UK resident or citizen to secure coverage.

Some UK yacht insurers offer online quotes and applications, which can be convenient if you're not there to arrange your policy in person. However, more complex coverage or high-value vessels might require meeting in person with the brokers.

Steps for getting yacht insurance in the UK as an American

1. Figure out what coverage you need

UK yacht insurance typically comes in two main types: third-party liability (which covers damage you cause to others) and comprehensive coverage (which includes damage to your own vessel).

Most marinas and mooring locations in the UK require at least 3 million GBP in third-party liability coverage as a minimum.¹

But to determine the right yacht insurance coverage for you, consider factors such as where you'll be sailing, how often you'll use the vessel, whether you'll be the sole operator or hiring crew, and what equipment you have on board.

If you're financing the yacht, your lender will also likely have certain insurance requirements you'll need to meet.

2. Research insurance providers

The UK has several well-established yacht insurance companies that work with international clients. Here are some popular options:

• Haven Knox-Johnston
• Pantaenius
• GJW Direct

These marine insurance brokers understand the needs and goals of American yacht owners in the UK, so they can help you navigate policy differences and find the right coverage.

3. Gather your documents

Insurers will ask for information about you and your vessel, so you should have these details ready:

• Valid passport or government-issued ID
• Proof of yacht ownership
• Vessel specifications, such as year, make, model, length, and value
• Survey reports
• Your sailing experience and qualifications
• Information about where the yacht will be kept and sailed

US Coast Guard documentation or state registration will typically be accepted, though some insurers might ask you to register the vessel with the UK Ship Register if you're keeping it there long-term.

4. Request quotes and compare policies

Contact a few different insurers or brokers to get competing quotes.

In addition to premium costs, look at coverage limits, deductibles, geographic sailing limits (some policies restrict where you can sail), agreed value versus market value coverage, and if anything is excluded from the policy.

You should also ask questions about how claims are handled for foreign policyholders and whether the policy covers transatlantic crossings if you're planning to sail between the US and the UK.

5. Complete your application

Once you've chosen an insurer with the best quote and coverage, you'll complete a formal application.

This step usually involves a questionnaire about your vessel and sailing history, and it's important to give thorough and accurate answers because any misrepresentations can void your coverage later.

How much does yacht insurance typically cost in the UK?

Yacht insurance costs will vary widely based on your vessel and how you use it.

For a standard sailing yacht, expect to pay somewhere between 300 GBP and 1,200 GBP per year.²

However, there are many factors that come into play.

For example, larger yachts cost more to insure than smaller ones. Older vessels typically have higher premiums than newer models, since they're more prone to mechanical issues and may require updated safety equipment.

If you race your yacht competitively, that also increases your premium because racing puts more wear on the vessel and carries a higher risk.

💡 Learn more about yacht charter costs.

What documents do you need to prepare for getting yacht insurance in the UK?

To prepare your policy, UK insurers need enough information to assess the risk of covering your vessel.

You'll need to gather paperwork that proves who you are, what you own, and how capable you are of operating it safely, including documents such as:

• Valid passport or government-issued photo ID
• Proof of yacht ownership
• Recent marine survey report
• Vessel specifications sheet
• Sailing qualifications or certificates
• Navigation and safety equipment inventory
• Current photographs of the yacht
• Bank statements or proof of funds

If your yacht is registered in the US, bring your Coast Guard documentation or state registration papers. Some insurers may accept them, but you may also have to take extra UK registration steps.

What taxes are associated with keeping your yacht in the UK as an American

The main tax concern for Americans keeping yachts in UK waters is VAT (Value Added Tax).

If you're temporarily visiting UK waters with a non-EU-registered yacht, you can typically stay for up to 24 months without paying VAT, as long as you don't plan to permanently keep the vessel there.³

If you're importing a yacht to the UK or keeping it there permanently, you'll likely need to pay 20% VAT on the vessel's value.⁴

If you need to register your yacht with the UK Ship Register, you'll also likely have to pay a small annual fee.

Overall, if you have questions or concerns about taxes, it's a good idea to consult with a tax professional who's knowledgeable about the marine industry to clarify your obligations.

Some important rules and considerations

Before you finalize your yacht insurance, keep these key points in mind:

• UK insurers require at least 3 million GBP in third-party liability coverage for most marinas and mooring locations¹
• Your policy might restrict sailing areas, with some basic policies only covering UK coastal waters
• Winter lay-up can reduce your premium if you're taking the yacht out of the water during off-season months
• If you're hiring crew or letting others operate your yacht, make sure your policy covers additional operators

Pay attention to your policy's navigation warranty, which is the clause that specifies where you're allowed to sail. Venturing outside your approved area can void your coverage, even if nothing goes wrong, so it's important to be aware of these rules.

Bottom line

Getting yacht insurance in the UK as an American is relatively straightforward, but it's important to understand what coverage you need and gather the right documents.

Many insurers are equipped to work with international yacht owners, so if you have any questions, they can also advise you on the best course of action.

If you're splitting time between the US and the UK, or traveling often for sailing, you're probably hemorrhaging money on international bank fees and poor currency exchange rates.

You may also have to manage bank accounts in multiple countries and currencies, which adds another layer of complexity to an already complicated financial situation.

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Sources

1. Boats and Outboards - Boat insurance guide
2. InsureMy - A Guide to the Cost of Boat Insurance
3. UK Government - Sailing a pleasure craft into the UK temporarily for private use
4. Jet - Demystifying UK import tax

Sources checked 12/18/2025