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How does yacht size affect insurance?

On Behalf of | Mar 10, 2025 | Maritime Ownership

Owning a big yacht means dealing with special insurance rules. The size of a yacht affects how much you pay for insurance, what the policy covers, and what you need to do to qualify. If you’re buying or selling a large yacht, you should know how insurance companies decide on coverage and costs.

Bigger yachts cost more to insure

Insurance companies see large yachts as a bigger risk because they are expensive, have complex systems, and can cost a lot to fix. The bigger the yacht, the higher the insurance price. A 100-foot yacht costs more to insure than a 50-foot one because larger yachts can have more damage, need more maintenance, and have higher liability risks. In Connecticut, rules from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) may add extra requirements for big yacht owners.

Large yachts need more liability coverage

Bigger yachts can carry more people, which means more chances for accidents or injuries. Insurance companies require higher liability coverage to pay for possible injuries, accidents, or environmental damage. Laws under the Clean Water Act set strict pollution guidelines, so having the right insurance is important. Buyers and sellers should make sure the policy covers risks like crew injuries and guest accidents.

Strict insurance requirements for big yachts

Before getting insurance, large yachts must pass detailed inspections and have records of maintenance and security. Yachts need to meet safety rules set by the government. In Connecticut, DEEP enforces safety regulations that could affect insurance approval. Sellers should have all the needed paperwork to make selling easier, and buyers should check that the yacht meets insurance requirements before buying.

Special policies for yachts that travel far

Many large yachts sail to different countries, so they need insurance that covers international travel. Normal insurance may not cover trips across the ocean, so owners must get special policies that match their travel plans. Yacht buyers in Connecticut should check that their insurance follows international rules so they don’t run into problems later.

Following insurance rules helps make yacht sales and purchases easier while protecting both buyers and sellers from unexpected costs.