Boat and Yacht Insurance in the UAE: A Guide for Owners
Hull and machinery, third-party liability and personal accident cover for boats, yachts and jet skis, explained.
✓ Since 1995 · ✓ Central Bank of the UAE Reg. No. 081 · ✓ Compared across leading UAE insurers
A boat is a big investment, and an accident at sea can mean damage to your own craft, injuries to passengers and claims from others. This guide explains how pleasure craft insurance works in the UAE. It's written by Al Berwaz Insurance Brokers, licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (Registration No. 081).
What a policy covers
- Hull and machinery: damage to the boat, engines and equipment from accidents, fire, storms, sinking and theft.
- Third-party liability: injury to other people and damage to other boats, jetties and property.
- Personal accident: benefits for the people on board if they're injured.
- Salvage and wreck removal: the costs of recovering the boat or removing a wreck.
Registration and licensing
Boats in the UAE must be registered with the maritime authority of the emirate where they're kept, and insurance is usually required to register or renew. Check the current requirements with your authority before your licence expires.
What affects your premium
Insurers look at the boat's value, age, size and type, engine power, where it's kept and used, the skipper's experience and licences, and your claims history.
What isn't usually covered
- Wear and tear, corrosion and gradual deterioration
- Mechanical breakdown without an accident
- Use outside the navigation area in the policy
- Racing, or chartering the boat to others, unless agreed
- Use by an unlicensed skipper, or one the policy doesn't allow
What to prepare for a quote
- Boat: make, model, year, length and engines.
- Value: purchase price or current market value.
- Mooring: the marina or place where the boat is kept.
- Skipper: licences and experience of the people who'll drive it.
- Claims: any previous losses.
Why use a broker?
Boat policies differ on navigation areas, who can drive, and deductibles. A broker compares insurers, sets the cover to match how you actually use your boat, and supports you if you need to claim. Broker commission is built into the insurer's premium, so using a broker doesn't add to your cost.
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Got questions? We've got answers
Quick answers to other questions owners ask us about boat insurance.
Ask Us a QuestionAre jet skis covered?
Yes. Jet skis and other personal watercraft can be insured on their own policy or alongside your boat.
Am I covered if a friend drives my boat?
Only if the policy allows it. Many policies require the driver to be licensed and named or approved, so check before you lend your boat.
Is my boat covered when it's out of the water?
Usually, while it's stored ashore or on a trailer, within limits. Moving it by road may need to be agreed with the insurer.
Can I take my boat into Oman's waters?
Only if your navigation area includes them. Tell your broker where you plan to go so the area is set correctly.
✓ Serving Abu Dhabi since 1995
✓ Licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (Reg. No. 081)
✓ Boat cover compared across leading UAE insurers
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Terms differ between insurers. Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions and exclusions of the issuing insurer.