Pantaenius launches third party liability insurance for UK skippers

Marine insurance provider Pantaenius has announced the introduction a third party liability policy for UK-based skippers of rented or chartered boats who can now protect themselves against unexpected financial or legal burden incurred as a consequence of accidental damage or injury to a third party.

A similar policy has been available in Germany for EU skippers but is now extended to the UK based on UK law.

“Many skippers are not aware of their vulnerability to potentially sizeable liability claims,” says Pantaenius marketing and sales manager Simon Tonks. “What may begin as an abrupt end to a charter trip could easily lead to significant financial problems for you as the skipper.”

The Pantaenius skipper third party liability insurance policy covers the skipper for legal liabilities to third parties arising out of an accident whilst they are skippering a boat they do not own. The policy comes into effect when the boat’s own liability insurance either does not exist or cannot be applied.

Whilst the new Pantaenius policy is a personal insurance, crew members are also protected under this policy and are considered co-insureds. Not only are the skipper’s own legal liabilities for personal injury to, or death of crew members covered, cover also extends to include the legal liabilities of the crew, including their liability for personal injury or death of the skipper or crew members.

The legal liabilities arising from the use of water sports equipment are also covered for both skipper and crew as is legal liability for accidental water pollution.

Whilst every boat should have adequate liability insurance in place, this is not always the case. It is often difficult for a skipper to know whether the existing liability insurance is sufficient or if the insurance is even valid. “With some jurisdictions only requiring limited levels of liability cover, some as low as £200,000, the extent to which a boat is insured can often be insufficient for the potentially sizeable personal liability claims,” adds Tonks.

In addition to the coverage of liability claims, the policy also accounts for the wider consequences of an incident such as, the potential financial risk should future charters be disrupted or cancelled; the payment of a security deposit of up to £100,000.00 should the yacht be detained and the reasonable costs of investigating, handling and settling disputes as well as defending the skipper against unjustified claims.

The cover is valid worldwide and is available online to both private and commercial skippers who are UK residents.