Use
Owner and professional delivery skippers
| Arrangement | Insurance implication |
|---|---|
| Owner delivers | Your own cover, extended for the passage, with your experience assessed |
| Professional delivery skipper | Their credentials matter; confirm whether they carry their own cover |
| Delivery company | Ask what their policy covers and what remains your exposure |
| Paid crew aboard | May raise commercial or employment questions |
Route, crew and equipment conditions
- A named skipper with stated experience and qualifications
- Minimum crew numbers for the passage length
- A seasonal window — deliveries outside it may be refused
- A defined route, with limits on how far offshore
- Safety equipment and liferaft requirements
- A survey if the vessel is newly purchased or newly imported
Handover and delivery dates
Delivery after import
A boat delivered from overseas raises both delivery and import questions at once: passage cover, arrival survey, compliance and the start of domestic cover. Treat them as a sequence and confirm there is no gap between them.
Prepare your quote properly
Insurers price what they can verify. Work through the vessel-details checklist before you request quotes, so every quote you get is built on the same facts.
Frequently asked questions
Is a delivery voyage covered by my normal boat policy?
Usually not without an extension. Delivery passages are typically arranged separately, with conditions on crew, route and season.
Who insures the boat if I hire a delivery skipper?
It depends on the arrangement. Some delivery operators carry their own cover; others expect the owner's policy to respond. Establish in writing which applies before the boat leaves.
Related guides
- Boat Insurance While Shipped as Cargo
- Imported Yacht Insurance in Australia
- Offshore Yacht Insurance: Passage Cover and Extensions
- Buying a Used Boat: Insurance Australia
- Offshore Yacht Insurance Broker Australia
- Boat Insurance for Experienced Skippers: Evidence and Terms
- Yacht Delivery Insurance: Weather Delays and Extensions
- Boat Insurance by Use and Cruising Style
- Yacht Passage and Event Insurance Guides
General information onlyThe information on sailboatinsurance.com.au is general educational information only. It may be wrong, incomplete or out of date, and you should not rely on it as a substitute for the current policy documents or professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and is not personal financial product advice. Insurance cover depends on the actual policy wording, Product Disclosure Statement, certificate of insurance, endorsements, exclusions, limits, sub-limits and underwriting decisions that apply to your vessel. Always read the current policy documents before buying, renewing or changing cover. For legal, financial or insurance advice about your own circumstances, consider speaking with an appropriately licensed professional.