Marine
Insurance

Preferential Insurance Consideration for Discerning Vessel Owners

Through our partnership with Gallagher, select BoatSmart HQ members may access insurance terms that reflect superior risk management.

Professional vessel stewardship and documented oversight are increasingly recognised by insurers as meaningful risk reduction and that can translate into material premium benefit.

Australian Customers

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New Zealand Customers

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Why This Matters

Owning a high-value vessel is both a privilege and a responsibility. Marine insurance is essential to protect the financial value of your asset, your peace of mind, and your lifestyle on the water. However, standard policies and premiums rarely recognise disciplined vessel management practices.

At BoatSmart HQ we take a risk-controlled approach to vessel care and that matters to underwriters. Documented inspection history, ongoing maintenance programs, and proactive condition tracking have become important signals of low risk in insurance assessments.

Through our insurance referral partnership with Gallagher, the value created by professional management can be reflected in better insurance consideration for qualifying vessels.

How It Works

Proactive Vessel Oversight
You engage BoatSmart HQ for ongoing vessel management, including inspection cycles, maintenance coordination, and real-time condition documentation.
Risk Profile Enhancement
Insurers increasingly value well-documented maintenance and preventative strategies which can improve underwriting outcomes.
Insurance Referral with Gallagher
If your vessel meets eligibility criteria, we facilitate a referral to Gallagher’s marine insurance partners. Premium terms may reflect the disciplined risk profile created by BoatSmart HQ oversight.

Register Interest

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What’s Included With Eligibility

If accepted for the insurance referral programme, you will receive:

  • Quarterly Vessel Inspection Reports, complimentary for one year
  • Waived onboarding fee for BoatSmart HQ membership
  • Full access to BoatSmart HQ services for 12 months

This combination creates both operational vessel care and a documented history of maintenance and risk controls that insurers recognise.

BoatSmart HQ Membership Benefits

  • Your comprehensive vessel care programme includes:
  • Dedicated First Mate relationship
  • Permanent Ships Log & digital record keeping
  • Preventative maintenance planning
  • Walk-On / Walk-Off concierge services
  • Weather Watch monitoring and alerts
  • 24/7 support access

These services are core to disciplined vessel management and form the basis of the risk profile insurers assess.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the insurance referral pathway:

  • Vessel must be marina-berthed, dry-stacked or berthed in waterways
  • Under 20 years of age
  • Insured value over $600,000

Ready to Proceed?

If you believe your vessel aligns with the qualifications and you are seeking preferential insurance consideration, complete the form below:

Australian Customers

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New Zealand Customers

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OR

Contact Us to Discuss Eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Marine insurance FAQs

Prior boating experience is not necessary but it is beneficial to unlocking lower policy costs.
Absolutely! As a first-time boat owner, getting insurance coverage is important to protect yourself and your investment. At BoatSmart HQ, we offer training to ensure you meet the standard for coverage.
Your insurance referral will be rated based on your boating experience, but BoatSmart HQ benefits for members such as discounts on fuel and fishing gear are identical regardless of experience.
Previous claims within the past three years are considered when determining insurance coverage. The nature of past claims also plays a role in this assessment.
No, if your claim was more than three years ago, it will not affect your current policy.
No, claims made by previous vessel owners do not affect your boat insurance coverage.
No, you cannot. If you are selling your vessel, you can cancel your insurance with a provider, but owners cannot change insurance providers midway through a policy. Changing insurance providers can only be done during the renewal period.
Your history will impact the premium you’ll be asked to pay, so it’s important to provide accurate information.
No, BoatSmart HQ will not require any documentation or proof of your previous insurance coverage.
Absolutely. The type of vessel you have will affect the cost of your insurance premiums. If you’re using a speciality craft, such as one that’s designed for match racing, you can expect to pay more.
They do not insure trimarans due to the fact that they are traditionally more challenging to maintain.
Generally speaking, higher-value vessels will require higher rates and cover requirements, as the cost of repairing or replacing a more expensive vessel is typically higher than that of a less expensive one.
BoatSmart HQ may require an appraisal or assessment of your vessel’s value before providing a referral in some cases, but not always. The need for an appraisal or assessment is determined on a case-to-case basis.
The maximum value of vessels that BoatSmart HQ can refer is NZD$10 million. If you have a vessel above $10 million, call us anyway.
Yes, because the value of a vessel is the primary determinant regardless of length. Moreover, vessels over 80ft or requiring crew are graded differently.
Our partners aim to provide comprehensive coverage options for all types of boats, whether small or large.
The claims process is the same for all vessels.
The age of your boat can have an impact on the cost of insurance premiums. In fact, boats that are over 15 years old may need to undergo a survey before they can qualify for insurance coverage.
BoatSmart HQ will not refer vessels over 20 years old.
No. As long as your vessel falls within the 20-year threshold, there are no additional requirements or considerations.
Our partners offer marine insurance coverage for both petrol and diesel engines.
There are no restrictions on the horsepower or number of engines. High-horsepower vessels are assessed on an individual basis.
The only special policy conditions that may apply is if your boat is equipped with Volvo Penta IPS.
Absolutely. The condition of your boat’s engines can affect the insurance premiums you pay. However, if you maintain your vessel with BoatSmart HQ, you will qualify for lower premiums.
If you have any questions or concerns about a specific type of system, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance.
Vessels with propulsion in poor condition can become uninsurable; BoatSmart HQ ensures your engine is kept well within insurance requirements.
The BoatSmart HQ insurance package covers the regions of New Zealand and Australia.
Boatsmart HQ only refers vessels physically located in New Zealand or Australia.
Yes. BoatSmart HQ can only refer boats berthed in a marina or dry-stacked at boat parks. We do not refer vessels kept at swing moorings or piles because of additional risks posed at those locations.

About Gallaghers

Gallagher is a global leader in risk management and marine insurance solutions that serve private and commercial owners. Their underwriting partners recognise disciplined maintenance and proven risk controls as meaningful indicators of lower claims exposure.

Insurance referral cover provided by Gallagher. Terms and underwriting criteria apply. BoatSmart HQ membership and marine insurance referral are separate services. Insurance outcomes are determined by underwriting and subject to policy terms.

  • “With a maintenance and activity log, and an independent monthly assessment, BoatSmartHQ services help to maintain the value of my asset, assists with my insurance profile, and allows me to cruise with confidence.”
    Daniel
    Riviera 46 Coupe
  • “BoatSmart assists boat owners by taking the uncertainty and worries out of owning and caring for their expensive asset. Imagine having the comfort of knowing that your vessel is being maintained and serviced on a regular basis - how better than to enjoy the asset you have trouble free.”
    Bruce
    Gulf Group Marine Brokers
  • “This is my first sea bound boat. With my BoatSmart First Mate's knowledge on tap, I have true peace of mind. Plus it makes me safe, saves time and money.”
    Steve
    GulfStream 38
  • “Shout out for the fabulous app and service BoatSmart provide. My First Mate seamlessly looks after my baby. If you don't use them, you should.
    GIVE THEM A CALL”
    Russ
    Fairlane 57
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