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Tight Yacht Insurance Market

Tight Yacht Insurance Market

Times are changing. In the marine insurance world, there has been a shift in the underwriter’s approach to approving policies and their available coverage. Premiums are increasing and underwriters are asking more questions, resulting in a longer and sometimes more difficult insurance procurement process than it was just a few short years ago!
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - January 03/2022
Tight Yacht Insurance Market. Part 2

Tight Yacht Insurance Market. Part 2

A second reason boat insurance premiums are on the rise is that yacht insurance is a costly line of business to write. This is because underwriters, claims adjusters, and surveyors all need to know boats, insurance contracts and be familiar with jurisdictional issues that arise as yachts cruise around the globe. And lastly increases in loss frequency & severity due to damage from hurricanes, lighting strikes, groundings, fires and litigation have affected the bottom line for yacht insurers.
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - February 03/2022
Understanding Yacht Insurance

Understanding Yacht Insurance

Yacht insurance is an unregulated line of business which means there is great latitude for insurance companies to write into their policy contract what is, or more importantly, what is not covered by the policy.
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - March 03/2022
What Should Yacht Owners do to Make the Best Presentation to their Age?

What Should Yacht Owners do to Make the Best Presentation to their Agent?

An experienced underwriter knows the quality and reputation of the builder of your vessel. Presenting a clean out of water survey less than 12 months old on a yacht more than 10 years old, is a good place to start. If you plan to cruise where palm trees wave in the breeze, that usually means there will be additional risks, including hurricanes and lightning.
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - April 03/2022
Hurricane Boat

Preparing your Boat for a Hurricane

The start of hurricane season is already just around the corner on June 1st. Below are standard precautionary measures to put into place to prepare a boat kept in any storm prone areas.
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - May 03/2022
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Boat Prep Reminders

An ounce of prevention plus another ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure when it comes to keeping your boat afloat, seaworthy, and safe. Here a few items to make sure you have on your pre and post boating checklist.
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - July 03/2022
september blog

Interesting Boat Insurance Claims

Most of the claims that pass through the Novamar Insurance claims department are pretty standard. But after insuring boats for nearly 40 years, we've seen plenty that are anything but.
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - September 03/2022
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Yacht insurance. Got Mexico navigation?

Halloween is just around the corner signaling it is almost time to point the bow south to sunny Mexico for the winter cruising season. With the tightening of the yacht insurance industry over the last few years it is important to have your yacht insurance in place before crossing the border into Mexican waters.
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - October 03/2022
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WHY ARE YACHT INSURANCE PREMIUMS INCREASING?

Clients often ask our Novamar Insurance staff “why are my premiums increasing? I’ve never filed a yacht insurance claim”. Think of a premium pool as just that, a pool full of money into which all insured boatowners pour premiums to pay claims. When the pool level gets low, premium dollars need to be added or claims don’t get paid, and people’s financial lives can be ruined.
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - December 03/2022
march 2023 blog post

Yacht Policy Warranties and Why They Matter

Yacht owners generally agree that speaking with knowledgeable, helpful & experienced marine agents benefits their understanding of what is covered and what is not covered in a yacht insurance policy when deciding where to spend their premium dollars. In today’s market, the handful of yacht insurance companies still insuring yachts are focused on profitability more than ever. If these marine insurance programs do not make a profit, they too will close their doors to the marine industry like the 20 plus insurers that have preceded them in the last several years.
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - February 28/2023
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Hurricane Season 2023

With an enjoyable 2023 boating season already well underway in southern latitudes and now launching into full swing for the rest of us, this means the start of hurricane season for 2023 is also just around the corner beginning on June 1st.
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - April 30/2023
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Ditch Bag check along with your Boat Insurance

As boatowners, boat/yacht insurance provides piece of mind. We all know Murphy is there waiting to wreak havoc on us boaters. To minimize the chance of a problem aboard your boat, planning and prevention is the key to having a pleasant experience with family and friends. Whether for an afternoon cruise or on a passage at sea for several days.
Written By Alexandre Ros of Novamar - June 22/2023
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BOATING LICENSE REQUIRED IN MEXICO

We would like to remind you that you are required to have a boating license while you are navigating your boat in Mexican waters. Every boat owner, operator, and captain at the helm of a vessel must have a valid boating license that states you are qualified to operate the vessel.
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - June 21/2023
august blog 2023

Great Loop Insurance

The Great Loop is a 6,000 mile journey through waterways along much of the Eastern USA and a bit of Canada, primarily on protected inland waters. It attracts around 150 boats each year, with some completing the entire loop over a couple of years while others choose to do portions of the trip. The journey requires careful planning, navigation, and preparation, and there is valuable information available online about boat choices, routes, limitations, weather concerns, and interesting towns to visit. Novamar Insurance has seen an increase in clients interested in insuring their boats for the Great Loop. To get insurance coverage, boat owners need to provide a detailed boating resume, a rough 12-month itinerary, caretaking plans, and meet certain risk criteria set by insurers. Insurance claims for boats on the Loop are often related to striking submerged objects or accidents while unattended. Overall, a flexible attitude, preparedness, and proper maintenance are crucial for a successful and memorable Great Loop experience. For yacht insurance inquiries, interested individuals can contact Keith Sargis, Novamar's Mid-Atlantic regional manager.
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - July 31/2023
2023 Insurance Agency of the Year

Novamar named "2023 Insurance Agency of the Year"

Novamar: 2023 Insurance Agency of the Year. A testament to excellence, trust, and industry leadership. Client-centric, innovative, and dedicated team propels future growth
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - November 26/2023
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Navigating the Waves: 8 Things Customers Need to Know About Boat Insurance

As a boat owner, comprehending marine insurance is crucial to safeguard your investment and enjoy the water with peace of mind. From types of coverage to navigation limits and additional options, this text emphasizes the importance of regularly reviewing and updating your policy to adapt to your changing needs. Furthermore, it underscores the relevance of consulting with insurance experts to ensure adequate protection
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - March 02/2024
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PNW TUNA!

The Pacific Northwest is renowned for a few things- seemingly constant rain (a rumor spread to keep folks away :), spectacular mountain ranges, and fantastic outdoor opportunities including hunting, crabbing, and salmon fishing....
Written By Peter Ricks of Novamar - March 22/2024
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Offshore Cruising Insurance – why don’t insurance companies share my dream?

Any experienced boater has likely felt the pinch of higher premiums and tighter underwriting requirements than in past years. With inflation affecting every aspect of our lives, we should not be surprised. Specific to yacht insurance rate hikes, greater frequency and severity of hurricanes and tornados, higher vessel repair costs, supply chain disruptions causing delays increasing claims costs, and higher litigation expenses play their role in the tight insurance market.
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - May 30/2024
Tips for your next Baja Winery Experience

Tips for your next Baja Winery Experience

August and September are ideal for visiting Valle de Guadalupe, just 4 hours from Los Angeles or 1.5 hours from San Diego. To fully enjoy your winery experience in Baja, ensure you have Mexican Tourist Auto Insurance, as U.S. policies don’t cover driving in Mexico. Mexican law requires proof of insurance for all drivers involved in accidents, and only policies from Mexican companies are valid. Valle de Guadalupe produces 90% of Mexico's wines, with around 80 wineries to explore. For a safe trip, plan your route with offline maps, drive sober, and be cautious on rural roads, which can be uneven or poorly lit. Traveling through Mexico's wine regions offers unforgettable scenery and world-class wines, but having the right auto insurance is essential for a stress-free experience. Novamar provides competitive coverage options for your journey through Mexico's wine country. Safe travels and enjoy your winery adventures!
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - September 03/2024
wood boat

Wood Boat Insurance

Insuring a wood boat has become increasingly difficult due to the high costs of maintenance and unique characteristics. Insurance underwriters focus on the boat’s condition and the owner’s previous experience with wood boats. A qualified marine surveyor with wood boat expertise should be hired to inspect the vessel, especially the fastenings. Boats with fiberglass-covered carvel-planked hulls are typically avoided, as this can hide underlying issues. The owner’s prior experience with wood boats is crucial, as maintaining such vessels is expensive and time-consuming. Novamar can provide insurance for these boats, but supplying detailed information upfront is key to securing coverage and avoiding declination.
Written By Craig Chamberlain of Novamar - October 03/2024