Company History
The Novamar name stems from a Latin derivative meaning "New" and "Sea or Ocean," to pay homage to Novamar’s never ending efforts to try new things to improve the client experience as well as the staff’s collective yachting and marine insurance background. Today Novamar’s experience is unmatched in the industry.
It combines extensive insurance expertise together with substantial offshore & sea-time experience aboard boats large and small. This important combination means our clients receive more knowledgeable oversight of their marine insurance exposures.
This experience translates into identifying coverage gaps and risk factors and providing insurance solutions to keep Novamar clients better insured.
The Novamar team is also empowered by insurance company underwriters to make decisions at the local level to provide faster service to our clients. The entire Novamar team is excited about its client focused direction and the future opportunities of Novamar.
Timeline
1982
Craig Chamberlain (now Novamar President) enters the Marine Insurance Business.
1987
Under Craig’s direction his prior company expands into Seattle, which becomes a separate corporation (and 25 years later, renamed Novamar).
1988
Craig becomes Vice President in charge of operations. By 1998, Craig is a 50% owner of the California Corporation, and the sole owner of the Washington Corporation.
2001
Craig hires Jerry Norman, a long-time marine industry professional, to open the Florida office as GM of the U.S. Southeast Region.
2005
To fill a gap in the market, Craig creates a premier high performance racing sailboat program with Commonwealth Insurance Company. Commonwealth security was replaced by Markel American Insurance Company in 2008.
2006
Craig and other key staff members create the proprietary insurance program Mariners Odyssey in partnership using Lloyds of London security.
2007
Craig and Jerry Norman travel to Lloyd’s of London to further solidify and expand the growing & successful cruising program.
2008
Puerto Vallarta is chosen as the office location for the new Mexico company, MGI Agente de Seguros, S.A. de C.V. created to provide local service and create insurance products for the underserved and growing ex-pat market in Mexico. In addition to providing local service to thousands of yacht owners cruising in Mexico.
2009
Roberto Castellanos, a 25 year Insurance Professional in both the U.S. and Mexico, is hired and becomes Managing Director of MGI
2010
A full time IT staff is hired in Mexico to assist growing IT needs
2012 - 2014
Novamar Insurance Mexico launches proprietary insurance programs for Beachfront Properties, Mexico Boat Liability, Medical Tourism, Tourist Auto, Home/Condo, HOA, D & O, Commercial Lines Products, and Travel Medical. The programs are placed with the best and financially sound insurance companies in Mexico. All products were created to fill underserved areas of the market for ex-pats residing in Mexico or people visiting Mexico.
Teri Chamberlain leaves her former company to join the Novamar California Team. Launch of the updated Novamar Insurance Mexico website. Adding functionality and convenience for clients to quote/purchase/download six different insurance products in real time 24/7 at www.novamarinsurance.com.mx
2016
Launch of the new highly automated proprietary Novamar Yacht Program (NYP) for yachts between $125,000 and $3,000,000 in hull value
Novamar opens second office in Mexico in Playa del Carmen
Novamar opens an office in San Diego, CA
2018
Novamar opens a second California office in Newport Beach
2019
Novamar opens a second Florida office in Jacksonville