The right insurance for life on the water

Solutions for a full range of ocean and inland water risks

Pleasure Craft Insurance

Whether you’re insuring your personal watercraft or your marine business operations, HUB International Marine consists of a team of expert advisors you can rely on to work on your behalf. Our marine and watercraft experts have over 40 years of experience in the marine insurance sector, building strong relationships with both domestic and international insurance carriers to help protect what matters to you. If you're looking for friendly, reliable service from an insurance adviser who is committed to developing and delivering the right solution for you, then HUB International Marine is your best choice.

What We Insure

Whatever your passion on the water, we’re here to give you the best coverage, value and service. From high-end luxury yachts and the sleekest of sailboats, to the smallest of fun runabouts, we’ll ensure you’re properly covered.

Sailboat Racing
High Performance Vessels
Runabouts
Skipper Charters
Sailing Dinghies
Multi-Hull boats
Boat Houses
Float Homes

What We Offer

Our marine insurance experts are thoroughly familiar with the full range of ocean and inland water risks and the coverages they require. We’re proud to offer the best service and products available to help eliminate any uncertainties on the water.

It’s important that we help you understand what coverage will best serve you and point out the rocky shoals of what are often complex policies.

The choices you face when choosing a boat are much wider than automobiles or even homes, so we're here to help categorize your vessel, analyze how you use it, and assess the various risks you're bound to face. From there, we match your needs and specific circumstances with the right Marine insurance solution for you, setting you up with insurance from the best providers in Canada and around the world.

We offer policies for vessels of all types and sizes, including Replacement Cost coverage, Offshore coverage, transit coverage, liability only, and special live aboard policies.

Claims

We hope that nothing ever happens that causes you to have an insurance claim. However, if you do have a claim, we have the resources, expertise and experience to advocate on your behalf.

If you have suffered a loss or damage that may be covered by your insurance policy, please contact our Claims Department:

E: myboat@hubinternational.com
T: 1-855-HUB-HELP

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Commercial Insurance

Under Construction

Unit Owner Insurance

Many condo and co-op unit owners mistakenly assume that their building’s master insurance policy covers them fully — and that can lead to financial ruin. In addition to securing your own insurance coverage, you need to be aware of any changes to your association’s master policy, so you can avoid coverage gaps.

As a condominium owner, we recognize that you have special insurance needs. Off the shelf insurance coverage may not give you the protection you require. That’s why we focus on the best in condo insurance at HUB International.

We insure over 5,000 condominium corporations throughout BC, AB and ON, and understand that condominium ownership brings with it the added responsibility to protect your contents, your unit and your share of the common property. To that end, we strongly recommend that you buy the most comprehensive form of condominium unit owners insurance available.

As a condominium owner, you have title to your own "unit" as well as a share in common areas such as the lobby, swimming pool, parking garage or garden. You are a shareholder in the corporation from which you "rent" access to the common areas.

It’s important to note, however, that you and your fellow owners can be held financially responsible if things go wrong. A condominium unit owner's insurance policy is a low-cost way to remove some of the financial worries of condominium ownership.

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Loss Assessment

Loss assessment is another important coverage feature. You are covered for a substantial limit for any assessment made by the strata corporation due to damage to common property by an insured peril.

Owner’s Improvements & Betterments

Coverage in the area of owner’s improvements and betterments is an important consideration because the strata corporation's policy excludes coverage for betterments that you make to your unit, or that a prior owner of your unit has made.

Rented Unit Owner Coverage

If you rent out your unit, it is important for you to not only advise the tenant to purchase tenant's insurance but also have a rented condominium policy for yourself.

The tenant’s policy will cover the tenant's possessions (i.e. furniture, clothes) and provide personal liability, should they be found responsible for harm caused to any part of the building in which they live or to others who live or visit there.

As the owner of the unit, you should also purchase a rented condominium policy to cover the unit improvements, furniture (i.e. stove, washing machine, refrigerator), loss assessments, rental income, as well as liability.

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Deductible Protection

If the unit owner is charged back the corporation’s deductible as a result of a claim that the unit owner is responsible for, there is coverage up to $50,000. This limit can be increased for additional premium up to $100,000.

Claims Handling

The true measure of insurance service is the response to you when you have a claim and need assistance. At HUB, we measure ourselves in responding to your claims efficiently and effectively to ensure you are supported when you need it most.

Claims may be reported in person, by fax, or by telephone during regular office hours. If you have an after hours emergency that cannot wait until the office reopens, please call our 24 hour emergency service at 1-866-552-6278.

Typical emergencies requiring immediate assistance include: burst pipes, fire, explosions or sewer back-ups.

In the event of an emergency, insurance policies generally require that you take measures to protect your property from further loss.

Our Knowledge

As insurance professionals offering complex contractual products that differ greatly, we believe our experienced recommendations can be of value to you. As consumers ourselves, we clearly understand the importance of competitive pricing. We also understand that the real cost of insurance is not just the premium, but how the insurer responds, or fails to respond, in the event of a claim.

Our people are equipped to deal with the latest trends and developments in marine and watercraft insurance, and are committed to giving you the added value of our knowledge. Our growth has allowed us to acquire experts in every aspect of marine and watercraft insurance, from personal watercraft to commercial marine operations, boat dealerships, shipbuilders, marinas, and more. Let us put our competitive product knowledge, design creativity, and negotiating clout to work for you and protect what matters most.

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About Us

In a rapidly changing world, we advise you on how to prepare for the unexpected.

When you partner with us, you're at the center of a vast network of experts who will help you reach your goals through risk services, claims management, and compliance support.

Our Realty team has its origins in Coastal Insurance Services Ltd., which was founded in Vancouver in 1983. Our full time staff of 28, has over 360 years of combined experience for our clients to draw upon from our office in Burnaby, B.C.

We provide tailored insurance solutions that ensure you have the best coverage in place, with personalized service so you understand what you are purchasing. Our claims staff will guide you through a series of steps to ensure your claims are paid properly, as we advocate on your behalf. We understand that an insurance policy is a promise to perform when needed, giving you peace of mind.

As insurance professionals offering complex contractual products that differ so greatly, we believe our experienced recommendations can be of value to you. We believe that as consumers ourselves, we clearly understand the importance of competitive pricing. We also understand that the real cost of insurance is not just the premium, but how the insurer responds, or fails to respond, in the event of a claim.

Moreover, Our People are equipped to deal with the latest trends and developments in strata and condominium insurance and are committed to giving you the added value of Our Knowledge. Our growth has allowed us to acquire experts in every aspect of strata and condo Insurance, spanning condominiums, townhomes and, in addition, detached homes.

About Us

Hi, We’re HUB.

In a rapidly changing world, we advise businesses and individuals on how to prepare for the unexpected.

When you partner with us, you're at the center of a vast network of experts who will help you reach your goals through risk services, claims management, and compliance support.

And this gives you the peace of mind that what matters most to you will be protected — through unrelenting advocacy and tailored insurance solutions that put you in control.

As the largest broker in Canada and 5th worldwide, we have the resources and experts to ensure your marine needs covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether it's commercial or personal marine insurance you are looking for, our HUB advisors are here to ensure you’re ready for tomorrow. Our vast global resources and solid local relationships will ensure you receive the best coverage, best value and best service. We are dedicated to helping you protect what matters most by providing the best possible solution tailored to your specific needs.

The Skinny on Commercial Insurance for Yacht Clubs and Marina Operators:

Legal Liability for Marina Operators

We want all of our clients to be well-informed about their MARINE Insurance needs and options. For Yacht Clubs and Marina Operators, we want you to know what you really need to be protected.

Marina Operators Liability

1Is it really required?

The misconception is that if you own or operate a marina, you automatically require Marina Operators Liability. Yet this is not true in all cases. Step one is to identify your risk exposure. If your Marina offers any of the following, you do indeed require Marina Operators Liability:

Lifting, hoisting or hauling of vessels out of water;
Provide land storage;
Fueling;
Operating ways;
Repairing or service work; OR
Incidental repair or maintenance.

2What do I need if I don't offer any of the above?

The answer is an important follow-up question: Do you have Care, Custody & Control of your customers' vessels?

Care, Custody & Control

1 Does moorage mean that you have Care, Custody & Control of your clients' vessel?

Does moorage mean that you have Care, Custody & Control of your clients' vessel?

2What is Care, Custody & Control? And what does it mean to be a Bailee for Reward?

If you have Care, Custody & Control of a client's vessel and you are being paid for your Marina services, you are acting as a Bailee for Reward. That makes you legally liable for any damage to the vessel resulting from your negligence. If vessels are left with you—whether in your yard, building, ways or travel lift—you again have Care, Custody and Control. The same applies if you provide pick up and/or deliver your client's vessel.

The Skinny on Commercial Insurance for Ship Repairers

Commercial Insurance: Legal Liability for Ship Repairers

We want Ship Repairers to know what's behind the fine print in many policies.

Care Custody & Control

1What is it? And what does it mean to be a Bailee for Reward?

If you have Care, Custody and Control of a client's vessel and you are being paid for your work, you are acting as a Bailee for Reward. That makes you legally liable for any damage to the vessel resulting from your negligence. If your work requires that vessels are left with you—whether in your yard, building, ways or travel lift—you again have Care, Custody and Control. The same applies if you sea-trial, pick up and/or deliver your client's vessel.

2Who needs to consider purchasing it?

You should consider buying Legal Liability Insurance, whether you are a small mobile repairer working on small recreational boats, provide support services to large commercial vessels such as HVAC or domestic systems, operate a marina with repair facilities or run the largest of shipyards.

3What does it cover?

It covers both damage to the vessel and bodily injury to third parties deemed the result of repairer's negligence while the vessel is in their care.

4What is the “Discovery Clause”?

It is a clause limiting the time frame in which a claim can be presented to the insurer. It is often one year. The Discovery Clause can be generally increased

5What is the Traveling Workman Endorsement?

If any of your work is done away from your home yard location or if you are a mobile repairer, your policy must be endorsed to cover this exposure. Standard coverage does not include this risk.

6What is Detention Endorsement?

If for any reason, it is deemed that your negligence resulted in the delay of a ship that incurs demurrage charges, the standard policy does not include coverage for these costs. This is important because the cost of demurrage can be extremely high.

The Skinny on Personal Marine Insurance

1What level of liability insurance do you require?

Most marinas will require you to carry at least $1 Million in Liability Insurance. However, to be properly protected within the scope of the Marine Liability Act, you need to carry a minimum of $2 Million in coverage.

2What is a Marine Survey and why is it important?

Depending on the age of your vessel, you may be required to have a Marine Survey done. The surveyor will need to be approved by Underwriters or a member of SAMS (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors) or NAMS (National Accredited Marine Surveyors).

3Are different kinds of vessel materials more expensive to insure?

Wood vessels are more expensive to insure than fibreglass vessels.

4What is claim service and why is it important?

Most claims happen outside of office hours. Does your broker have 24 hour claim service? Do they have the actual knowledge to assist you with appointing a Surveyor, Lawyer, Salvage Team and other experts you may need on the weekend?

5What should you pay special attention to in reviewing your policy?

Not all insurance policies are the same. It is not always about price, but what you get for that price. Two aspects you want to look at closely when shopping around are: the exclusions of the policy and how a loss is settled. At HUB International, our Lifeline policy is an agreed value policy. That means we will not depreciate your vessel in the event of a total loss. All partial loss claims are settled on a new for old basis, again meaning no depreciation (not even on Sails, Canvas, Upholstery, or Rigging). Our Lifeline policies have fewer exclusions than most other policies.

6What is limit of insurance?

The limit of insurance you purchase on your boat needs to include items such as taxes, duty, freight and additional equipment installed. Those values may not be included in the initial price of your boat. The limit also needs to reflect the furnishing and equipment, which would include kitchen items, safety gear, bedding, and anything else that is part of the running or operation of your vessel.

7Does how damage is caused make a difference?

There is a difference between resulting damage due to Latent Defect and wear and tear. Our policies cover both. Many other policies available will only cover Latent Defect. Latent defects are inherent weaknesses which normally are not detected by examination or routine tests, but which were present at the time of manufacture and are aggravated by use. Our policy will cover resulting damage when the damage results from faulty designs, faulty workmanship, the installation or use of improper or defective materials, wear and tear, gradual deterioration or corrosion provided the defect or condition would not have been detected through a reasonable prior inspection.

8What is Replacement Cost, Agreed Value and Actual Cash Value?

The difference between Replacement Cost, Agreed Value and Actual Cash Value. Do you REALLY know what you are insured for? Replacement Cost: In the event of a total loss, your Underwriters would replace the boat with a similar current model year, despite the limits shown on the policy. In the event of Partial Loss, repairs will be done a new for old basis without deduction. Agreed Value: In the event of a total loss, you would be pay out what you are insured for on your policy coverage page with no deduction for depreciation. In the event of Partial Loss, repairs will be done a new for old basis without deduction. Depreciated Value: Applying full depreciation to your vessel may result in you not being paid out the full amount you are insured for. Partial losses would also be depreciated on all parts and labour.

Did You Know?

…That exclusions are the fine print. The most important part of any All Risks Policy is not what is covered but what is excluded. The structure of an All Risk policy is such that everything is covered other than what it is excluded. It is critical to determine what you are not covered for. Read and ask questions about the exclusions, as this is the fine print that needs to be understood. This is where our policies excel compared to others available.

…Who you are insured by? There are several types of Insurer-Broker relations. Are the actual Underwriters in Canada? What is their financial strength? Do they have the required marine expertise to represent you in a liability matter? Where will claims be processed and handled? Is there an additional intermediary whom you are not aware of? You need to ask these questions before you purchase the insurance - otherwise you may find that when you really need your policy, the people you are dealing with on the claim are far removed from both you and your Insurance Broker.

…That the two largest risks for boat houses are Snow Load and Wind storms. What value should it be insured for? What limits of Liability do you need? Will there be coverage and what would the deductible be? Is there coverage for wreck removal?

For everything you need to know about MARINE Insurance and for the best coverage, value and service, contact us today.

Your HUB Marine Insurance Team

Bev Carlson

Account Executive
Bev.Carlson@hubinternational.com

Bev Carlson is our Senior Pleasure Craft Account Executive for our Personal Marine Division. Bev has over 48 years of Insurance experience; 27 of them with HUB, focusing specifically on Personal Marine.

Bev’s career highlight includes being instrumental in developing our Best in Class pleasure craft product now known as Lifeline. She is also a key contributor in the development of the present off-shore insurance offering and has been involved in all the insurer contract negotiations with the marine pleasure marketplace. From 2007 through 2009, her annual commissioned sales exceeded $100,000, earning her an invitation to the prestigious HUB PL Sharpe awards.

Bev is a sought after educator in the marine insurance practice having taught the “Pleasure Craft Marine Course” for the British Columbia Broker Association for the last 10 years. In addition she has been a speaker at Blue Water Cruising Meetings, Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club Meetings, Eagle Harbour Yacht Club Functions and West Vancouver Yacht Club Functions.

Michaela Kuehn

Account Manager
Michaela.Kuehn@hubinternational.com

Michaela Kuehn is an Account Manager and Underwriter with HUB International Insurance Brokers’ Personal Marine Department. Michaela joined HUB International in 2016, and has over 16 years of experience in the insurance industry.

Prior to joining HUB International, Michaela worked for a family-operated insurance brokerage in North Vancouver. Her experience includes personal lines, auto, travel, commercial lines, and marine insurance.

As a Senior Underwriter with HUB, Michaela is dedicated to helping her clients as well as supporting her colleagues. She manages a number of client accounts in addition to preparing new business submissions and quotes, following up with client requests, and reporting claim incidents. Michaela also attends a number of boat shows throughout the Greater Vancouver region as a representative of HUB International.

In addition to the time she spends working with the marine community as an insurance professional, Michaela is also personally commited to the boating community. She and her family enjoy sailing and discovering BC’s beautiful coastlines, are members of the Burrard Yacht Club, and are involved in teaching safe boating for the Canadian Sail & Power Squadron. Michaela also enjoys taking part in the Burrard Yacht Club’s Classic Boat & Car Show and Safety Weekend.

Michaela’s dedication to marine insurance and the boating community at large ensure she is a trusted advisor to her clients, and a valuable member of HUB International.

Samara Doucet

Insurance Advisor
Samara.Doucet@hubinternational.com

Samara Doucet is an Insurance Advisor for HUB International Insurance Brokers’ Personal Marine Insurance Division located at our Still Creek Office in Burnaby, BC. Samara joined HUB International in 2006 and has been with Hub for 11 years specializing in Marine.

As Insurance Advisor of HUB’s Personal Marine Division, Samara deal directly with our Marine clients, and their needs, working on existing accounts as well as new business opportunities, reporting claims and following up with clients, Underwriter, Claims Adjustors & Marine Surveyors.

Outside of her insurance duties, Samara comes from a boating family that are current members of Burrard Yacht Club. Samara has volunteered her time to a number of causes and events, including the Variety Children’s Charity Annual Boat for Hope, Burrard Yacht Club Classic Boat & Car Show, and Burrard Safety Day’s and also the MIABC Annual Golf Tournament.