Protect yourself from liability claims if your boat damages another vessel or injures someone. Affordable cover starting from just $150/year.
BoatCoverage.co.nz is operated by Evolve Group Limited (FSP711891), a licensed Financial Advice Provider regulated by the FMA. Information on this site is general in nature and does not constitute personalised financial advice.
Third party boat insurance covers your legal liability if your boat causes damage to someone else's property or injures another person. It does NOT cover damage to your own boat.
Without liability insurance, YOU are personally responsible for all damages your boat causes. A serious collision could result in claims exceeding $100,000.
Most NZ marinas and yacht clubs require a minimum of $1 million third party liability insurance before they'll allocate you a berth or mooring.
A boat collision in Auckland Harbour in 2024 resulted in a $78,000 claim for hull damage to the other vessel, plus $12,000 in marina jetty repairs. The at-fault skipper had no insurance and faced personal bankruptcy to pay the claim.
| Coverage | Third Party Only | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|
| Damage to other boats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Injury to others | ✓ | ✓ |
| Legal defence costs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Damage to YOUR boat | ✗ | ✓ |
| Theft of boat/motor | ✗ | ✓ |
| Storm/weather damage | ✗ | ✓ |
| Fire damage | ✗ | ✓ |
| Typical Annual Cost | $150-400 | $500-2,500+ |
No, third party boat insurance is not legally required in New Zealand. However, most marinas and yacht clubs require it as a condition of membership. It's also strongly recommended to protect your personal assets from liability claims.
ACC covers personal injuries to New Zealand residents from boat accidents. However, ACC doesn't cover property damage, and third party liability insurance protects you from claims for damage to other vessels, jetties, or equipment.
You are personally liable for all repair costs, lost income, and any other damages. The other party can sue you in court and you may face judgment against your personal assets including your home, car, and savings.
Most comprehensive boat insurance policies already include third party liability. Check your policy wording - it's usually listed as "Legal Liability" cover. If you only have third party, you can typically upgrade to comprehensive at any time.
Protect yourself from expensive liability claims. Coverage starts from just $150/year.
