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Tailored cover for vessels mixing business with pleasure

26 August 2025

Leading boat insurance provider Club Marine has revamped its commerical boating cover, enhancing the policy benefits while continuing to cater for vessels used for business and occasional pleasure.

The revision allows for greater alignment with Club Marine’s recreational boat insurance product, recognising there are often parallels between private and paid operation. Many commercial vessels, in fact, are based on conventional pleasure craft hulls that are upgraded to Survey requirements for use in income-generating ventures.

Included are: Skippered and bareboat charters, dive and fishing charters, sail training, sailing and boat club fleets, boat dealer stock vessels, trailerboat demonstration, boat brokerage tenders, boat licence training and builders risks (covering boats under construction).

Where this work is part-time or seasonal, as is common in Australia, owners are also covered by Club Marine for incidental non-paid use of the boat and can avail themselves of general member benefits such as Club Care, Club Marine Assist, the Member Rewards program and discounted subscriptions to Club Marine Magazine.

Arial view of cruiser

“Commercial insurance has been available on request through our underwriters for some time. It has largely flown under the radar, though, so we’re now looking forward to expanding our reach in this important sector,” Club Marine CEO Tim Wiles says. 

“With over 65 years in the marine industry, we understand the unique risks of operating a boating business. We also see the common synergies between passenger-carrying commercial and recreational boats, which is where our strength lies."

A number of bespoke aspects in the commercial policy will help ease operator concerns about unforeseen maintenance costs and down-time.

  • If a vessel accidentally runs aground, Club Marine will pay to slip and assess the hull without applying an excess, even if no damage is found. 
  • Cover is provided for accidental loss or damage caused by repairers’ negligence, providing the repairer wasn’t the insured or their employee.
  • Option to purchase additional cover for loss of hire/earnings, for when the boat can’t operate and earn income due to a covered accidental loss or damage claim.

Club Care Benefits provide up to $20,000 (inc GST) assistance – twice that of the recreational policy – following an incident that gives rise to a claim, including emergency fuel delivery, returning the boat to its home destination, and costs of temporary accommodation and transportation (subject to limits).

“These benefits, along with our nation-wide network of assessors and repairers, can help commercial operators get back up and running in a timely manner to mitigate further financial loss. There’s also the flexibility for them to operate commercially yet still have recreational coverage attached to their policy,” Tim Wiles added. “It’s a win-win in all regards."

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Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Before making a decision about Club Marine boat insurance, consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Document and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Document, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for Club Marine boat insurance are available on this website. We do not provide any form of advice if you call us to enquire about or purchase a product.

Club Marine Limited (ABN 12 007 588 347), AFSL 236916 issues Club Marine boat insurance and handles and settles claims as agent for the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (ABN 15 000 122 850) AFSL 234708 (Allianz). Club Marine Limited is a related body corporate of Allianz. Copyright © 2026 Allianz Australia Limited.