More coverage options for club members
America’s Boating Club, also known as the United States Power Squadrons, has launched an insurance programme with Core Insurance Group. Announced in October 2026, the arrangement is intended to give members access to offers from multiple marine insurers rather than a single fixed policy.
The organisers say the approach can allow boat owners to compare cover according to vessel type, age, cruising activity and individual needs. This is relevant to larger recreational craft because insurance requirements may change substantially between a lightly used local cruiser and a yacht travelling internationally or carrying valuable equipment.
The role of boating education
The programme recognises that navigation training and seamanship can be important parts of managing risk. Some participating carriers may offer discounts or underwriting credits linked to recognised boating education, although eligibility depends on the insurer and the circumstances of each applicant.
A course certificate does not remove the need for safe practices or professional maintenance. It may, however, help an insurer understand an owner’s experience and preparedness, especially when combined with a clear record of how the vessel is operated and looked after.
A possible survey exception for older boats
The announcement says that, under the rules of certain participating insurers, some vessels more than 20 years old and valued below US$100,000 may not require a survey. That possibility is subject to underwriting conditions and should not be interpreted as a universal waiver.
Owners of larger or more valuable luxury yachts should expect different requirements. A survey can still be an important independent assessment of structural condition, machinery, electrical systems and safety equipment, whether or not an insurer makes it a formal condition of cover.
Comparing policies beyond the quoted premium
Boat insurance should be assessed through its complete terms, including navigation limits, named operators, storm plans, liability limits, machinery provisions, exclusions and deductibles. Two policies with similar premiums can provide significantly different protection when a claim arises.
For an owner cruising between marinas or across national borders, the permitted operating area and any lay-up requirements deserve particular attention. It is also worth checking how tenders, personal watercraft and specialist onboard equipment are treated under the policy.
Instructors and club activities
Core Insurance Group has also worked with participating insurers to provide additional-insured arrangements for qualifying instructor policies where applicable. This can be relevant to volunteers and clubs involved in organised boating education, but the exact protection needs to be verified in writing.
Those arrangements should not be confused with an individual's ordinary private yacht policy. An instructor, a club and a vessel owner may each have different liabilities, so documentation and the wording of the policy matter more than a general statement about shared insurance benefits.
What a prospective applicant should do
America’s Boating Club says members may qualify for discounts through the new arrangement, but savings are not guaranteed. A sensible comparison should include the current policy, a complete proposal from participating insurers and clarification of any changes to cover.
For luxury-yacht owners, the announcement is a reminder that insurance decisions are closely linked to seamanship, maintenance and the way a boat is used. Greater choice is valuable only when each option is properly understood and the resulting cover matches the vessel's actual risk profile.
