Don't panic. The trip is likely to be a long one, especially if you are going the whole way round the world. Policies will be written on an annual basis and should at least be able to provide cover as far as your next destination, or near to it. If for example you can't get liability cover in the US, arrange it with the local market when you arrive in the Caribbean. As long as effective cover is in place at the time of arrival in any port, you can stay there while solving the problem of the next stage. The locals understand the market and should be better suited to placing your insurance needs for that region.

Apart from the restrictions noted below, it is usual for an insurance to cover anyone driving your boat with your permission. It is worth noting however, that minors under 18 years old are not usually covered to drive the vessel without an adult being on board and in charge at all times. If there is someone who will regularly use the boat, whether or not you are on board, it is advisable to inform the insurer. Give details of the name, age, record and experience, together with any claims history of this person.

Anyone borrowing the boat should also be made aware of any limitations to the insurance, in particular, where the boat may be used or moored. Under our MS Amlin All Risks Boat Insurance Policy there are specific references to restrictions as to who may "drive" the boat as below:

• If you give permission for someone else to be in charge of your vessel you must take steps to ensure they have the experience to do so.
• There is no liability cover for anyone operating, managing or working upon the vessel who is employed by a shipyard, repair yard, marina, yacht club, sales agency, delivery contractor or similar organisation. Therefore if anyone covered by these categories is going to drive your  boat it is essential that they confirm they have their own professional indemnity cover.
• If you are lending your boat for any form of "consideration", this will not be considered “private pleasure use" and will be deemed "hire or reward". This use is normally excluded under insurance policies unless insurers have given their prior agreement to such use.
• If you are arranging for a delivery skipper to sail or deliver you vessel you should obtain a copy of the skipper and crews sailing CV and make sure that they have the appropriate Professional indemnity insurance in place as insurers will often want to see this prior to agreeing cover. 

The above is for information purposes only. It is not intended to define legal terms nor is it intended to affect the interpretation of any policy we may issue.
If you have any questions concerning your insurance, there is no replacement for having your individual questions answered individually by your insurance broker or insurer.