About us

Specialist Insurance, skilfully crafted

Our ethos is simple: we are problem-solvers, committed to helping you find the right policy for your on‑water ambitions with total peace of mind.

At Haven Knox-Johnston Specialist, your challenge is our challenge. For yacht owners and boaters whose ambitions don’t always fit traditional insurance, we provide bespoke, expertly crafted cover designed around you, not the other way around.

We put people at the heart of everything we do. Our specialist team takes the time to speak with you personally, understand every detail of your vessel and your plans, and negotiate cover in the open market to find the right insurer for risks that fall outside standard schemes. With deep knowledge of the marine underwriting landscape and a network of trusted providers, we work hard to secure solutions even in the most challenging cases, because your dream is worth it.

Meet the specialist team

Part of Howden

Haven Knox-Johnston Specialist is proud to be part of the Howden Group, a global insurance group known for empowering specialist teams and nurturing expertise across niche sectors. In 2023, Howden reorganised its marine division to bring all brands under one umbrella and provide a truly comprehensive offering across the leisure and commercial marine markets. This structure created three complementary trading styles:

Haven Knox-Johnston
Haven Knox-Johnston Specialist
Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial

This evolution has enabled us to deliver a broader range of solutions with unparalleled service while keeping the personal, knowledgeable approach that our clients value.

Eight people in matching team uniforms stand in front of a large red racing catamaran holding helmets.

Backed by global marine expertise

Through Howden’s role as a Tier 2 Global Partner of the Emirates GBR SailGP Team, our wider group is actively involved in supporting one of the most successful teams in professional sailing.

For our clients, this reinforces what we stand for: specialist marine knowledge, technical expertise and a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by boat owners operating at every level, from weekend cruising to world-class performance sailing.

Our heritage

Like our namesake, Sir Robin Knox Johnston, the first person to complete a solo, non stop circumnavigation of the globe, we embrace tenacity, skill, and determination in everything we do. Our team understands that no two vessels and no two boating lives are the same, and your insurance shouldn’t be either.

We are part of a legacy that has evolved over decades through milestones, mergers, new ownership, and an unwavering commitment to supporting the boating community. Throughout the wider Haven Knox-Johnston history, one thing has remained constant: a dedication to protecting boaters and their passions with integrity, resilience, and specialist expertise.

Man in rain gear sits at the helm of a sailing boat in rough seas, surrounded by ropes and equipment.

Our sister brands

Haven Knox-Johnston
The core brand of our family, Haven Knox-Johnston provides everyday boating insurance to the leisure marine community. With over 100 years of collective experience, the team delivers two easy but comprehensive policies for yachts, motorboats, cruisers, narrowboats, and more, offering trusted protection for a wide range of boat owners.

Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial
Supporting marine businesses and commercial operators, Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial provides specialist cover for boatyards, marine trades, chandleries, marinas, sailing clubs, commercial vessels and more. Their deep industry expertise ensures that businesses operating within the marine sector are protected with precisely tailored policies.

Why choose Haven Knox-Johnston Specialist for your insurance?

Specialist advice from an experienced team

We place expert advice at the center of every policy. You can talk to us directly and we can arrange cover built for how you actually use your boat. With over 100 years of experience, our team are dedicated to finding solutions for our clients.

Tailored policies

We want you to get the best policy. We can offer bespoke terms and endorsements to reflect more complex risks, big ambitions and different usage patterns.

Open market access

We do the work for you by searching the specialist market and working with multiple underwriters to secure terms that might not be available through standard schemes. We can take the risk out of unseen assumptions by ensuring an advised sale.

Dedicated claims support

We have a fast, dedicated claims handling team who can act on the clients behalf to reduce the stress of a claim and getting you back on the water as soon as we can.

Ready to get a quote?

Contact us

Skilfully crafted
boat insurance

Useful Links

Haven Knox-Johnston Specialist is a trading name of Howden UK Brokers Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 307663. Registered in England and Wales under company registration number 02831010. Registered Office: One Creechurch Place, London, EC3A 5AF. Calls may be monitored and recorded for quality assurance purposes.