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Two people stand on a boat with an island and mountain visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.
Two people stand on a boat with an island and mountain visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.

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.

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 to get the right cover for you. 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 Howden, 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:

This evolution has enabled us to deliver a broader range of solutions while maintaining the personal service our clients value.

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Backed by global marine expertise

Through the wider Howden Group’s Tier 2 Global Partnership with the Emirates GBR SailGP Team, Howden is associated with one of professional sailing’s most successful teams.

For our clients, this demonstrates the depth of marine expertise across the group, underpinned by specialist knowledge, technical capability and an understanding of the diverse risks and challenges faced by boat owners, from recreational sailors to those competing at the highest levels of the sport.

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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.

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Our sister brands

Haven Knox-Johnston
The core brand of our family, Haven Knox-Johnston provides everyday boating insurance to the leisure marine community. Built on decades 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 tailored insurance solutions.

Why choose Haven Knox-Johnston Specialist for your insurance?

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Specialist advice from an experienced team

We place expert advice at the center of every policy. Talk directly to our experienced team for specialist insurance advice and cover tailored to your individual needs.

Tailored policies

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

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Open market access

We search the specialist market and work with multiple underwriters to secure terms not typically available through standard schemes, helping you make an informed decision on the best policy for you.

Claims support

We’re your first port of call for a claim, we’ll stand beside you when you need it most, providing expert guidance and support throughout the claims journey.

Insurance is subject to underwriting criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations.

Ready to get a quote?

Contact us

Skilfully crafted
boat insurance

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©2026 Howden UK Brokers LimitedManage Cookie Preferences

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.

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