Independent guide: This page is general information only and is not insurance or legal advice. The policy wording decides what is covered.
Quick answer
After a rig incident, secure the boat, photograph everything, keep the broken parts and notify the insurer before non-urgent repairs start. The insurer will usually appoint an assessor, request one or more quotes from a rigger, and settle according to the policy terms — which may exclude wear, corrosion or fatigue, and may apply betterment or depreciation to an old rig. Good maintenance records make every step easier.
First steps
- Safety first. See dismasting: causes and immediate priorities and how to respond to a dismasting.
- Document. Photograph the damage, the failed components and fracture faces, and note the weather and what happened.
- Keep broken parts. A fracture face can show whether failure was sudden overload or long-term fatigue.
- Notify the insurer and ask about emergency repairs to prevent further damage.
- Get quotes from a rigger — insurers often want itemised scope.
What the assessor looks at
- the cause of the failure
- the age and documented history of the rig
- whether the damage is sudden and accidental or wear-related
- whether required inspections were done
- the cost of like-for-like repair
Records that help
- invoices for the last re-rig with date, materials and sizes
- professional inspection reports
- photos of the rig in good condition
- a maintenance log — see rigging records
By boat type
- Charter yachts: commercial operation, AMSA requirements and loss-of-use considerations.
- Racing yachts: some policies treat racing differently; check the racing clause.
- Catamarans: tall rigs with large sail areas mean high repair values.
See also rigging and insurance in Australia and how to satisfy an insurer.
Frequently asked questions
Will insurance pay for a dismasting?
It depends on the policy and the cause. Many policies cover sudden accidental damage but exclude wear and tear, corrosion and fatigue, and some limit cover for rigs beyond a stated age or without inspection records. Read the policy's rigging clauses and contact the insurer promptly.
What should I do first after rig damage?
Make the crew and boat safe, then document everything: photographs of the damage, broken fittings and the conditions, with a written account of what happened. Keep broken parts, because the cause of failure may be examined. Notify the insurer before commissioning non-urgent repairs.
What is betterment in a rigging claim?
Betterment is where a repair leaves the boat better than before the loss, such as new rigging replacing old. Some policies deduct an amount for betterment or depreciation. How it applies depends on the policy wording.