The 60-second version
Hull and machinery liability insurance covers third-party claims from machinery breakdown and collision damage beyond standard H&M — returning NRIs need it alongside P&I and marine hull policies.
H&M liability sits above physical damage cover — responds when machinery failure injures third parties or damages berth
Standard marine hull insurance covers physical loss to vessel; hull and machinery liability extension responds to third-party injury and property damage from machinery defect.
Returning NRIs acquiring coastal cargo vessels or fishing fleets need H&M liability alongside P&I — P&I does not cover all machinery-negligence claims against owner.
Physical hull lane: marine hull guide for total loss and machinery breakdown extension.
Maritime liability stack
| Policy | Covers | Does not cover |
|---|---|---|
| H&M physical | Vessel damage | Third-party injury |
| H&M liability | 3rd party from machinery | Crew wages |
| P&I | Crew injury/pollution | Owner E&O |
| PSC liability | Detention | Collision damage |
Purchase flow
Fleet survey
Class cert + age.
Sum insured
Per incident + agg.
Get quotes
3+ marine insurers.
Bind rider
H&M liability extension.
Mortgagee
Bank loss payee if financed.
Stack
H&M liability kit
- Class cert.
- Survey report.
- Policy schedule.
- Crew list.
- Claim hotline.
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Bareboat charter
Verify charter-party allocates H&M liability — bareboat lessee may need separate cover.
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Turn this guide into a decision file
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vs marine hull?
Marine hull covers vessel physical damage; H&M liability covers third-party claims from machinery failure.
vs P&I?
P&I covers crew injury and pollution; H&M liability covers machinery-negligence third-party property damage.
GST?
18% GST on marine insurance premium.
Claim?
Notify within 24h of incident — preserve engine log and surveyor report.
Fishing boat?
Coastal fishing vessels qualify — declare operating area at quote.
Foreign flag?
Indian insurers may cover foreign-flag vessels under Indian management — disclose flag at bind.
You've done the research. Now get the plan.
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