Mariner is New Zealand's specialist boat and marine insurance underwriting agency, backed by Vero Insurance. With over 20 years of experience, they cover everything from recreational boats and jet skis to blue water yachts and charter vessels.
In This Review
What is Mariner Insurance and who's behind it?
Mariner Insurance (formally Mariner Underwriters Ltd) is New Zealand's specialist boat and marine insurance underwriting agency. Founded in 2001 as a joint venture with Vero Insurance New Zealand Ltd, Mariner has been providing dedicated marine insurance cover for over 20 years.
The current entity, Mariner Marine Insurance, was formed in 2010 and is independently owned. Mariner operates as an underwriting agency for Vero Insurance - meaning policies are underwritten and backed by one of New Zealand's largest and most established insurers. This arrangement gives Mariner the financial backing of Vero while maintaining its independent ownership, specialist marine focus, and expertise.
Based in East Tamaki, Auckland, Mariner covers a broad range of watercraft and marine risks. Their product range includes:
Mariner distributes primarily through a network of insurance brokers across New Zealand, though boat owners can also approach Mariner directly. Their specialist focus means they understand the unique risks associated with owning and operating watercraft in New Zealand waters - from the Hauraki Gulf to the Marlborough Sounds.
How customers rate Mariner across major review platforms
Note on review volume: As a specialist marine insurer, Mariner has a smaller customer base than general insurers like AA or Tower. Their Google rating of 4.1/5 from 85 reviews reflects a niche market where fewer policyholders leave online reviews. Industry reputation and longevity (20+ years) are also important indicators for specialist providers. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
Common themes from 120+ customer reviews and industry feedback
Had my yacht insured with Mariner for over ten years. When I had storm damage in the Hauraki Gulf, the claim was processed quickly and fairly. They really know marine insurance.
They understand boats in a way general insurers just don't. My broker put me onto Mariner and the cover is far more comprehensive for marine-specific risks like salvage and wreck removal.
Good cover and knowledgeable staff, but the quoting process is a bit old school. You need to call or go through a broker rather than getting a quote online instantly.
Insured my jet ski through Mariner and the premium was competitive. Policy wording was clear and the claims team was easy to deal with when I had a minor collision.
Premium felt a bit higher than some online-only options, but knowing I have Vero backing and a team that specialises in marine gives me confidence the cover is right.
Had a haul-out claim after hitting a submerged object. Mariner sorted it without fuss. The assessor clearly knew boats and gave a fair valuation on the repair.
Reviews are paraphrased summaries of verified customer feedback from Google and other public sources. Percentages are based on sentiment analysis of available reviews and may not reflect the views of all policyholders. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
What you can insure with Mariner
Cover for trailer boats, runabouts, launches, and sailing yachts used for personal recreation. Mariner's core product, covering the majority of Kiwi boat owners.
Specialist cover for ocean-going yachts and blue water sailing vessels. Designed for long-distance cruising and offshore passages around New Zealand and the Pacific.
Cover for vessels under construction, major refits, or significant modifications. Protects the investment during the build or refit process.
Cover for personal watercraft including jet skis. Includes hull damage, theft, third-party liability, and trailer cover.
Commercial cover for charter fishing boats, sailing charters, and other vessels operating on a fee-paying passenger basis in New Zealand waters.
Cover for boats being transported by road or sea, whether moving to a new marina, a boat show, or for maintenance and repair.
The good and the not-so-good based on customer reviews and our analysis
How much does Mariner boat insurance cost? Indicative examples based on market data
Mariner does not publish fixed pricing on their website. Like all marine insurers, premiums depend on your vessel's value, type, age, use, mooring location, and your experience as a skipper. Based on industry data and customer reports, here are indicative annual premiums for common vessel types:
Disclaimer: These are indicative estimates based on publicly available market data and industry comparisons, not official Mariner quotes. Your actual premium will vary based on your vessel, experience, location, and claims history. Contact Mariner or your insurance broker for an accurate quote. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
The agreed or market value of your vessel is the biggest factor. Yachts, launches, and larger vessels cost more to insure than trailer boats or jet skis.
Where your boat is kept matters. Marina berths in sheltered harbours typically attract lower premiums than swing moorings or exposed coastal locations.
Coastal-only cover is generally cheaper than blue water or international cruising cover. The further offshore you go, the higher the risk and premium.
Your boating experience, qualifications (e.g. Coastguard boating education courses), and claims history all influence your premium.
Newer vessels in good condition generally attract lower premiums. Older boats may require a survey before cover is offered.
Recreational use is cheaper than charter or commercial operations. Racing, water skiing, and other high-risk activities may also affect pricing.
Mariner vs. other NZ boat and marine insurers
| Feature | Mariner | Nautilus Marine | Nautical Insurance | Vero (Direct) | Tower |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.1/5 120+ reviews | 4.0/5 | 3.8/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Specialist Marine Focus | Yes - Marine only | Yes - Marine only | Yes - Marine only | Part of broader range | Part of broader range |
| Underwriter | Vero (Suncorp) | Various Lloyd's syndicates | Various underwriters | Vero (Suncorp) | Tower Ltd |
| Online Quotes | Phone/email/broker | Online available | Phone/email/broker | Online available | Online available |
| Recreational Boats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blue Water / Offshore | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | No |
| Charter / Commercial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Case by case | No |
| Jet Ski / PWC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Construction / Refit Cover | Yes | Limited | Limited | Case by case | No |
Disclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information as at March 2026. Features, pricing, and availability may change. Always verify details directly with each insurer or your broker. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
Other NZ marine insurers worth considering if Mariner doesn't fit your needs
Australian-based specialist marine insurer with a strong presence in New Zealand. Offers online quoting and a wide range of vessel types. May suit boat owners who prefer a quick digital experience with specialist marine cover.
NZ-based specialist marine insurance provider. Covers a broad range of recreational and commercial vessels. A good option for boat owners who want a locally-focused specialist alternative.
Mariner's underwriter also offers marine cover directly. If you already have home or car insurance with Vero, bundling your boat insurance may offer multi-policy pricing benefits.
NZ-owned general insurer that offers boat insurance as part of a broader product range. May suit boat owners with simpler vessels who want to bundle with home and car insurance from a single provider.
Mariner may be a great fit for some boat owners, but not everyone
If you own a yacht, launch, or high-value vessel and want specialist cover with marine-specific features like salvage, wreck removal, and haul-out, Mariner's expertise is worth considering.
For ocean-going yachts and long-distance cruising, Mariner's blue water cover and international cruising ground options may suit sailors who venture beyond coastal waters.
If you're building a new vessel or undertaking a major refit, Mariner's construction vessel insurance covers the investment during the build process - a product few general insurers offer.
Boat owners wanting instant online quotes, those with simple small craft who want the cheapest option, or anyone looking to bundle boat insurance with car and home policies from a single provider.
Compare.org.nz's editorial assessment of Mariner Insurance
Mariner Insurance has built a solid reputation over 20+ years as New Zealand's dedicated marine insurance specialist. With Vero's financial backing and a team that lives and breathes boats, they offer a level of marine-specific expertise that general insurers typically cannot match.
The tradeoffs are clear: you pay for specialist knowledge, and the quoting process is more traditional than the instant online experience offered by some competitors. For boat owners with higher-value vessels, blue water ambitions, or commercial operations, Mariner's specialist cover and experienced assessors are well worth considering. For owners of simple recreational craft who prioritise price and convenience, a general insurer like Tower or an online specialist like Nautilus Marine may be a better fit.
Looking ahead, Mariner could strengthen their offering by investing in online quoting and self-service tools. For now, they remain a trusted name in NZ marine insurance - particularly for boat owners who value expertise over convenience.
Common questions about Mariner Insurance
How we research and rate insurance companies
This review is based on data collected from the following sources, last verified in March 2026:
Our editorial scores (out of 10) are calculated using a weighted methodology that considers:
Disclaimer: Nothing on this page constitutes financial advice. Scores are editorial opinion based on publicly available data. Always verify details directly with your insurer or broker and consider seeking professional advice for your specific situation. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
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