War Risks

Protection against losses and liabilities arising from war, piracy and other hostile acts affecting an insured ship.

Overview

War Risks cover protects shipowners against losses and liabilities caused by war-related incidents that fall outside standard marine insurance. It brings Hull & Machinery and P&I war protection together, and provides additional cover against detention or diversion expenses, and related claims.

Who and what we cover

War Risks cover protects against both damage to the ship and the liabilities that may arise from a war-related incident.

These can include:

  • Physical loss of or damage to the ship

  • War-related liabilities normally covered under P&I, such as injury, pollution or cargo claims

  • Costs arising where a ship is detained or forced to divert following a war-related incident

  • Expenses incurred to protect the ship following a covered event (sue and labour costs)

We can also provide limited cover for nuclear, biochemical and certain cyber-related risks.

Key features and benefits

  • Separate limits for Hull and P&I war risks, unrestricted by the ship’s insured hull value.

  • Protection for detention and diversion expenses

  • Flexibility to consider claims that fall outside strict War Risks rules’ wording

  • Complementary cover alongside P&I and Kidnap & Ransom

  • Coordinated response from one provider

  • Expert claims and legal support

  • Global support network

  • Responsive, member-focused service

What your cover includes

War risks cover provides comprehensive protection, with clearly defined limits based on your insured ship, trading area, and each incident's circumstances.

  • Hull cover based on the ship's agreed insured value

  • P&I war liabilities covered up to US$500m

  • Detention or diversion cover may include running costs and potential lump sum payments in cases of prolonged detention

Premiums

There are two potential War Risks premiums:

  • An annual premium calculated as a percentage of the ship's insured value for normal worldwide trading (excluding areas listed as enhanced war risks)

  • An additional premium when a ship intends to enter an area considered as an enhanced war risk

Additional premiums are usually charged for a seven-day period, and apply only to the Hull & Machinery value. The increased value (IV) part of cover is not subject to this charge.

Applicable areas may change during the year.

Club rules and agreed terms

Cover applies according to our rules and the terms agreed when a ship is insured.

Experts in War Risks

Our underwriting, claims, legal and loss prevention specialists bring deep experience of the shipping industry for practical support at every stage.

With teams in London, Hong Kong, Piraeus, Limassol, Seoul and Shanghai, and a trusted global network of local expertise, we’re available wherever and whenever you need us.

Loss and incident handling

When an incident happens, getting early personal support can make all the difference. You can contact us straight away for guidance.

You'll speak directly to experienced people who understand your business and can help you decide what to do next  - without unnecessary delays or handovers.

We'll work with you to coordinate the response, bringing in local experts, surveyors, or specialist legal support where needed, so you stay in control at all times and can move forward with clarity.

Claims handling

When you make a claim, our claims team will guide you through the entire claims process and support you from start to finish. Our focus is on resolving claims quickly and fairly, so you can focus on your operations.