Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Insurance

Comprehensive third-party liability coverage protecting shipowners against crew claims, pollution, cargo damage, collision liability, and wreck removal worldwide.

What is P&I Insurance?

Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance is the cornerstone of shipowner liability protection. Unlike Hull & Machinery insurance which covers physical damage to the vessel itself, P&I insurance covers the shipowner's liabilities to third parties arising from the operation of the vessel.

P&I insurance is essential for commercial shipowners, covering risks that are typically excluded from standard hull policies. These include crew injury and illness, cargo damage or loss, pollution liability, collision liability (the 25% not covered by H&M), wreck removal, and various other third-party claims.

At MAXWELL BROKER, we provide access to the world's leading P&I Clubs and commercial insurers, ensuring comprehensive protection tailored to your specific vessel types, trade routes, and operational requirements.

P&I Insurance Coverage

P&I Coverage Areas

Comprehensive protection against the major liability risks facing shipowners and operators.

Crew Injury & Illness

Coverage for personal injury, illness, or death of crew members, including medical expenses, disability compensation, repatriation costs, and death benefits. Essential protection under maritime labor conventions.

Pollution Liability

Protection against oil spill and environmental pollution liabilities, including cleanup costs, third-party property damage, fines and penalties, and defense costs. Critical coverage for tankers and all vessel types.

Cargo Liability

Coverage for loss, damage, or shortage of cargo carried on board, including claims under bills of lading, charter parties, and other contracts of carriage. Protection against cargo owner claims worldwide.

Collision Liability

The 25% collision liability not covered by Hull & Machinery insurance, plus liability for damage to other vessels, their cargo, and third-party property in collision incidents. Complements your H&M coverage.

Wreck Removal

Coverage for costs of locating, marking, removing, and destroying wrecks when legally required. Includes wreck removal operations, environmental mitigation, and navigational hazard elimination costs.

General Third-Party Liability

Broad protection for various third-party claims including damage to port property, dock facilities, navigation aids, and other infrastructure. Also covers stowaway handling, quarantine expenses, and towage liabilities.

P&I Clubs Explained

Understanding the unique mutual insurance structure that protects the global shipping industry.

What are P&I Clubs?

Protection and Indemnity Clubs (P&I Clubs) are mutual insurance associations owned and operated by their member shipowners. Unlike commercial insurers, P&I Clubs operate on a non-profit basis, with members pooling their risks and sharing the costs of claims.

The 13 major P&I Clubs that form the International Group of P&I Clubs collectively insure approximately 90% of the world's ocean-going tonnage. This mutual structure provides shipowners with comprehensive coverage, expert claims handling, and access to a global network of correspondents.

MAXWELL BROKER maintains strong relationships with all International Group P&I Clubs, as well as smaller specialist clubs and commercial P&I insurers. We help you navigate Club selection, negotiate entry terms, and manage your ongoing Club relationship.

International Group P&I Clubs

  • UK P&I Club - One of the largest and most established clubs
  • Standard Club - Strong focus on quality shipowners
  • North of England P&I - Leading UK-based mutual
  • West of England P&I - Established mutual protection
  • Steamship Mutual - Global P&I coverage
  • Japan P&I Club - Major Asian mutual insurer
  • Skuld P&I - Norwegian-based international club
  • Gard P&I - Largest Norwegian marine insurer

Key Features of P&I Coverage

Essential characteristics that make P&I insurance unique and comprehensive.

Mutual
Member-owned structure with shared risk pooling
Unlimited
Most risks covered without policy limits
Global
Worldwide correspondent network for claims support
Expert
Specialized claims handlers and legal support

P&I Claims Process

How MAXWELL BROKER supports you through every step of the claims journey.

01
Incident Report
Immediate notification to broker and P&I Club
02
Initial Response
Club appoints local correspondent for assistance
03
Investigation
Claims handler reviews incident and coverage
04
Documentation
Gathering evidence, statements, and supporting documents
05
Resolution
Settlement negotiation or legal defense
06
Payment
Claim payment and file closure

MAXWELL BROKER Claims Support

Our dedicated P&I claims team works alongside Club claims handlers to ensure your claims are handled efficiently and fairly. We provide 24/7 emergency response, coordinate with local correspondents, assist with documentation, and advocate for your interests throughout the claims process. Our goal is to achieve prompt resolution while protecting your Club standing and renewal terms.

Related Services

Complementary insurance products that work alongside your P&I coverage.

Hull & Machinery

Physical damage coverage for your vessel

FD&D

Freight, Demurrage & Defense coverage

War Risks

War, terrorism, and political violence coverage

Charterers Liability

Protection for charter party liabilities

Request P&I Insurance Quote

Connect with our P&I specialists for tailored coverage solutions and competitive terms.

Why Choose MAXWELL for P&I?

  • All International Group Clubs - Direct access to all 13 major P&I Clubs
  • Commercial P&I Options - Alternative markets for specific needs
  • Entry Negotiation - Favorable terms and call rates for new members
  • Claims Advocacy - Dedicated support through every claim
+44 20 7423 1111
sales@maxwellbroker.com

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