About us

For the past century, Navigators & General has been at the forefront of pleasure craft insurance, and as such, we understand that offering the right cover to our customers is about more than comparing premiums. It’s also about choosing a company that appreciates the differing needs of boat owners.

Navigators & General is based in Brighton and has been established since 1921. The majority of our staff are boating enthusiasts themselves, which greatly helps us to understand the range of specific pleasure craft insurance needs of our customers. With direct access to underwriters and claims handlers, we're proud to offer a quick and efficient service to all our customers.

racing boats on the water

Our story

Captain Coombs played a pivotal role in the establishment of Navigators & General. His firsthand experience and insights into the marine industry were instrumental in shaping the company's initial offerings and strategies.

During this decade, Navigators & General focused on solidifying its presence in the marine insurance market. The company worked on expanding its client base and refining its insurance products to better meet the needs of boat owners and maritime businesses.

World War II had a significant impact on the maritime industry, and by extension, on marine insurance. Navigators & General adapted its operations to address the new risks and challenges posed by wartime conditions. This included providing coverage for war-related risks and damages.

Following the end of World War II, Navigators & General played a role in the recovery and rebuilding of the maritime sector. The company supported its clients in addressing post-war challenges, such as the restoration of damaged vessels and the resumption of commercial maritime activities.

Marked the beginning of significant technological advancements in the maritime industry, including the development of more advanced vessels and navigation systems. Navigators & General adapted its insurance offerings to cover these new technologies and associated risks.

Navigators & General placed a strong emphasis on customer service, ensuring that its clients received personalized attention and tailored insurance solutions. This customer-centric approach helped to strengthen the company's reputation and client loyalty.

By the end of this period, Navigators & General had established itself as a leading provider of marine insurance in the UK. The company's ongoing commitment to innovation, customer service, and risk management positioned it well for continued success in the years to come.

N&G was acquired by Zurich Financial Services, a global insurance company. This acquisition allowed Navigators & General to benefit from Zurich's extensive resources and expertise, helping to expand its market reach and product offerings.

Throughout the 1990s, N&G continued to grow its business and enhance its product range, offering specialized insurance solutions for various types of marine vessels, including yachts, motorboats, and commercial marine businesses.

N&G further cemented its position in the marine insurance market by focusing on customer service and tailored insurance products. The company also invested in technological advancements to streamline their services and improve customer experience.

During this decade, N&G emphasized sustainable practices within their operations, aligning with the broader initiatives of Zurich Insurance Group. They continued to innovate in their product offerings and customer service approaches.

N&G remains a leading provider of marine insurance in the UK, continuously adapting to the changing needs of their customers and the evolving landscape of the marine industry. They focus on delivering comprehensive insurance solutions with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and risk management.

Navigators & General join Geo Underwriting Services Limited, the Managing General Agent business with The Ardonagh Group. Geo brings its expertise as well as access to its other specialisms to Navigators & General customers.

Geo has a long history in acquisitions to complement its offering to clients allowing them an uncomplicated access to niche markets and unrivalled freedom of choice.


Our sustainability

Navigators & General is part of The Ardonagh Group which strives to be an innovative and responsible industry presence. At Ardonagh we firmly believe that the insurance industry as a whole has a role to play in protecting the environment and supporting communities around us. We measure our progress by a sustainability charter which sets out our core beliefs and promises and underpins all our conversations, business decisions and culture of our business. 

Read about sustainability at Ardonagh.