Australia’s largest recreational boat insurer, Club Marine, celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2024.
Since its founding in 1959 as Marine Hull & Liability, the company has grown from a small operation in Victoria to a nationwide provider of insurance services for the country’s boating community.
Fred Wilson, an insurance broker, established the business to support the growing network of boat dealerships in Melbourne, some of which – like JV Marine and R Marine Jackson – are still in operation today.
Celebrating its anniversary, Club Marine highlighted its milestones over the years.
When the company first launched, the Australian boating market was dominated by timber vessels, while fibreglass boats were just starting to emerge.
By the late 1970s, the company changed its name to Marine Hull Club, and in 1986, it adopted the now-familiar name of Club Marine, reflecting its broader expansion.
Ownership changes followed, with Mercantile Mutual Insurance (MMI) acquiring the business in the 1990s, and Allianz taking over in 2003.
Today, Club Marine employs around 140 staff across Australia, serving its policyholders and maintaining industry relationships.
The company also publishes Club Marine Magazine, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025 and has a circulation of over 70,000, positioning it as a leading publication in the marine sector.
Commenting on Club Marine’s growth , CEO Tim Wiles emphasised the company’s longstanding focus on customer service.
“Throughout my 17 years working for Club Marine, I have seen many great people come and go but also stay, and it’s a privilege to be at the helm of a company supported by such a great team,” he said.
He emphasised that the company remains dedicated to ensuring members and partners get the best possible service.
In addition to its core insurance products, Club Marine has introduced several initiatives aimed at enhancing customer engagement, including Club Marine Assist, Member Rewards, and Club Marine TV. The company also recently updated its policies, claiming to set new benchmarks for marine insurance coverage.
As Club Marine celebrates its milestone, the global marine insurance market is also experiencing significant growth. According to the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI), total global marine premiums reached US$38.9 billion in 2023, reflecting a 5.9% increase compared to the previous year. Growth was reported across key segments such as cargo, hull, and offshore energy insurance
