Nautilus Marine Insurance - SA

The story

Nautilus Marine Insurance Agency opened in April 2005, focused purely on recreational boats. It began working with boat manufacturers in 2008 and crossed to New Zealand in 2010. In 2013 the business was renamed NM Insurance, and in 2014 Steadfast Group took a majority stake. It launched sister brand Proteus Marine Insurance for commercial marine in 2015, and opened its Victorian and Western Australian offices in October 2024. Nautilus celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025.

What stands out

• Agreed value for new boats: brand-new boats bought from a dealer are insured for an agreed value for their first two years, so you know what you'd get on a total loss.
• Racing cover: racing is included up to 100 nm from the official start, and entry fees are reimbursed up to $2,000 if something goes wrong.
• Emergency assistance up to $7,000, and pollution clean-up up to $500,000.
• Personal effects: $10,000 on the standard policy and $20,000 on the premium policy, which also replaces marine electronics new-for-old if they're up to three years old.
• Cyclone-friendly for trailer boats: the named-cyclone excess ($5,000 or 5% of the claim) is waived if your boat is on its own trailer.
• Specialist claims team, named a 5-Star Carrier by Insurance Business magazine.

Good to know

• After the two-year agreed-value window, cover moves to market value unless you ask to keep agreed value.
• There's no choice-of-repairer clause, and no extension beyond 250 nm for ocean passages.
• Much of Nautilus's business comes through dealers and brokers, but you can call it directly.

How it compares

Nautilus is strongest for new boats and jet skis, and for Queensland owners worried about cyclones. If choosing your own repairer matters, Club Marine and New Wave both allow it. For ocean passages beyond 250 nm, talk to Pantaenius or Topsail.

Questions to ask before you buy

• Which policy fits my boat: standard, premium pleasure craft or personal watercraft?
• When does my agreed value end, and can I keep it?
• Is my boat covered in a named cyclone where I keep it?
• What's the liability limit on my schedule?

Nautilus also issues layup and currency certificates on request.

South Australia

Nautilus has a South Australian phone line, (08) 8267 2300, but no SA shopfront, so local customers are looked after by phone and online. You can also use the national line or email contact@nautilusinsurance.com.au.

See our guide to marine insurance in Adelaide and compare other marine insurance providers. Nautilus has offices in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.

Last checked: September 2026. Always read the current PDS for your quote.

Bermagui

Bermagui is a compact south‑coast fishing port and coastal village on New South Wales’ Sapphire Coast. It’s best known to sailors for its working harbour, access to productive offshore grounds and a reachable string of sheltered bays and beaches. The sailing here mixes short coastal passages, inshore cruising and sheltered daysails rather than long ocean passages; it suits trailer‑able keelboats, motor cruisers and small offshore yachts. Expect a destination where commercial fishing activity and changing swell patterns shape anchorages and arrival choices — preparation and local knowledge pay.