Haven Knox-Johnston Insurance is back

BOAT insurance brand Haven KnoxJohnston is being revived under the new ownership of the Aston Lark group, following its purchase of MS Amlin’s Kent-based yacht operation. Contract terms have been agreed and the deal is expected to formally complete in January.

Co-founded in 1986 by Chris Knox-Johnston, the brother of sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, it was rebranded MS Amlin in 2016, following its acquisition by insurance giant MS&AD.

The Haven Knox-Johnston name will now be restored with a fresh new look and personal approach to boat insurance, while MS Amlin continues to provide underwriting capacity.

Aston Lark, as one of the UK’s top five independent insurance brokers, shares many of the traditional Haven Knox-Johnston values.

The existing crew understand that being an active part of the close-knit boating community, with its unique sense of camaraderie, is key to past and future success.

Peter Blanc, Aston Lark Group CEO, said: “I’m delighted that Aston Lark will be reviving the historic Haven Knox-Johnston brand and I’m looking forward to developing the business significantly over the coming months, while ensuring a continuation of the high level of service customers have come to expect.”

Paul Knox-Johnston, business development manager and son of late founder Chris Knox-Johnston, said, “We are excited to now be part of the Aston Lark group and look forward to working together with shared ambitions to bring about a new chapter in boat insurance.

Founding family member Sir Robin Knox-Johnston added: “I am so pleased that Haven KnoxJohnston, the brand my brother Chris and I helped to build over so many years, is coming back.

“The original business was built on pillars of knowledge, fairness and integrity and I am confident this will continue under the new ownership of Aston Lark.”