Yacht owners will be able to get their vessels fully insured after Underwriting Risk Services Ltd. (URSL) launched its Yachtsure24 service in the US market.

URSL, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Talbot Holdings Ltd., which in turn was taken over by Bermuda-based and New York Stock Exchange-listed Validus Holdings Ltd. in July 2007, will offer 24-hour-a-day technical support, accident and response service as well as physical damage and liability coverage to policyholders who own permanently-crewed yachts above 24 metres long and are valued up to $60 million.

The helpline, which provides a service team with specialist knowledge and expertise, can be used by insurance brokers and their clients to deal with and guide insurers through technical and damage-related issues regarding the day-to-day operation of the yacht.

Paul Miller, underwriting director at URSL, said: "We are delighted to be expanding the hugely successful Yachtsure24 service into the North American market. This resource has proved to be invaluable to owners, captains and managers all over the UK and we are confident that the facility will receive the same response across the Atlantic."

URSL, which was set up in November 2001, is a specialist worldwide multi-line underwriting agency and underwrote in excess of £40m of premium, on behalf of some of the highest rated Lloyd's syndicates and insurers in Europe in 2007, moved into the mainstream US market following the success of the initial launch of its Yachtsure24 service last year.