Legal Definitions - Inchmaree clause

The Inchmaree clause is a provision in maritime insurance policies that protects against risks that are not caused by natural events. These risks can include a sailor's negligence or a latent defect in machinery.

The clause gets its name from a British ship called the Inchmaree, which sank in 1884. The resulting litigation led to the creation of this clause.

For example, if a ship's machinery breaks down due to a defect that was not caused by a natural event, the Inchmaree clause would provide coverage for the resulting damages.

This clause is important because it extends coverage beyond the standard perils clause, which only covers losses caused by natural events such as storms or collisions with other vessels.