Compare Charter
Deposit Insurance.
Charter deposit insurance protects your security deposit if the charter company withholds money after a claim. NauticAssure compares all the relevant providers – you see price, cover, and excess at a glance and sign up directly online.
Calculate your rate nowWe compare leading providers
- Pantaenius
- Gothaer
- Yacht-Pool
- Schomacker
- Sealogy
Charter deposit insurance explained.
In our explainer video, you'll learn everything important about protecting your charter deposit.
What Is Charter
Deposit Insurance?
Charter deposit insurance protects you against losing your deposit on a chartered yacht. Since almost every charter company requires a deposit – usually matching the excess on the operator's own hull insurance – a single claim can put several thousand euros at risk.
The insurance reimburses your withheld deposit after the trip – depending on the tariff, minus an excess of 0–10%, though many tariffs waive it entirely.
In brief
Yes. Deposit insurance doesn't replace paying the deposit – it reimburses the money to you if a claim occurs.
The premium depends on several factors – such as charter duration, boat type, boat length, and deposit amount. Example: for a €2,500 deposit, premiums typically range from about €160 to €285 depending on the tariff.
As soon as the premium has been received. Many providers send the policy by email within 24 hours – sign-up is often possible right up until you take over the boat.
"The deposit is often the most expensive moment of the boat handover – good to have it covered."
Charter deposit or skipper liability insurance – what's the difference?
Charter deposit and skipper liability insurance are often confused – yet they protect against completely different risks. Charter deposit insurance only covers your deposit in the event of damage to the boat itself. For damage you cause to other people or other vessels, you additionally need skipper liability insurance – which you can also get just as easily through NauticAssure.
| Criterion | Charter deposit | Skipper liability |
|---|---|---|
| What's covered? | Your deposit paid to the charter company | Third-party claims (personal injury, property, and financial loss) |
| Whose damage? | Damage to the chartered boat itself | Damage you cause to other people or other vessels |
| Sum insured | Up to the amount of the deposit (usually up to €10,000) | Usually several million euros |
| Without insurance, you're liable with... | ...your deposit, which the charter company keeps | ...your unlimited personal assets |
| Recommendation | Worthwhile for every charter | Essential for every skipper |
You're on the safest side if you cover both risks. Compare your charter deposit cover in the calculator or find out directly about skipper liability insurance.
More than insurance.
NauticAssure is more than an insurance broker: with your charter deposit insurance, you get an app for your entire charter holiday – plus additional services you can rely on if you ever need to make a claim.
Your charter app: more than just your contract
Feature 1 of 7
Contract management
Manage your charter deposit insurance directly in the app: your policy and documents are available at any time, and if something goes wrong you can report a claim in just a few steps – including photos and status tracking.
Fast claims reporting
Report claims straight from the app with photos – no paperwork required.
Why sign up through NauticAssure?
Same price. More support when it matters.
You pay the same premium as you would signing up directly – but you also get personal support from a registered insurance broker.
Compare ratesNo price markup
Advice is already priced into the tariff. Sign up directly, and that share stays with the insurer – with us, you get personal, independent support for it instead.
A broker on your side
We represent your interests – not the insurer's.
Support when you need to claim
If there's a dispute with the insurer, we support you personally and arrange a free initial legal consultation through our partner law firm.
What does charter deposit insurance cover?
A look at the typical benefits – and their limits.
Covered
- Damage to the charter yacht caused by skipper or crew (e.g. collision, grounding, scratches)
- Withholding of the deposit by the charter company
- Damage to loose equipment (fenders, lines, anchor, sails)
- Optional: tender, dinghies, SUPs (for an extra premium)
- Optional: regatta participation
Not covered
- Wear and tear and normal signs of use
- Cleaning costs, fuel, holding tank
- Damage caused by gross negligence (depends on the tariff!)
- Valuables and personal luggage
- Diving equipment, drones (on request only)
Coverage comparison of the leading providers
Not every deposit insurance policy is the same. Look closely at the excess, sum insured, and whether damage to the mast, sails, or tender is included. Our calculator shows you all the relevant tariffs side by side.
Go to the comparison calculatorDon't forget skipper liability insurance.
Deposit insurance protects your wallet in the event of damage to the chartered boat itself. For damage you cause to other people or other vessels, skipper liability insurance is essential. The two insurances complement each other and can be arranged just as easily through NauticAssure.
Key providers at a glance
The market for charter deposit insurance is a specialized one. Here's a neutral overview of established providers and how their policies work.
Gothaer
Gothaer, an established insurer, offers solutions for watersports enthusiasts and charter customers. The Gothaer charter deposit insurance combines the security of a major insurer with specialized cover for nautical risks.
Pantaenius
Pantaenius is one of the best-known specialists in yacht and charter insurance. The Pantaenius charter deposit insurance is particularly interesting for international trips, since Pantaenius has enjoyed a strong market presence and high acceptance among charter companies in watersports for many years.
Schomacker
Schomacker is a specialized provider of yacht and charter insurance. The Schomacker charter deposit insurance stands out for its strong level of cover, tailored to the needs of charter sailors.
Sealogy
Sealogy stands for modern, digital insurance solutions in the charter space. The Sealogy charter deposit insurance is aimed primarily at charter sailors looking for simple online handling and flexible cover for their trip.
Yacht-Pool
Yacht-Pool is among the experienced providers of charter insurance and places great value on personal service. The Yacht-Pool charter deposit insurance is aimed at charter sailors who want suitable cover combined with competent support.
Note: Our comparison calculator draws on the terms of these and other providers to give you an independent basis for deciding on your charter deposit insurance.
How to take out your deposit insurance
Five steps to the right policy – no paperwork required.
Read the deposit amount from your charter contract
The deposit amount is stated in the charter contract or booking confirmation.
Enter trip duration and yacht type
Sailing yacht, motor yacht, or catamaran? Enter your trip details in the calculator.
Compare tariffs
Check price, excess, and scope of cover across providers.
Sign up online
Pay by credit card or PayPal, and the policy arrives by email.
Keep the policy somewhere safe
Don't show it to the base staff at check-in – minor damage is sometimes billed more generously otherwise.
Frequently asked questions.
Everything you need to know about charter deposit insurance.
Why NauticAssure.
NauticAssure is the independent insurance comparison for charter enthusiasts – whether under sail or power. We compare providers such as Pantaenius, Schomacker, Yacht-Pool, and more – neutrally, with no preferred provider.
We know from our own experience: the deposit is one of the biggest sources of stress on a charter. That's why we built a calculator that shows in 60 seconds which policy best fits your cruising area, your yacht, and your trip duration.
"Finally a proper comparison – had the policy in 3 minutes."
Lucas J.
Sardinia trip, 2026
"Never would have known the annual policy was cheaper."
Katja W.
Sails in Greece
Your deposit. Well protected.
Compare all providers now and sign up online in a few minutes. Free and non-binding.