Charter insurance: the policies you actually need for your trip

Chartering a yacht usually means signing a handover contract with an excess – often several thousand euros. This overview shows which policies cover that amount and which additional cover makes sense.

Skipper liability: mandatory in many charter areas

Skipper liability applies when you cause damage to a third party with the chartered yacht – for example to another boat, a jetty, or a person. Many charter companies and bases require proof of adequate cover before handover.

What the policy typically covers

• Personal injury and property damage to third parties
• Damage to jetties and harbour facilities
• Co-insured crew members
• Worldwide validity, including outside Europe

Deposit insurance: covering your excess

Charter contracts usually require a deposit of between €1,500 and €5,000. If damage occurs, this amount is withheld – regardless of who caused it. Deposit insurance reimburses this excess in the event of a claim.

Trip cancellation and curtailment: when the trip falls through

If the trip is cancelled at short notice – due to illness, an accident, or a work commitment – you bear the full cancellation costs without cover. Trip cancellation insurance covers these costs, while curtailment cover applies once the holiday has already started.

Useful additions

Depending on the sailing area and duration, travel health insurance abroad and baggage cover are also worthwhile. Within the EU, statutory health insurance covers basic treatment, but an emergency repatriation is often not included.

Summary

Complete charter cover rarely consists of a single policy but a combination: skipper liability and deposit insurance protect the yacht, while trip cancellation and travel health cover protect you and your crew. An independent comparison shows which combination makes sense for your trip.