Skip to main content

What additional insurance should I purchase for my boat rental or yacht charter?

All you need to know about additional charter insurance to help you enjoy your boating experience with peace of mind.

Updated this week

Charter Insurance Through Sealogy

We've partnered with Sealogy to offer comprehensive insurance solutions for your charter experience. This guide covers everything you need to know about protecting your charter investment and ensuring peace of mind on the water.

Security Deposit Insurance: Safeguarding Your Charter Experience

We understand that even the most experienced skipper can face unexpected challenges. From unfortunate gusts during mooring to minor scratches that charter companies might use to withhold your deposit, our team ensures you won't be left bearing the cost or waiting endlessly for your money.

Why Deposit Insurance is Essential

The devil's in the details when it comes to charter deposits. Our specialized insurance isn't just a policy; it's peace of mind. We've crafted coverage that's often more cost-effective and always more comprehensive than alternatives.

Beware of "Deposit Reduction" Offers: While charter companies' deposit reduction options seem quick and cheap, they often contain hidden clauses that leave you exposed. If considering such options, carefully examine:

  • Your excess amounts

  • How gross negligence is handled

  • Which damages are truly covered vs. what you remain liable for

Your Benefits with Sealogy Deposit Insurance

  • Full deposit reimbursement in case of damage claims

  • Expert representation to handle disputes with charter companies

  • Experienced personal advisors dedicated to your claim

  • Worldwide protection from policy start through your last travel day

  • Comprehensive coverage including total charter costs and optional flight expenses

  • Crew member cancellation - proportional cost reimbursement if a crew member cancels

  • Co-insured cancellation - coverage for second person if booked together

  • Trip interruption protection - reimbursement for interruptions due to valid reasons

Deposit Amount Limits

The security deposit insurance is available for deposits ranging from €500 to €15,000. Whether you're chartering a small sailboat or a luxury yacht, we can provide coverage within these limits.

Country Availability

Insurance eligibility is determined by your country of residence, not your charter destination. Currently, citizens of the USA, Canada, and Russia are excluded from coverage due to regulatory restrictions.

To check if insurance is available in your country:

  1. Select your country of residence

  2. Available insurance products will appear in bold black text

  3. Unavailable products will be greyed out

Purchase Timeline

You can purchase security deposit insurance at any time up until the day your charter begins, as long as it's before boarding. There's no required lead time, giving you flexibility to add protection even at the last minute.

Day Charter Coverage

Yes, security deposit insurance is available for day charters. Please note that the premium is calculated based solely on the deposit amount, not the charter duration. The same rate applies whether you're chartering for a day or a week.

Skipper Liability Insurance: Essential Protection

Just as no one would drive a car without liability insurance, chartering a yacht without skipper liability insurance is equally risky. As a skipper, you bear significant responsibility for your crew, guests, and the boat owner's property.

Why Skipper Liability Insurance is Critical

As skipper, you're personally liable for any damage or injury caused through negligence, potentially putting your entire assets at risk. While charter yachts should have liability insurance, coverage gaps are common, especially with foreign insurers. Even experienced skippers can make mistakes with serious consequences.

Comprehensive Coverage Includes:

  • Worldwide protection for skipper, crew, and guests

  • Personal injury and property damage coverage

  • Financial loss protection

  • Gross negligence coverage for damage to the chartered yacht (up to €550,000)

  • Crew member claims - coverage for liability claims between crew members

  • Water sports liability - coverage for use of the yacht's dinghy and water sports activities

  • Security deposit protection - up to €50,000 in case of vessel seizure

  • Charter income loss - up to €20,000 for owner's loss of charter income due to significant damage

  • Trip interruption coverage - €1,000 for hotel and travel costs if damage makes return impossible

Coverage Limits

We offer skipper liability insurance with coverage up to €10 million, with standard policies providing:

  • €3,000,000 or €6,000,000 lump sum for personal injury and property damage

  • Additional €100,000 for financial losses

  • €2,500 deductible per damage event

Your Benefits with Sealogy

  • Clear, comprehensive coverage without complex fine print

  • Protection against potentially devastating liability claims

  • We handle disputes with opposing insurers, even internationally

  • Peace of mind to focus on enjoying your charter experience

Important Reminders

Never rely solely on verbal assurances that a chartered boat is "covered by liability insurance." These policies often provide minimal coverage that may only address minor damages. As the skipper, you remain solely liable for any incidents.

Get Protected Today

Don't let the fear of losing your deposit mar your sailing adventure. With Sealogy's Insurance, you can confidently navigate any situation, knowing you're protected against unfair deposit retention or lengthy disputes. Sail with peace of mind, focusing on the joy of your maritime journey while we take care of the rest.

Visit Sealogy's charter insurance page to explore your options and secure the protection you need. Trust Sealogy to provide the comprehensive protection you need for a worry-free charter experience. Your peace of mind is just a click away.

Did this answer your question?