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Skipper Liability Insurance: Essential Protection

Just as no one would consider driving a car without liability insurance, it's equally irresponsible to charter a yacht without skipper liability insurance. At Sealogy, we understand the unique risks skippers face and offer comprehensive coverage tailored to your needs.

As a skipper, you're personally liable for any damage or injury you cause through negligence, potentially putting your entire assets at risk. While charter yachts should have liability insurance, the reality is often different, especially with foreign insurers where coverage gaps are common.

As a skipper of a yacht, you bear a high degree of responsibility towards the crew, the guests, and the boat's owner. Both your competence and your sense of responsibility are prerequisites for your job.

While all others are relaxing and enjoying the trip, you must stay focused and alert. With a clear head, you can make quick decisions in precarious situations. Still, these decisions can also have severe consequences.

Our skipper liability insurance provides:

  • Worldwide coverage for skipper, crew, and guests
  • Protection against personal injury, property damage, and financial losses
  • Coverage for damage to the chartered yacht due to gross negligence
  • Liability for use of the yacht's dinghy and water sports activities
  • Claims between crew members
  • Security deposit in case of vessel seizure

We offer coverage up to €10 million, ensuring you're protected against potentially devastating financial consequences. Our policy is designed to complement existing insurances, providing that extra layer of security you need when navigating unfamiliar waters. With Sealogy's skipper liability insurance, you can focus on the joy of sailing, knowing you're comprehensively protected. Don't let uncertainty cloud your maritime experience. Set sail with confidence, backed by our unwavering commitment to your peace of mind and financial security.

Your Benefits: At Sealogy, we simplify your charter experience with comprehensive protection:

  • Coverage for relevant personal risks without the hassle of scrutinising fine print.
  • Reliable protection against potentially existential liability claims.
  • We manage disputes with opposing insurers, even abroad.

Buy Skipper Liability Insurance online

Why is liability insurance for skippers advisable?

As a skipper, you are responsible for the safety of your crew members, other passengers, and the ship. First, of course, you must prove that you can do this by obtaining an inland or sea license, depending on the waters you are navigating. But even experienced skippers can make mistakes with fatal consequences. Have you chartered a boat for private purposes and been told it is covered by liability insurance?

We recommend that you never should rely on such a statement! Often, these insurances only cover small sums of money, which at best regulate minor damages. Since you are solely liable as the skipper in the event of damage, to protect your private assets, and because you can enjoy your trip without any worries. Please take out the extended skipper's liability insurance at Sealogy.com. It's better to sail with a feeling of safety.

Which damages are covered and which are not?

Covered

The extended skipper's liability insurance covers the legal liability of the insured person arising from the private, non-commercial operation of chartered/foreign sailing and motor yachts. The sum insured is EUR 3,000,000 or EUR 6,000,000 lump sum for personal injury and property damage and an additional EUR 100,000 for financial loss. The yacht liability and fully comprehensive insurance are always obliged to pay for the damages in advance so that the skipper liability insurance always pays subsidiarily. In addition, the following are regarded as co-insured:

  • damage to the chartered yacht in the event of proven gross negligence up to 550,000 EUR
  • deductible in the event of damage of 2,500 EUR
  • Liability claims of the entire crew among each other up to 3,000,000 EUR or 6,000,000 EUR
  • in the case of property damage, if the amount increases by 150 EUR per loss event, security deposits up to 50,000 EUR in the event of seizure in a foreign port
  • claims by the owner for loss of charter income as a result of significant yacht damage for which the skipper is responsible up to 20,000 EUR. The primary policyholder proportionally borne the costs for the first three days caused by the loss of charter income.
  • 1.000 EUR in case of interruption of the cruise due to damage which makes the return trip impossible due to the yacht's lack of navigability for hotel and travel costs to the base

Not Covered

The following damages, among others, are not covered by the extended skipper's liability insurance. The complete list can be found in § 2 of our extended skipper liability insurance conditions.

  • liability claims that go beyond the scope of legal liability
  • damage that you suffer yourself
  • damage that you cause intentionally
  • liability claims arising from damage that occurs during participation in sailing regattas or motorboat races or during the associated practice trips, as not expressly agreed in the policy
  • damage to your own or borrowed property or objects or persons living in the same household as you: in particular damage to the chartered yacht, its accessories, and equipment as well as tenders, provided that the damage to the chartered boat was not caused by gross negligence
  • damage caused by you to certain close relatives
  • liability claims arising from damage caused by the improper handling of flammable or explosive substances
  • driving a watercraft if an official permit is required and the operator in charge does not have the official license when the insured event occurs
  • damage in connection with valuables (jewelry, watches, furs, cash, credit cards, securities, etc.) and electronic devices