What insurance do I need for a sailing vacation?

The right insurance for your sailing vacation

For many, a sailing vacation is one of the most beautiful forms of travel – freedom, nature and pure adventure. But whether you are chartering for the first time or are an experienced skipper: The right insurance for your sailing vacation is a must.

A special focus is on the Pitter security deposit guarantee, one of the best and most uncomplicated ways to secure your yacht security deposit.

Why is insurance important for sailing vacations?

A yacht charter – despite all the fun – may involve certain risks: damage to the boat, medical emergencies or cancellations. With the right insurance, you can enjoy your sailing vacation worry-free and avoid unforeseen costs.

Deposit compensation

Top recommendation: the “Pitter Deposit Compensation” from Pitter Yachtcharter

When it comes to deposit protection for yacht charter, there is nothing like it: The “Pitter Deposit Protection”, offered directly by Pitter Yachtcharter, booking center of the Nautic Alliance fleet, replaces the classic deposit, which usually has to be paid on site in the amount of around € 2,000 to € 4,500 – or is blocked on the credit card.

Your advantages:

No deposit on site – No credit card blocking or cash provision required! (Exception: Sardinia)
One-off fixed amount – full cost control.
No deductible in the event of damage
Comprehensive cover – damage to yacht, mainsail, genoa, dinghy and outboard included.
Fast processing – Pitter Yachtcharter takes care of processing, repairs and cost management in the event of damage.
Maximum relaxation – No risk of discussions about returns or hidden costs.

Important: The Pitter security deposit cover is not a classic insurance product, but an exclusive protection package that you can book directly with the charter via Pitter Yachtcharter.

The Pitter deposit refund is offered at a large number of bases in the Nautic Alliance fleet.

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Skipper liability insurance

Protection for anyone who takes the wheel themselves

Skipper’s liability insurance is particularly important if you take over a charter boat as the responsible skipper.

Among other things, it protects you against:

Property damage and personal injury
Damage caused by gross negligence e.g. in the event of collisions, return delays or damage
Recovery and towing costs after a claim, for example in the event of grounding
Liability towards crew members – e.g. if crew members are injured as a result of your actions

You can take out this skipper insurance conveniently via our partners Fairwinds.blue, Uniqa or Yacht-Pool, for example.

Other recommended insurances for your charter vacation

For specific conditions and benefits covered, please refer to the respective insurance companies!

International health insurance

Covers medical treatment abroad
Including return transportation
Recommended for all international sailing trips

Travel cancellation and trip interruption insurance

Refunds cancellation costs in the event of illness, accident or other valid reasons

Luggage insurance

Protection against theft or loss of valuables and equipment
Ideal when traveling with expensive electronic equipment or high-value items

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about insurance for sailing vacations

The price depends on the size of the yacht – significantly cheaper than conventional bonding insurance.

No, excluded are e.g. damage caused by gross negligence, blocked toilets, incorrect refueling, additional sails and loss of poorly secured equipment.
The deposit compensation cannot be taken out for participation in regattas!

Yes, if you have booked through Pitter Yachtcharter and the booking has not yet been completed.

As a rule, no. Private liability insurance usually does not cover damage on chartered yachts, especially not in the event of gross negligence or damage to the charter boat. Dedicated skipper liability insurance is therefore strongly recommended.

In principle, the responsible skipper is liable for damage, even if it was caused by a crew member. A good skipper’s liability insurance can help in such cases – but the Pitter deposit compensation also covers a lot of damage regardless of who caused it (provided there is no gross negligence).

That depends on the insurance policy. Many international health insurance policies do not exclude sporting activities such as sailing – but it is worth checking the conditions carefully. Special regulations often apply to ocean sailing or regattas.

Yes – that’s a major advantage of the Pitter security deposit compensation. In the event of an insured loss, Pitter handles the entire process directly with the base. You don’t have to advance anything, fill out any forms or initiate any tedious reclaims.

No, the skipper’s liability insurance covers the skipper and the entire crew. However, each person should be covered individually for international health insurance and optional travel cancellation insurance – especially for larger groups or family charters.

Skipper liability insurance protects the responsible skipper against the financial consequences of personal injury, property damage and financial loss that may occur during a charter trip. It also applies in the event of gross negligence, covers damage to third parties (including Crew members) and defends against unjustified claims.
For detailed information directly on the insurance and benefits, please visit the relevant pages of our partners Fairwinds.blue or Yacht-Pool.

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