Insurance: Schomacker extends cover for charter crews
Pascal Schürmann
· 28.06.2025
- Some of the newly insured risks sound far removed from the reality of life, but according to Schomacker, they are by no means
- Legal protection if the charter yacht has defects or safety equipment is missing
- Charter cancellation costs: insured loss amount extended, deductible cancelled
The travel cancellation insurance now allows you to add additional persons outside the family, such as business partners or law firm colleagues. Animals such as dogs or horses belonging to fellow travellers are now also insured. If, for example, the family dog falls seriously ill and the fellow travellers are therefore unable to travel, this can now be covered.
In addition, the previously mandatory deductible can be cancelled for a small additional premium. The insured reasons for cancellation have also been extended. Medically complex cases such as loosened implanted joints, including hip prostheses, are now covered, as are unforeseeable legal developments. For example, the insurance covers sudden court summons in the context of custody proceedings. Even the adoption of a minor child at short notice or planned organ donations are now considered valid and insured reasons for cancellation.
Some of the newly insured risks sound far removed from the reality of life, but according to Schomacker, they are by no means
Cancellation of the trip is generally insured. This not only reliably covers reasons for cancellation before the start of the trip, but also unforeseeable events during the trip. "With these additions, we are focussing on the realities of life for our charter crews," says Katja Pilski-Sender, charter expert at Hamburger Yacht Versicherung. "Even if some of the insured events sound unlikely, questions about cover for the new risks kept coming in."
What everyone should know about boat and skipper insurance:
Another important component is the charter company's insolvency cover. This can now also be taken out independently of travel cancellation insurance - ideal for anyone who has covered the cancellation risk with a credit card, for example, but would like to protect themselves against financial losses due to the possible insolvency of the charter company.
Legal protection if the charter yacht has defects or safety equipment is missing
A premium version of the legal protection insurance, which goes beyond the previous scope, is new to the range. It also includes contract and property legal protection, in particular for disputes relating to the charter contract. Insured persons enjoy legal protection if, for example, the chartered yacht is not in the agreed condition, essential equipment such as life jackets are missing or the charter company refuses to rectify existing defects or provide a replacement.
What charter sailors should know:
The specialist broker has also improved its skipper liability insurance and now offers charter customers year-round insurance cover at no additional cost. Instead of the previous time limit of six weeks per year, the policy is now valid for 365 days. In addition to the time extension, the scope of benefits has also been significantly expanded. Towing and recovery costs of up to 25,000 euros are insured if the charter company's hull insurance does not apply. And if the yacht is returned late due to damage caused by the crew, the insurance covers hotel and travel costs of up to 1,000 euros.
Charter cancellation costs: insured loss amount extended, deductible cancelled
A further advantage is the increase in the sum insured for claimed charter cancellation costs to 35,000 euros. At the same time, the customary deductible of three days is no longer applicable. This is a unique selling point in the market, emphasises the Hamburg yacht insurance company.
Insured persons will also benefit in the event of property damage among co-insured persons: the deductible of 150 euros will be cancelled. In the event of damage to the yacht due to gross negligence, the excess is reduced from 2,500 euros to 1,300 euros.
The Hamburg Yacht Insurance Schomacker has been offering insurance solutions in the water sports and private sectors for more than 50 years. The specialist broker has been part of the HBC Group since this year.
