What insurance is needed for a yacht charter in Croatia and Greece?

What Insurance Is Needed for a Yacht Charter in Croatia and Greece?

Overview: Understanding Yacht Charter Insurance

Securing the appropriate insurance is just as important for organising a yacht hire in Greece or Croatia as selecting the perfect vessel.

Recognising Insurance for Yacht Charter

The Significance of Insurance in Yacht Charters

In addition to safeguarding your financial investment, insurance for yacht charters also guarantees piece of mind while out on the ocean. It covers a range of risks, like as damage to the yacht, accident liability, and other unanticipated events that can affect your vacation.

Different Insurance Coverage Types

Hull Liability

This is the most fundamental kind of insurance; it covers damage to the yacht from weather, fire, collision, and other sources. It is necessary to protect your financial liability in the event that major repairs are required.

Insurance for Liability

Liability insurance guards against third-party claims for physical harm or property damage the yacht causes while it is being rented out. This is essential if you want to defend yourself from future legal action.

Important Terms and Conditions for Insurance

Selecting the appropriate insurance policy for your yacht charter requires that you comprehend the terms and coverage limitations.

Allowances for Deductions

The amount you have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance pays the remaining balance is referred to as your deductible. Higher premiums are usually associated with lower deductibles, but in the event of a claim, there is less financial strain.

Not Included

Exclusions are situations in which coverage is not offered and are present in the majority of boat insurance contracts. Typical exclusions could be things like intentional misconduct, damage from normal wear and use, or illegal activity.

Policies for Agreed Value and Valuation

Policies for insurance are either based on agreed value, which does not account for depreciation, or actual cash value, which does. For yacht charters, agreed value insurance are better since they guarantee that, in the event of a total loss, you will recover the entire covered sum (without depreciation).

Selecting the Appropriate Insurance Company

It is essential to choose an insurance company that specialises in yacht charters in particular areas, such as Croatia and Greece. Based on regional regulations and any dangers, they can provide customised advise.

Comparing Phrases

To locate the greatest coverage options and prices, it is advisable to compare quotes from several insurance providers. To ensure you make an informed choice, make sure you compare comparable coverage terms.

Examining Ratings for Insurers

Verify the insurance provider’s financial standing and customer satisfaction scores. High-rated businesses are more likely to offer dependable coverage and effective claims handling.

Respect for Local Insurance Laws in Greece and Croatia

Following local insurance laws is essential when renting a boat in Croatia and Greece in order to guarantee safe sailing and sufficient insurance coverage against potential claims.

Croatian Insurance Requirements

Mandatory Policies

It is legally required in Croatia for yacht charter insurance to include third-party liability coverage. Any harm or damage the yacht causes to other people is covered by this coverage. Furthermore, before granting access, the majority of marinas in Croatia will need documentation of this insurance.

Requirements for Chartering

In Croatia, a valid boating licence and a VHF radio operator’s permission are prerequisites for renting a sailboat. It is vital to confirm that the insurance coverage satisfies the prerequisites specified by the sort of charter licence you possess.

Greece’s Insurance Requirements

Particular Rules for Greek Waters

Like Croatia, Greece requires all chartered yachts to have third-party liability insurance. Considering how well-liked Greece is as a sailing destination, extra protection against piracy and theft is also advised.

Essential Records

In Greece, charterers are required to present both their sailing qualifications and proof of insurance. In the event that one wishes to sail outside of Greek territorial waters, these include a valid sailing licence accepted by the Greek Port Authorities and a qualification certificate for international waterways.

Choosing Insurance for Various Yacht Types

The kinds of yachts that can be chartered include sailing yacht in Greece and motor yachts. The terms and coverage limits of insurance plans vary accordingly. Compared to sailing yachts, motor yachts are frequently more costly and faster, hence their liability limits may be higher.

Recognising Typical Coverages for Yacht Insurance

Selecting the ideal policy for your needs might be made easier if you are aware of the common forms of insurance coverage.

Waiver of Collision Damage

The charter firm may offer a Collision Damage Waiver (also known as CDW), which lowers your financial responsibility in the event that an accident damages the boat. There is usually a non-waivable deductible associated with this waiver, which is the highest amount you would have to pay out of pocket.

Protection Against Loss and Damage

This coverage guards against theft or damage to the sails, engines, and interior fittings of the yacht. If you intend to sail in uncharted waters, where there is a greater chance of underwater damage or equipment failure, this is vital.

Individual Accident Protection

All passengers’ personal accident insurance can be added for complete coverage. For piece of mind while travelling across the ocean, this insurance is strongly advised since it offers monetary compensation in the event of accidents or fatalities.

Extra Choices for Coverage

If you’re looking for a comprehensive insurance plan, think about adding on extras like weather insurance, which protects your investment in case you have to cancel your vacation for approved reasons, and charter cancellation insurance, which covers cancellation due to unanticipated weather.

Obtaining and Managing Insurance for Yacht Charters

The last step is to secure your insurance and manage it during your yacht charter after you have a clear understanding of the required insurance kinds and local laws. This section offers helpful guidance on completing insurance agreements and managing possible claims.

Securing Complete Insurance Protection

Selecting a Broker for Insurance

Choosing an experienced insurance broker with a focus on marine insurance might make things easier. An expert broker can assist in navigating the intricacies of boat insurance, guaranteeing that your coverage satisfies your particular needs as well as the requirements of the law when sailing in Greece and Croatia.

Examining Specific Policy Information

Examine all policy details carefully before signing any insurance contract. Make sure you comprehend all of the terms, including any deductibles and exclusions, and that the coverage amounts are sufficient to cover any losses. In the event of a claim, this review will help to avoid surprises.

The Best Ways to Handle Insurance While on Board

Records and Documentation

A copy of all insurance documentation should always be kept on board the yacht. This is crucial for quick reference in an emergency as well as for regulatory compliance. Keep thorough logs and records of all incidences, including damage and accidents, that may have an impact on your insurance claims.

Continual Updates

Notify your insurance company right once if you decide to change the number of passengers or your sailing route. Modifications may impact the conditions of your policy, and neglecting to disclose them may cause problems should you ever need to make a claim.

Managing Insurance Claims

Quick Moves

In the event of an occurrence, get in touch with your insurance company very away. The claims procedure can be accelerated and additional issues can be avoided with prompt reporting. Make sure you adhere to all the instructions about the documentation your insurance provides you, which usually include photos of the damage and reports from the police or maritime authorities.

Using Adjusters in Work

An adjuster is frequently dispatched by insurance companies to evaluate the damage and calculate the amount of compensation. To guarantee that your claim is handled quickly and effectively, cooperate largely with the adjuster and give all information required as soon as possible.

Dispute Settlement

Try to settle the matter through the company’s internal dispute resolution procedure first if you disagree with the insurance company’s claims determination. If it doesn’t help, think about getting legal counsel or using mediation to settle the dispute.

Conclusion: Ensuring a Smooth Sailing Experience

Sailing on the stunning waters of Croatia and Greece may be made worry-free while safeguarding your financial investment with the correct insurance and excellent management techniques. Having the right insurance gives you peace of mind and protection against unforeseen circumstances, letting you enjoy the pleasures of boating.

Related reading

Planning your trip? Explore our destinations or check our charter FAQ and request a personalized quote for your dates.

Other guides you might find useful:

• Do I need a sailing license to rent a yacht in Croatia or Greece?
• What is the best time to charter a yacht in Croatia and Greece?
• Why are Croatia and Greece popular yacht charter destinations in Europe?

Mediterranean weeks reward shore-side detours — a bottle of Pošip with peka in a Hvar konoba, fresh seafood and Assyrtiko on a Cyclades terrace, or a quick stop in a Sardinian trattoria before the Mistral builds. Each coastline carries its own taste.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a yacht charter on Europe Yachts?

Choose your dates and destination, browse our fleet, and use request a quote to lock in pricing. Our team confirms availability with the agency and emails the booking summary within 24 hours.

Do I need a sailing license?

For most bareboat charters in the Mediterranean you need a recognised skipper certificate (RYA Day Skipper, ICC, or equivalent) plus a VHF licence. If you don’t hold one, we book a professional skipper alongside the boat for the week.

What’s included in the price?

The base charter fee covers the boat, standard equipment, insurance, and final cleaning fee in most cases. Extras such as fuel, port fees, transit log, tourist tax and skipper service are billed separately and explained in the booking summary.

How far in advance should I book?

For peak weeks (mid-July to late August) we recommend booking 6–9 months ahead to lock in the boat and the early-bird discount. Shoulder seasons (May, June, September) usually have availability up to a month before departure.

About this guide

This guide was prepared by the Europe Yachts Charter editorial team — a group of charter brokers and sailors who have been organizing yacht charters in the Mediterranean since 2007. Every itinerary, marina, and pricing range described here reflects current first-hand fleet experience and direct partnership with licensed charter agencies. Last reviewed: May 2026.

If a detail looks out of date, write us at www.europe-yachts.com/contact — we update guides quarterly.