Frequently asked questions

In Switzerland, boat liability insurance is required by law for motorboats and sailing boats with a sail area of more than 15m². There is no obligation for smaller boats (under 2.5m) without an engine, but insurance is strongly recommended to protect your boat against damage. Many marinas and moorings also require proof of liability insurance, particularly to cover damage or injury that may be caused to third parties. Boat insurance therefore not only protects your financial investment, but also ensures that you comply with local regulations and requirements.

If you have sold your boat, please inform us immediately by sending us a purchase agreement or transfer certificate by post or by email. Your policies will then be cancelled and settled upon transfer of ownership.

The policies are valid for one year in each case and are extended automatically by one year at a time unless terminated by email or in writing three months prior to expiry of the relevant period.

The cost of boat insurance in Switzerland can vary greatly. Premiums are based on various risk factors, such as the owner's experience, the type, size and age of the boat, as well as its use, mooring location and sailing area. The estimated costs of settling claims also influence the premium. For an accurate quote that takes your individual needs into account, please feel free to contact us – we will be happy to help.

Boat insurance generally protects against a range of risks:

• Self-protection of the boat: Covers damage to your own boat, for example due to collisions, grounding, theft or other unforeseen events.
• Third-party liability: Covers costs if you cause damage to third parties, whether to persons or property.
• Additional cover: Optional extras such as accident insurance for people on board or legal protection can be included.
• Exclusions: The exact benefits vary depending on the policy. Be sure to check the terms and conditions, e.g. exclusions for wear and tear, improper maintenance or personal negligence.

Yes, boat insurance can be adjusted even after the contract has been signed. Changes in the use of the boat, its value or other factors may require the policy to be updated. It is important to notify your insurer of any changes so that the insurance cover continues to meet your current needs and the boat is adequately protected.

Trailers and bearing blocks that permanently belong to the boat are automatically co-insured under the hull insurance.

Damage during launching and hauling out, loading and unloading, and during all land, river and ferry transport within Europe is insured, provided that an insured event has occurred. This is subject to the condition that both the watercraft and the means of transport are suitable for this purpose and that the watercraft is loaded and secured in the proper manner.

Pantaenius hull insurance also covers friends and family, so it is fine to lend your boat on a non-commercial basis.

If you would like to change the bank details we have on file for you, please notify us by telephone or email. We will then send you a new SEPA direct debit mandate to complete and return to us.

If you think that your agreed sum insured is no longer adequate or would like to reduce it, please get in touch with our customer service team. You will then receive a new quote from us and can have the adjusted sum insured included in your policy as an addendum.

Salvage and wreck removal costs are covered without any cap or deductible.

Winter storage and the land and river transport of your yacht are covered, as are slipway and crane procedures and shipyard and repair stays.

Pantaenius does not stipulate any requirements with regard to lying down your mast in the winter. However, we cannot provide a general answer regarding whether or not your winter storage operator will allow yachts to be stored with their mast raised. When raising and lowering the mast, this is a valuable opportunity to check the mast, shrouds and other parts for damage. It is not possible to perform these checks when the mast is standing.

Occasionally leaving the cruising area is included in the insurance, but must be reported immediately.

The agreed fixed value is the fixed sum insured for your yacht as agreed between you and Pantaenius. In the event of a total loss, you will receive this sum without any deductions, meaning that you are then able to buy a new boat of equal value. Unlike many of our competitors, this sum insured cannot be disputed in the event of a total loss because it relates to a replacement value.

We generally recommend an annual visual inspection. This can be performed by a specialist or you can do it yourself. However, the rigging should be checked by a specialist at least every 4–5 years. A complete overhaul should also be performed every 8–10 years, with any worn parts replaced. However, the intervals at which inspections and replacements are required always depend on the nature and duration of use of your yacht. If you have any doubts about the condition of your standing and running rigging or are looking for a suitable specialist, we will be happy to provide you with the details of contacts who can assist.

Pantaenius does not generally specify maintenance intervals. However, to ensure that the insurance cover of your yacht is not jeopardised, we recommend that you adhere to the maintenance intervals stipulated by the manufacturer.