FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

• What happens to my contract in case I sell the boat?

  In this case, please notify us immediately of the sale of the boat and send us the purchase agreement or the handover report. We will then settle your contracts up to the date of transfer of ownership and cancel your insurance coverage.

• Can the new buyer of my boat keep the contracts in case of a sale?

  Yes, we can arrange for you and the buyer of your boat to take over your contracts. If you have yacht hull insurance, we will provide the buyer with insurance coverage as provisional cover for a period of one month from the transfer of ownership. For your hull insurance, the purchase price stated in the purchase agreement is used to calculate the insurance premium, up to a maximum of the previous sum insured (fixed value). The buyer then receives an insurance proposal from us and can thus obtain adjusted insurance coverage.

• Sometimes time is of the essence – Can I receive a preliminary coverage from you?

  We can of course confirm temporary cover for a limited period if there is not enough time to process an application. Please contact our underwriting department, who will deal with your request immediately.

• Is my trailer also insured?

  Tax-exempt sports trailers with green license plates are automatically covered by the motor vehicle towing them. If the trailer is not attached to a vehicle and causes damage to third parties, the owner of the trailer is personally liable. These trailers can be included in yacht liability insurance for an additional premium. To have sufficient coverage in the event of a total loss of the boat and trailer, a separate, additional sum insured should be specified for the trailer. If you want to register a trailer that requires insurance, you will need an EVB number. This is issued by your motor vehicle insurer.

• Does my insurance still cover claims if I lend my boat to friends and acquaintances?

  Yes, lending the boat to friends and acquaintances free of charge is also covered, as this does not constitute commercial use. The insurance cover is generally based on private use. The liability insurance policy takena out with us covers the policyholder, the owner, the captain, crew members, and any person on board with the consent of the policyholder or owner. This also applies to the use of dinghies or the practice of water sports, as long as this is in connection with the use of the yacht.

• What notice periods for contract termination must I keep in mind?

  The contracts are valid for one year and are automatically renewed for another year unless they are terminated in writing at least three months before expiry.

• What should I do if the number of owners of the joint ownership changes?

  If one or more owners leave the joint ownership, this must be communicated to HKVA in writing and signed by all owners involved. The contract will then be amended accordingly. The signature of one person with principal responsibility is sufficient if you have named this person in your contract.

• Are salvage and wreck removal costs covered by liability insurance?

  Usually, salvage and wreck removal costs are covered by hull insurance. Only in very rare cases can the salvage of a wreck be covered by liability insurance as a third-party claim.

• My boat is stored on land during the winter. Can I limit my coverage?

  Unfortunately, it is not possible to limit coverage during winter storage. Even if your boat is in storage, you as the yacht owner can still be held liable for any damage that occurs. Your existing personal liability insurance does not cover this damage.

• Is winter storage covered by the insurance?

  Yes, liability risks are covered during winter storage and on the way to and from storage.

• Can I suspend my contracts for a season?

  In order to do so, you would need to cancel the policy.

• Will moving abroad affect my contracts?

  In this case, please notify us of your move immediately. Depending on the regulations in your new country of residence, there may be amendments to your contract.

• What is the difference between liability insurance and skipper liability insurance?

  Yacht liability insurance is coverage that applies to the vessel itself. It protects the captain, owner, and crew against third-party liability claims arising from the use of the yacht. Skipper liability insurance is personal coverage that protects the skipper when using a rented or chartered boat against third-party claims if the vessel's own liability insurance does not apply or is not available.

• Are there different sailing areas? Can I exceed my sailing area?

  IWater sports liability insurance provides worldwide coverage. For your hull insurance, a sailing area is agreed in the contract.

• How can I get a quote as quickly as possible?

  All you need is some information about the boat you wish to insure as well as its usage. Please visit our website www.hkva.de and fill out the application form. Within a few hours, you will receive a customized insurance proposal, the corresponding questionnaire, and further information via email. Please try to provide as much detail as possible so that we can offer you the best possible insurance coverage. You are also welcome to use our assessment form, which can be downloaded from our homepage. For older yachts (25 years or older) in particular, photos of the condition of the boat may be necessary to obtain a quote. Please also refer to the purchase agreement, invoices, and/or expert reports, if applicable.

• When does the insurance cover commence, and is it possible to request retroactive coverage?

  Generally, insurance coverage begins at the earliest on the date of receipt of the application by mail, fax, or email - following positive review. This requires a duly completed and signed boat insurance application.

• Is it possible to temporarily suspend boat insurance free of charge?

  No, because even if your boat is in a marina or in winter storage, it is still exposed to risks that are covered by insurance. Our wide range of yacht and boat insurance products covers all risks (e.g., theft, fire, or storm damage).

• Do I have to cancel my boat insurance when I sell my boat, or is it automatically annulled?

  Unlike with motor vehicle insurance, there is no automatic notification of deregistrations, registrations, and re-registrations to the insurer by an official authority. For this reason, you must notify us of the sale in writing immediately and send us a copy of the sales contract. The reason is, according to the law, that boat hull insurance is transferred to the purchaser of the boat. Only the insurer and the buyer of your boat are granted the right of termination under the Insurance Contract Act (VVG). Your boat liability insurance expires upon sale and is not transferred to the buyer.

• How can I change my bank details?

  To change your bank details provided to us, please contact us by phone or email.

• How do we ensure that you are assisted as quickly as possible in the event of damage?

  You can find our emergency numbers on our website – www.hkva.de. Our claims hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This enables us to provide you with immediate and best possible support in organizational matters and assist you in initiating the necessary steps for settling your claim.

Do you want to protect yourself against financial pitfalls?

Do you want to protect yourself against financial pitfalls?

Contact us:

Contact us:

More Products

You may be interested in these products: