What is your liability in case of damage to a rented boat?

Liability for a claim and compensation depends on the type of rental (with or without a skipper) and the situation (damage alone or involving a third party).

Who is responsible?

Without a skipper (bareboat): you are the skipper and responsible for the boat, navigation, and any damage.

With a skipper:

• The skipper is responsible for damage related to navigation.
• You remain responsible for other types of damage (interior, equipment, kitchen, sanitary facilities, etc.) if they are caused by you.

Damage to the boat (no third party)

• The security deposit is used to compensate the owner.

• If it is not sufficient:
  • The owner may involve their boat insurance.
  • The deposit may cover the remaining costs (deductible and non-covered expenses).

Accident involving another boat

• The boats’ insurance policies handle the claim.

• An assessment determines each skipper’s share of responsibility.
• Each insurance compensates according to this distribution.
• Your civil liability may be engaged depending on the circumstances.

The deposit may also be used for:

• damage not covered by insurance,
• or damage unrelated to the accident.

Mandatory insurance on Samboat

All boats listed on Samboat must be covered by insurance suitable for rental activity (we verify insurance when validating a listing, but the owner remains responsible for the authenticity and validity of their coverage).

Key takeaways

• You are always considered the skipper, with or without a skipper on board (shared responsibilities).

• The deposit is used first to cover damages.
• Insurance intervenes in major claims or when a third party is involved.
• Responsibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.