The Hamburg yacht insurance broker gives its customers additional coverage in addition to their existing boat liability and hull insurance policies. It is about the financial consequences that can arise in connection with a rescue operation at sea and that are not covered by any other insurance.
Dieter Goebbels, managing director of Wehring & Wolfes, wants more security for his customers. "In the future, we would like to put people at the center of our efforts," he emphasized in a conversation with YACHT. You even benefit twice from the SOS protection. "Regardless of whether one of our customers has to be rescued or becomes a rescuer even in an emergency at sea, they can rely on our performance," says Goebbels.
And that's what it's about: There is often uncertainty about how rescue costs would actually be treated within yacht insurance. It is clear that a yacht hull policy covers damage to the boat. "In addition, W&W now also insures expenses that have not been automatically covered in the event of a distress at sea," says Goebbels.
As an example, he cites the additional catering expenses for the rescued until they are delivered to the next port. Under certain circumstances, additional berthing costs or fees from the authorities could also be claimed, as well as a possibly increased fuel consumption. Or financial losses because you had to accept loss of earnings or interrupt your own voyage as a result of the rescue operation.
The aim of the additional insurance is to give the sailors the feeling that in an emergency they will not be left alone and that they will end up at whatever expense - whether as a rescuer or rescuer. In both cases - I help myself or I am helped - a maximum amount of 10,000 euros per claim applies. A possibly agreed deductible from a liability or comprehensive contract does not play a role. The protection is completely free for customers.
"It is also very important that the protection is no-fault and is granted as soon as no other insurance covers the costs," adds Goebbels.
Contact and information at www.wehring-wolfes.de