Ferry insurance – the travel insurance for ferry travel and ferry trips

Ferries, with their narrow entrances and parking decks, quickly prove to be a real challenge for travelers with motor vehicles, caravans and boats. It is not uncommon for the combination of confinement, time pressure and adverse weather conditions to cause damage to vehicles. In the event of damage, injured parties are confronted with problems such as conditions of carriage, legal issues and liability claims, which in the worst case have to be asserted in the local language. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to think about taking out ferry insurance, sometimes called travel insurance.

What is the purpose of ferry insurance/travel insurance?

Special ferry insurance covers theft of and damage to vehicles, trailers and camping vehicles, both during transport and during loading and unloading. Travel insurance also covers the complete loss of a vehicle, for example if the Ferries sinks, collides or loses part of its cargo in a storm.

What does travel insurance cover from?

In the event of damage, travel insurance will reimburse the full cost of the repair. In the event of theft, loss of parts or complete loss, you will receive the replacement value. This corresponds to the value you would have to spend to purchase an equivalent used vehicle or equivalent parts.

What does travel insurance not cover from?

Ferry insurance does not cover any consequential costs. If you can no longer use your car for your onward journey, you will have to pay any hotel accommodation costs and car rental fees yourself.

Does travel insurance make sense for the Ferries?

Travel insurance for ferry crossings makes sense if neither the shipping company’s conditions of carriage nor the tariff of your car insurance adequately cover any damage that may occur. You must determine this in each individual case at or before your booking in the conditions of carriage of the shipping company or your vehicle insurance.

Is the trip by Ferries covered?

There is no statutory strict liability on Ferries – this means that there is no general insurance cover for vehicles. Where conditions of carriage and insurance rates do not provide adequate protection, ferry insurance comes into play. They cover damage that occurs during loading and unloading or during the crossing. Their conclusion must be made before the start of the trip for each vehicle and each route. Please note that insurance cover only begins on the ship’s ramp and that you must always follow the instructions of the crew.

Overview of the advantages of travel insurance

The benefits of travel insurance include:

• Reimbursement of restoration or replacement costs in the event of damage to the vehicle, theft and loss.
• Guaranteed insurance cover regardless of restrictions due to conditions of carriage and tariff models
• the claim to a German company, without problems like foreign law or liability claims in the local language

Which insurers offer travel insurance

All major insurers such as ADAC, Allianz Travel, Ergo, Europe Assistance, HanseMerkur, Hepster and Signal Iduna offer travel insurance for cars, trailers and motorhomes.

Europ Assistance Travel Insurance

Premium travel insurance from Europ Assistance offers comprehensive cover for travel. The advantages are:

• Cancellation and curtailment cover: reimbursement of cancellation costs and additional costs if the trip ends prematurely.
• International health insurance: coverage of treatment costs, repatriation and medical advice by telephone/video.
• Luggage protection: reimbursement in the event of loss, theft or damage.
• Pandemic protection: coverage also for COVID-19.
• Teleconsultation: Medical advice by telephone or video.
• 24-hour emergency telephone: Travel medical advice and assistance.

This insurance offers all-round protection and has received several awards from Stiftung Warentest.

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Allianz travel insurances

Allianz travel insurance is an important protection for you when you go on vacation. It offers you financial protection in the event of unforeseen events such as illness, accident or trip interruption. With Allianz travel insurance, you can be sure that you are covered in an emergency and will not incur any additional costs. This means you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind and concentrate on the wonderful experiences.

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Ergo travel health insurance

Ergo travel insurance offers cover for unforeseen events during a trip, such as illness, accident or trip interruption. It can be taken out for both private individuals and business travelers and includes benefits such as repatriation, trip interruption and baggage insurance.

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Hepster travel insurance

Are you planning a trip and want the best possible cover? Then Hepster travel insurance is just right for you. It offers you comprehensive protection against unforeseen events during your trip, such as illness, accidents or trip interruption. You can also take out luggage and travel money insurance. With Hepster travel insurance you can start your vacation without worries.

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HanseMerkur Ferry Insurance

HanseMerkur ferry insurance is a special form of travel insurance that covers risks associated with ferry travel. It offers insurance cover for accidents on board, as well as damage to luggage and compensation in the event of trip interruption or postponement.

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What is the difference between travel insurance and travel cancellation insurance?

Special travel insurance for Ferries covers damage to vehicles and trailers that occurs during embarkation and disembarkation and during the crossing. Travel cancellation insurance, on the other hand, covers cancellation costs in the event of job loss, accident, trip interruption, illness or death.

Ferry insurance conclusion

Shipping companies often have limited liability for damage to vehicles. Whether your insurance will then cover any damage incurred depends from the respective tariff model. For this reason, it is advisable to check the terms and conditions of the shipping company and your current insurance cover in good time before setting off on your trip and, if you do not have sufficient cover, to take out appropriate travel insurance.