How does the deposit work?

The deposit is used to pay for any damage to the boat, the excess on the owner's insurance or any loss suffered by the owner. The amount is freely determined by the owner.

The deposit can be managed directly by the owner or via SamBoat.

Via SamBoat
48 hours before the start of the rental period, you will be invited to deposit the security deposit on the website. A pre-authorisation of the amount of the deposit will be made on your bank card, allowing you to check the funds. Depending on your bank, this pre-authorisation may appear as a debit on your bank statement. 

Except in the event of a declared claim, our platform does not take this amount at any time. It may be temporarily blocked until the imprint is cancelled.

The deposit will only be deducted in the event of damage, loss, theft of the boat, delay or non-compliance with the rental contract. To cover the cost of calling in the deposit, SamBoat deducts 5% of the amount debited, with a minimum of €100.

When the deposit is made, some banks check the funds in your bank account. This may result in a notification from your bank. This amount is not deducted from your account.

By taking out the deposit buy-back option, you can reduce the amount of the pre-authorisation. 

Please note, however, that in the event of damage, you will still be liable for the full amount of the deposit indicated on the rental contract. 

If no damage is reported on the website, the bank imprint will be cancelled within forty-eight hours of the boat being returned.

NB: The owner is entitled to ask you for an additional deposit by cheque at the time of hire. This additional amount must appear on the rental contract.

Direct hire
The owner may ask you to pay a deposit by cheque, cash or credit card.

CAUTION: Never pay a deposit before you have seen the boat and the owner!
 

For peace of mind when sailing, you can take out our deposit buy-back insurance when you pay for the charter.