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Boat Insurance

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Manage Your Boat Insurance Policy

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Existing boat policyholder?

Get a boat insurance policy to protect your investment.

Boat insurance is crucial for protecting your investment, whether you're navigating lakes, rivers, or ocean waters across the United States. With GEICO for your boat and BoatUS–the nation's largest group of recreational boat owners–you're backed by a partnership with over 50 years of experience in making boating safer and more enjoyable.

Whether you're looking to start a new policy or find savings on an existing one, we're here to make boating better. Get started with a free boat insurance quote today and benefit from competitive rates without compromising on service. Protect your peace of mind and enjoy the waters with confidence, knowing that you have reliable coverage from names you can trust.

Why do you need boat insurance?

A boat insurance policy helps protect you and your boat. If you don't have a separate boat insurance policy, you're probably underinsured. This could mean paying a lot out of pocket for accidents outside your control. Many homeowners policies cover minor boating risks but don't cover your needs sufficiently due to:

  • Size restrictions
  • Limitations on horsepower
  • Limits on damage coverage

Boat insurance can provide coverage for:

  • Damage to your boat including hull, sails, equipment, and more.
  • Fuel spill liability
  • Liability to pay for damages and injuries you cause if you hit another boat, person, or dock
  • Medical coverage for you and persons in your boat.
  • Wreckage removal

Check out our "boating insurance explained" video for more reasons why boat insurance is a smart idea.

What types of watercrafts are covered by boat insurance?

All boats aren't the same. You need to customize your boat insurance to meet your needs and provide your watercraft with the proper coverage. Here is a list of the most common types of watercrafts.

  • Pontoon boats are one of the most popular inland water boats. They are a flattish boat that rely on floats to remain buoyant. Their wide and spacious area is great for many passengers to enjoy the ride.
  • Personal watercraft (PWC) are powered by a water jet pump and the rider generally sits, stands, or kneels on it. There are many types of PWCs which include WaveRunners, Sea-Doos and more.
  • Fishing and bass boats are designed and equipped for fishing. Most are powered by an outboard motor and are equipped with power poles, trolling motors, etc.
  • Powerboats are the most popular type of boat used for cruising, watersports, and so much more.
  • Sailboats are propelled partly or entirely by sails.

If you don't see your watercraft listed and are looking for more information on different types of boats and insurance for boats, check out our boat FAQ page .

What does boat insurance cover?

Understanding the different types of boat insurance coverage is crucial for ensuring your watercraft and your finances are protected against on-water incidents. At GEICO, we offer a variety of coverage options to suit every boater's needs, including:

Liability Coverage

Essential for all boat owners, liability insurance covers damages and injuries to others if you're at fault in an accident. This includes costs associated with injuries, property damage, and legal fees.

Hull and Equipment Coverage

Hull and Equipment Coverage protects your boat if it collides with another vessel or object. It also covers non-collision-related damages to your boat, such as those from fire, theft, or storms.

24/7 Boat Towing*

Boat towing coverage assists with towing costs and provides emergency services if your boat breaks down or you get stranded, so you can have peace of mind on the water.

Each type of coverage provides specific protections, allowing you to customize your policy according to your boating lifestyle and the risks you might encounter. Whether you're a casual weekend sailor or a dedicated marine enthusiast, understanding and selecting the right boat insurance coverages can make all the difference. Choose the boat insurance coverage that best fits your needs and sail with confidence knowing that GEICO has you covered.

How much does boat insurance cost?

Boat insurance is based on the type of boat, length, number of engines and horsepower, how you use it (recreation, charter, racing, etc.), and how and where it will be stored. All of these factors, including the experience and claims record of the owner/primary operator will factor into the cost of boat insurance.

Boost Your Savings With our Boat Insurance Discounts

GEICO offers several boat insurance discounts to help make coverage more affordable for boat owners. Some discounts include:

Multi-Policy Discounts

Save on boat insurance by bundling it with your GEICO Auto or additional GEICO Marine policy.

Boat Safety Courses

Discounts are available for boaters who have completed an approved boating safety course such as State Certified Safety , American Sailing Association Course , U.S. Power Squadrons , Charter Boat Captain's License, and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary .

Full-Pay Discount

Paying your policy in full upfront instead of in installments can lead to savings.

It's always a good idea to speak directly with a GEICO representative for the most current information regarding discounts and how you might be able to apply them to your policy.

Secure Your Boat Insurance Today

Don't wait until it's too late to think about protecting your boat. At GEICO, we offer tailored boat insurance policies designed to meet the unique needs of every boater.

Take action now! Get a free, no-obligation quote today, or speak directly with one of our specialists. They're available to answer your questions and guide you through your policy options, ensuring you have the perfect coverage for your boating lifestyle.

Call Us: (855) 395-1412

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Boat Insurance FAQ

  • Is boat insurance required? Boat insurance liability coverage is only mandated in a few states, so always check insurance requirements for the state you're boating in. Physical damage coverage is required by your lender if you're financing your boat or watercraft. If you keep your boat at a marina, the marina may require you to have liability coverage.
  • Liability to pay for damages and injuries you cause if you accidentally hit another boat, person, or dock

There are some types of watercrafts that are not eligible for a GEICO boat policy including but not limited to:

  • Airboats, amphibious land boats or hovercraft
  • Boat with more than 4 owners
  • Boats over 50 feet in length
  • Boats over 40 years old
  • Boats valued over $2,500,000
  • Floating homes
  • Homemade boats
  • Houseboats that do not have motors
  • Steel hulls
  • Wooden hulls
  • Watercraft previously deemed a constructive total loss
  • Does boat insurance cover theft? Our Agreed Hull Value, and Actual Cash Value policies protect against damage to your watercraft from incidents out of your control, including theft.
  • How do I make a payment or manage my boat insurance policy? Managing your boat insurance policy and making payments is easy in the BoatUS app. You can also manage your policy or make payments online , or by calling (800) 283-2883 .
  • How do I report a claim on my boat insurance policy? You can report your claim through the BoatUS app. Claims can also be reported online , or by calling (800) 937-1937 .

GEICO has teamed up with its subsidiary, BoatUS, to bring boaters a policy developed by specialists, with the great service you expect from GEICO. Policies are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. BoatUS—Boat Owner's Association of The United States—is the nation's largest association for recreational boaters providing service, savings and representation for over 50 years.

The above is meant as general information and as general policy descriptions to help you understand the different types of coverages. These descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. We encourage you to speak to your insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available for all customers, in all states, or in all locations.

*Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. The TowBoatU.S. Towing Coverage Endorsement is offered by GEICO Marine Insurance Company, with towing services provided by the BoatU.S. Towing Program. Towing coverage only applies to the insured watercraft.

Yacht Insurance

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The Differences between Boat & Yacht Insurance

When you look at a boat insurance policy, you'll notice the language is unlike your typical homeowner's or auto policy. What you may not know is that vessel insurance can even vary from policy to policy, depending on a variety of factors.

Yachts are classified as vessels 27 feet or more in length, while boats are 26 feet or less. No matter what type of vessel you have, when it comes to the type of policy, seek out Agreed Value. Agreed Value policies are cover all damages, except for sails, outboard motors, canvas covers, cushions or other specified items. They do not reflect depreciation or market value, which means you will get a greater settlement in the event of a claim. Other policies such as Actual Cash Value may be cheaper, but they also factor in depreciation and market value and will subtract that from your payout.

Also, when it comes to navigation limit, boat and yacht insurance policies can vary due to different exposures. For example, a boat policy typically includes unlimited overland transportation on a trailer, while a larger yacht policy would restrict overland trailering to only several hundred miles.

Deductible amounts can also differ. A yacht policy can offer deductibles of up to 3 percent for any hull damage. However, deductibles for a total loss, marine electronics loss or a windstorm loss can vary depending on your particular policy. By contrast, a boat policy offers a flat deductible, typically of $250, $500 or $1,000.

Because yachts inherently incur more risk due to their size and navigation, the liability feature of yacht insurance provides broad coverage designed to shield you from the effects of the maritime law. Your coverage is much broader than with a typical watercraft liability policy, and offers protection to permissive users, captain and crew liabilities, along with the Jones Act, a federal law that allows a seaman who gets injured on the job to bring a suit for damages against his or her employer.

Besides, yacht insurance addresses salvage to a damaged yacht, legal liability to remove a sunken wreck and uninsured boater coverages. In a typical boat policy, only general liability protection is included. For example, if your boat sinks in the Great Lakes or any of its tributaries, the U.S. Coast Guard says it must be raised. There will be salvage costs, fuel clean-up - and you'll have to pay the bill regardless of your coverage.

While most yacht policies provide salvage coverage, they do so in different ways. Some choose to limit the dollar coverage to a stated amount or percentage of the hull amount.

Another very important part of the salvage issue is wreck removal. Some companies include wreck removal under their hull coverage, which then limits its value. A true yacht policy will include it under the protection and indemnity limit, which will provide much higher limits and additional coverage.

Get Your Insurance Quote

Another difference is that in yacht policies, your legal defense is in addition to protection and indemnity limits, while boat policies offer legal defense within the limit of liability.

Yacht policies have warranties, including the seaworthiness, navigation limits territories and navigation lay-up limits. While some boat policies do not require warranties, others may incorporate them.

Many boaters consider adding their vessels to their homeowner's insurance in an attempt to reduce their costs. Although the cost is substantially less when you add a boat to a homeowner's policy, but you don't get near the coverage. In this case, the old adage still holds true - you get what you pay for. The bottom line is not the amount of your policy premium, but how much you will collect at the time of loss.

For more information on boat and yacht insurance, or to talk to an experienced agent about different coverage options, contact NBOA Marine Insurance. Representing several A+ rated carriers, their insurance specialists will be able to create a customized policy that fits your specific needs and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Call 1-800-248-3512 or start your online boat insurance quote today.

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Boat Insurance

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Policies are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Privacy Policy & Notice of Collection

If GEICO Marine is unable to offer a quote, your information may be shared with non-affiliated insurance companies, CHUBB and American Modern, so that they may provide a quote. Both of these non-affiliated insurers have sole financial responsibility for its own insurance products. By clicking “Get a Quote,” you agree that the information you provide can be shared with our business partners.

Login to My Account, the place to conduct all your BoatUS business online on one secure site, anytime, anywhere. Make a payment and manage autopay options, view your policy summary, retrieve policy documents, upload claim photos and documents, update your credit card, contact and boat information, and more!

BoatUS and GEICO have teamed up to bring boaters a great boat insurance policy at a great price. Serviced by boating experts our coverage options for boaters of all kinds can’t be beat.

Check out our policies and add-on coverage options for a custom policy you can only find here.

Agreed Hull Value

The best marine insurance protection for your boat, engine and gear. Pays you the most in the event of a claim — the agreed value when you buy the policy for total losses and parts are replaced "new for old." Available for all boat types, excluding PWC.

Actual Cash Value

This boat insurance coverage lowers your premium by paying you the current market price for your boat in the event of a total loss. Recommended for smaller boats, personal watercraft and boats without a lien holder.

Liability Only

Our lowest cost marine insurance policy providing essential liability coverage to protect your assets without the added cost of hull coverage. Includes salvage and wreck removal. Available for boats with no lien holder.

Custom Add-on Coverage Options

Provides liability coverage that may be required by a marina's dock contract.

Allows for paid passengers for the purposes of fishing, sight-seeing, or day cruises. Maximum of 6 passengers onboard plus the captain while being used for charter.

Usually excluded, this endorsement provides coverage for ice and freeze damage if you have your boat winterized by a marine professional.

Provides a guarantee for claims-related repairs made at an approved facility for as long as you own and insure the boat through BoatUS. (Available with Agreed Hull Value Coverage only.)

This endorsement lowers the deductible for claims relating to the dinghy and/or the dinghy's motor resulting from theft or damage to $100.

This endorsement lowers the deductible for claims relating to navigational electronics to $250.

Provides coverage to the lower unit of the insured outboard engine and outdrive due to mechanical breakdown which is usually excluded in the policy. Available with Agreed Hull Coverage only. Disappearing deductible does not apply. Click here for additional information.

Coverage for fishing and watersports equipment and personal items such as cell phones, tablets, stereos and clothing lost or damaged while on board or while being loaded or unloaded from the boat. For competitive anglers or water sport enthusiasts, Tournament Reimbursement fees are also covered under Personal Effects.

To ensure that you or your family do not incur large out-of-pocket expense if injured onboard, our policies also include an additional $25,000 for payments not covered by any major medical policy. This coverage is in addition to the medical payments limit you select with your policy.

Get Unlimited Towing from TowBoatUS at our lowest price - as little as $3 a month for the insured boat. Pricing varies with the length and location of your boat. Click here for additional information.

When you insure your trailer, roadside assistance while trailering your boat is included.

Unlimited Towing from TowBoatUS – the Nation’s Largest Fleet

Add Unlimited Towing to your boat policy for as little as $3 a month based on boat size and location.

Easy Payment Options

Paying your insurance premium is quick, easy and affordable with auto-pay and installment payment options. View All Payment Options

For a quote, visit our Online Application or call 800-283-2883 for personal service.

All coverage is subject to terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of the policy. Not all policy options are available in all states. Boat and PWC policies are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company with administrative offices at 5323 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22151. GEICO Marine Insurance Company is domiciled in Omaha, NE, and coverage is offered in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to boat owners with a U.S. address. View the GEICO Marine Insurance Company Privacy Policy & Notice of Collection .

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TrustedChoice.com Article

Boat icon. Senior man wearing fishing vest.

How will this quote help me?

Your quote is based on several common factors to give you a clear picture of the cost you can expect, though an independent agent can shop around and maybe even improve your rate!

NOTE:  This quote is not final, though we did work with professional actuaries to help get you a ballpark figure to get started.

Do you have to have boat insurance on a boat?

Only two states require boat insurance by law, but there are a few instances where you may need it. If you dock your boat at a marina, they may require some form of coverage in order to protect their business. Also, if you finance your boat, nearly every lender will require coverage to protect their investment; use our list of the best boat insurance companies as a starting point.

Other than that, you should always have at least liability coverage on your boat to protect yourself against lawsuit costs if you cause bodily injury or property damage to another party. Property coverage is optional, but again, the more comprehensive your coverage, the better it can protect you.

How much is boat insurance?

The cost of any boat insurance policy depends on a number of factors, including your boat's size, value, and horsepower. Boat insurance policies can range from the low hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars annually, depending on what kind of coverage you need.

Do I need to insure my boat trailer?

Insuring your boat trailer is always a safe bet. Though your boat trailer may be protected by your home or car insurance policy, you can also add coverage to your boat insurance for your trailer. It's best to talk to your independent insurance agent about your boat, the trailer, and how you use it to determine the right coverage amount.

Does boat insurance cover passengers?

If your policy includes medical payments coverage, it will cover injuries to your passengers if you get into an accident. Medical payments coverage is an important option because just one accident can cause injuries that are extremely costly to treat.

Does boat insurance cover theft?

Typically, yes. But it's important to review your specific boat insurance policy with your independent insurance agent to make sure. Every carrier and every policy is different, but the more you know about your own policy, the better it will help protect you. 

Does boat insurance cover hurricanes?

In most cases, yes, your boat will be covered against hurricane damage. But, as with any other natural disaster or unexpected event, you'll want to double-check your policy.

Does boat insurance cover engine damage?

No, boat insurance often excludes defective machinery or maintenance costs. Wear and tear is a natural outcome of use and not covered by your policy.

What is the cost difference in insuring different kinds of boats?

The size and value of your boat are two of the most impactful features on the cost of your coverage. Insurance for a $20,000 boat can cost an average of only $300 per year, while insuring a $2 million yacht can cost as much as $30,000 per year.

Does boat insurance cover me if I hit a rock?

If you have collision coverage on your boat insurance, you should be covered for the cost of repairs if you hit a rock.

Does boat insurance cover a blown engine?

In certain cases, boat insurance may cover a blown engine if the disaster was due to a listed peril. For example, ice and freeze damage to engines is typically covered. However, blown engines due to the owner's negligence are not covered.

Happy family boating. Find boat insurance.

BOAT INSURANCE

Find the perfect agent to shop multiple insurance companies on your behalf, saving you time and money.

Boat owners can experience a lot of joy and excitement brought by their watercraft, but they also have to anticipate potentially costly disasters ahead of time. Aside from accidents on the water, your boat is also vulnerable to theft, vandalism, flood damage, and more. That's what makes having boat insurance so critical.

An independent insurance agent can help protect your vessel with the right boat insurance long before you ever need to file a claim. But first, here's some boat insurance 101.

What Is Boat Insurance?

Boat insurance is designed to cover boat owners and their watercraft in case of many different disasters, including accidents, fire, and more. These policies are made to protect boats that have motors, like yachts, pontoon boats, etc., but they don't cover kayaks or canoes. Boat insurance is important because homeowners insurance doesn't provide enough coverage on its own for most watercraft.

Do You Have to Have Insurance on a Boat?

Only two states actually require boat insurance coverage , but there are a few situations where you may need it. First, if you dock your boat at a marina, they may require some form of coverage in order to protect their business. Second, if you financed your boat, nearly every lender will require coverage to protect their investment.

Further, there are certain types of boats that are more important to insure than others due to their value, risk level, and more. Here's a handy guide to whether you need boat insurance for your vessel.

Boats that need insurance: Boats that don't need insurance:
Boats that have 25 horsepower or greater Boats with less than 25 horsepower
Yachts Small engine boats
Large sailboats Small sailboats
WaveRunners Canoes
Jet boats Inexpensive boats

Most often, boat insurance is purchased for:

  • Utility boats
  • Fishing boats
  • Pontoon boats

Despite all the fun to be had with a boat, accidents and disasters can happen. The easiest way to protect yourself and others, and get you back on the lake after a situation, is with the right boat insurance.

Best Boat Insurance Companies

While many carriers offer boat insurance, it's helpful to know some of the top names in the industry before you start shopping. Here are a few of our highest-recommended boat insurance companies.

Top Boat Insurance Companies Star Rating

An independent insurance agent can help you get the right boat insurance policy for you from one of these top-rated carriers, or another that best meets your needs.

Do I Need Boat Insurance?

The only two states that require boat insurance by law are Utah and Arkansas. Boat owners in these states must have coverage for personal watercraft or for powerboats with 50 horsepower or greater. Otherwise, if you live elsewhere and your boat is designated for personal use, you're not technically required to have insurance for it. 

However, if you lease or otherwise finance your boat, you're likely to be required by your lender to carry boat insurance, and often you'll need both collision and comprehensive coverage. When docking your boat, you're often also required by the marina to have liability coverage. However, with boating accidents being so common, it's important to at least consider getting boat insurance for yourself.

Most Common Types of Boating Accidents

Most common types of boating accidents.

Notice that the top five causes of boating accidents are due to human error, such as inattention, improper lookout, alcohol use, and inexperience. Since you can't often blame the boat for an accident or other disaster, it's even more critical to ensure that your vessel is covered with the right insurance.

How Much Is Boat Insurance?

The average annual cost of boat insurance ranges from $200 to $500 depending on the type of boat you have and other factors. It also depends on which types of coverage you need, and how much coverage you need. For folks who only purchase liability coverage, you might pay less than $100 annually. 

Often, you can expect the annual cost of your boat insurance to be about 1.5% of the value of your boat. For example:

  • $20,000 boats cost about $300 annually to insure
  • $50,000 boats cost about $750 annually to insure
  • $100,000 boats cost about $1,500 annually to insure
  • $500,000 boats cost about $7,500 annually to insure
  • $2 million boats, like yachts, cost about $30,000 annually to insure
  • If you are looking for boat insurance for older boats , costs will vary significantly

The cost of your boat insurance might not be this simple to figure out, though. For more help calculating the cost of your premiums, use our boat insurance calculator or reach out to an independent insurance agent for a quote.

What Factors Influence Boat Insurance Costs?

Like any form of coverage, boat insurance costs depend on several factors, including:

The make, model, and value of your boat

Your boat's make, model, and value influence the cost of boat insurance because the more expensive your boat is to replace or repair, the more expensive your coverage must be. If your boat is valued at less than $20,000, you will pay approximately the average cost in your state. If your boat is valued above $500,000, you might pay up to 2,250% of the average cost in your state. 

Your boat's length

Boat insurance costs also depend on the length of your boat. Be prepared to pay about 66% more for your coverage if your boat is 100 feet or longer, but if your boat is less than 20 feet, you may pay 12% less than average rates in your state.

Your boating records

If you've had six or more accidents or violations within the past five years, you can expect a 90% increase in your boat insurance premiums. However, if you've had no incidents during this time, you can expect a 40% decrease in your boat insurance premiums.

Your location

Boat insurance premiums vary considerably by the state you live in. Many factors can influence insurance costs by location, including crime rates, property values, and more.

How you use your boat

Depending on the risk level of the activities you perform with or on your boat, your premiums may be higher or lower. Using a boat for towing can be riskier than using it just for fishing, so boats used for fishing would be likely to have lower boat insurance premiums.

How often you use your boat

Similar to auto insurance, how often you use your boat can also influence your boat insurance rates, because the more you use it, the more likely an accident or other disaster is to occur. For boats that only get taken out on occasion, premiums for boat insurance can be much lower than those that get used daily on the water.

An independent insurance agent can provide you with quotes for boat insurance from several carriers near you.

What Discounts on Boat Insurance Exist?

Many insurance companies offer several discounts on boat insurance to help lower the cost of your premiums. Here are just a few common boat insurance discounts:

  • Boater safety course discount: You might qualify for a discount on boat insurance if you complete a state-approved boater safety course.
  • Bundling discount: Many insurance companies offer discounts if you bundle your boat insurance with another policy through them, such as auto insurance or home insurance.
  • Paid-in-full discount: Many insurance companies lower your overall premium if you pay for your entire year's worth of coverage up-front.
  • Homeowners discount: Some insurance companies even offer discounts on your boat insurance just for being a homeowner, even if your coverage is not through the same carrier. 
  • Clean boating history discount: You're likely to be rewarded with a boat insurance discount by many carriers if you've maintained a clean, accident and violation-free boating record. 

Your independent insurance agent is a great ally in helping you find any discounts you may qualify for on boat insurance, no matter which carrier you go through.

What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

Boat insurance provides a lot of important protection, not only for your boat, but also for you, your passengers, and everyone else on the water or at the marina. Boat insurance typically includes the following primary coverages:

Types of boat coverage.

  • Personal property damage:  Provides reimbursement for your boat, trailer, and engine if they're damaged by a covered peril like vandalism, fire, etc.
  • Medical payments:  Provides reimbursement for treatment of injuries to you and your passengers who get hurt by your boat or while on your boat.
  • Property damage liability: Provides reimbursement of property damage lawsuit costs from third parties due to your boat.
  • Bodily injury liability:  Provides reimbursement for injuries to anyone who gets physically harmed by your boat.

The following coverages are commonly added to standard boat insurance:

  • Uninsured/underinsured boaters:  Covers injury expenses if the other boater is responsible but doesn’t have any, or enough, insurance to cover your expenses. 
  • Fishing equipment:  Sometimes included, you'll be reimbursed up to a certain limit, like $1,000. 
  • Water sports liability: Some policies exclude water sports from your liability coverage and some don't, but this coverage is important if you'll be doing stunts, etc.
  • Emergency assistance on the water:  Also known as boat towing insurance, coverage provides water towing and other assistance services through a maritime dispatch center. 
  • Roadside assistance for your boat and trailer:  This coverage guarantees that the towing company will take your vehicle, boat, and trailer to the nearest facility if you get stranded on the road. 

If you have questions or concerns based on your plans on the water, it's best to talk to your independent insurance agent. They can help you find and increase coverage so that it works best for you. 

Important Additional Coverages for Boats

Beyond the common coverages, it's always recommended to consider additional coverages that can help tailor the policy to your unique risks. Here are several optional boat insurance coverages worth considering:

  • Collision: Provides coverage for collisions between your watercraft and other vessels or objects. You're also covered if your boat capsizes on the water.
  • Comprehensive:  Covers other disasters beyond collision like theft, vandalism, storm damage, and more.
  • Hurricane hauling services:  Covers the cost of moving your watercraft out of the county where it's docked in case of emergency. 
  • Personal property coverage:  Personal property is usually covered under your homeowners policy, even when the boat isn't at your house. However, your deductible is often higher, so you can add personal property coverage on your boat policy to avoid a homeowners claim. 
  • Wreckage and fuel removal:  Reimburses cost to recover or destroy wreckage and fuel if you get in an accident. 
  • Replacement cost or agreed value:  Newer and more expensive boats can be insured for agreed value, which means you'll recover the full amount you paid for it, without depreciation. 
  • Pet coverage:  If you boat with a pet on board, this provides up to $1,000 towards veterinarian fees if they're injured on the boat. 

An independent insurance agent can recommend the additional boat insurance coverages that are a good match for you.

What Is Boat Rental Insurance Coverage?

Boat rental insurance is often required by boat rental companies to protect against lawsuits that may arise when you operate a rented vessel. If a third party sues you for claims of bodily injury or property damage when you're operating a rented boat and you don't have boat rental insurance, you'll have to pay out of pocket for your defense and settlement costs.

What Boat Insurance Will Pay For

Before settling on a boat insurance policy, it's important to understand just what it will reimburse you for and what it won't. Here's a breakdown for further clarification.

Boat insurance pays for: Boat insurance won't pay for:
Physical damage due to covered causes like theft, fire, etc. Maintenance costs.
Physical damage to the boat and anchors or other equipment. Machinery damage or defective equipment and boat components.
Medical expenses for those injured on or by your boat. Medical expenses relating to shark bite injuries.
Property damage to others caused by your boat. Property damage caused by insect infestations, mold, barnacles, etc.
Liability issues that arise when someone else drives your boat with permission. Intentional harm caused to others with your boat.

If you still have questions about what's covered or not covered by boat insurance, your independent insurance agent can help.

Finding Discounts and Savings on Boat Insurance

Fortunately, there are typically several discounts available for boat insurance. While options vary by insurance company, here are some common discounts:

  • No claims history discount: If you've never filed a claim on your boat insurance, your carrier is likely to reward you with a discount over time.
  • Diesel-powered boat discount: Some boat insurance companies offer discounts for watercraft with diesel-powered engines.
  • Safety course discount: You might be eligible to receive a discount on your boat insurance if you complete a state-approved safety course.
  • Bundling discount: Often you can save money on boat insurance if you bundle it with another type of coverage, such as home insurance, through the same carrier.

An independent insurance agent is your greatest ally when it comes to finding discounts on boat insurance. 

Why Choose an Independent Insurance Agent?

Independent insurance agents simplify the process by shopping and comparing insurance quotes for you. Not only that, but they’ll also cut through the jargon and clarify the fine print so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Independent insurance agents also have access to multiple insurance companies, ultimately finding you the best boat insurance, accessibility, and competitive pricing while working for you.

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There's an independent agent in every city who always understands the insurance coverage you need most based on local laws and needs that apply to you.

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