Boat Insurance Coverage

This is the essential coverage that protects you financially if you cause an accident that injures someone or damages another boat, dock, or property. It also includes legal defense if you’re sued following a boating incident.

Example: You misjudge your approach at a crowded marina and clip another boat, damaging both the hull and injuring a passenger. Liability coverage pays for repairs and medical costs, up to your policy limits.

These two coverages work together to protect your own boat from damage. Collision covers crashes with other boats or fixed objects. Comprehensive covers non-collision events like storms, theft, fire, or vandalism. This includes damage to permanently attached equipment like the motor, hull, and steering system.

Example: Your boat breaks free during a windstorm and is found damaged on shore. Physical damage coverage pays for the repairs or replacement.

If you’re hit by someone who doesn’t carry adequate insurance—or none at all—this coverage steps in to pay for your injuries, lost wages, and property damage. It can also cover your passengers.

Example: A reckless boater causes a collision and flees the scene. You’re left with medical bills and a damaged boat. This coverage helps close the gap.

This pays for reasonable medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured on your boat, regardless of fault. It’s often used to cover ambulance rides, emergency treatment, or out-of-pocket medical bills after an accident.

Example: A guest trips on deck and suffers a concussion. This coverage helps cover their ER visit, without dipping into your liability limits.

Covers cleanup costs, environmental damage, and government fines resulting from accidental fuel discharge—whether the spill was caused by a sinking, a fuel line rupture, or a fueling mishap.

Example: Your boat takes on water at the dock and leaks fuel into the marina. This coverage helps you meet cleanup requirements and avoid regulatory penalties.

If your boat sinks or becomes stranded, this coverage pays for the cost of removing it from the water, provided removal is legally required or necessary for navigation safety.

Example: A submerged vessel near a public waterway must be removed to avoid obstructing traffic. Your policy covers the towing and recovery costs.

Extends your liability protection while you’re towing people on tubes, skis, wakeboards, or similar devices. Some policies exclude aerial sports like parasailing or kiteboarding, so be sure to clarify if you participate in these activities.

Example: A friend is injured while tubing behind your boat. Water sports liability helps pay for their injuries or medical bills.

Provides reimbursement—or direct payment, depending on the policy—for towing your boat to safety if you break down on the water. It may also cover jump-starts, fuel delivery, or minor repairs performed dockside.

Example: Your engine stalls miles from the launch ramp. This coverage helps you get safely towed back without a surprise bill.

Pays the full insured value of your boat in the event of a total loss, without depreciation. Ideal for newer or high-value boats where market value drops quickly.

If your boat is totaled within a specified time frame (usually 3–5 years), this coverage replaces it with a new, similar model—even if the replacement cost is higher than what you paid.

Covers loss or theft of personal items you bring aboard—such as smartphones, GPS units, cameras, coolers, or non-permanently affixed marine gear.

Provides expanded protection for rods, reels, tackle boxes, fish finders, and other specialized gear. Particularly useful for tournament anglers or those with high-end equipment.

Helps cover travel, lodging, and meals if your trailer or towing vehicle breaks down more than 100 miles from home while transporting your boat.

Covers failure of the propulsion system due to wear and tear—like damage to the lower unit of an outboard motor. Availability varies based on boat type and age.

Reimburses the cost of hauling or relocating your boat if a hurricane or named storm watch is issued in your area. Designed to help you protect your boat before the storm hits.

Reduces your deductible each year you stay claim-free, rewarding safe boaters with lower out-of-pocket costs over time.

Prevents your premium from increasing after your first claim, preserving your rate even after an incident.