You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website.

Best Boat Insurance Of 2024

Managing Editor, Insurance

Updated: Jan 3, 2024, 7:02am

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Owning a boat gives you plenty of options for enjoying leisurely activities such as sailing, fishing and trips to remote beaches. But problems like collisions, capsizing, theft, fire and storms can bring a dark cloud over your boating adventures.

We evaluated several large insurance companies to find the best boat insurance.

Read more

GOOD FOR DISCOUNTS

Allstate Boat Insurance

Allstate Boat Insurance
Allstate Boat Insurance
Editor's Take

Allstate Boat Insurance Options

In addition to typical boat insurance coverage options, Allstate offers:

Allstate’s Premier Boatowners Option  package provides coverage for:

  • Uninsured watercraft liability insurance (for accidents caused by uninsured boats)
  • Repair cost option when a boat is damaged but not totaled
  • Emergency Services

Allstate’s Premier Plus Boatowners Option  provides everything in the Premier package and adds an “agreed value” option. This pays you an agreed amount if your boat is totaled.

Emergency Services  coverage pays for service up to a certain amount, such as $1,000.

The Repair Cost Option  covers the boat, motor, boat equipment and/or trailer for damage.

Allstate Boat Insurance Discounts

Multiple policy discount  when you also buy an Allstate auto, homeowners, condo, mobile home or manufactured home policy.

Boating education discount  when you complete a safety education course approved by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadron or a watercraft enforcement agency of any state.

Homeownership discount  when you or your spouse own a house, condo, mobile home or manufactured home.

Organization discount  for boaters who are members of an organization that promotes safe boating such as the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadron.

Allstate Easy Pay Discount  for using Allstate’s payment plan.

Full pay discount  when you pay the total bill.

Early signing discount  when you complete your application at least a week before coverage begins.

Pros & Cons
  • Allstate customers can bundle with other policies to save money
  • Discount for using Allstate Easy Pay system
  • No special hurricane coverage

GOOD FOR HURRICANES

Geico Boat Insurance

Geico Boat Insurance
Geico Boat Insurance
Editor's Take

Geico Boat Insurance Options

Trailer Assist Roadside Coverage

By adding this endorsement you’ll get coverage for your towing vehicle and insured trailer for expenses such as towing the trailer to the nearest repair facility, flat-tire roadside assistance, battery jumpstarts, fuel delivery and more.

Towing and Assistance Coverage

This pays to tow your boat or trailer from the water or a road to the nearest safe location. Assistance can include delivering gas, oil, tires or replacement parts and the labor at the site. But note that the cost of the gas, oil, tires or parts aren’t covered.

Coverage for Hired Crew

This endorsement extends your Geico boat liability insurance to liability arising from the Jones Act, Death on the High Seas Act or General Maritime Law.

Mechanical Breakdown

If your boat is less than 11 years old and you’re buying hull and towing coverage, you may be eligible to add Geico’s mechanical breakdown coverage for boats.

Ice and Freeze Coverage

This add-on coverage pays you the boat’s actual cash value if it’s damaged by ice and freezing. Without it, ice and freezing is generally excluded.

Charter Guide

You can add insurance if you use your boat as a charter guide service, such as taking customers out on fishing or sightseeing excursions.

Cruising Limit Extensions for the Bahamas or Bahamas and Caribbean

Geico boat insurance generally covers you in U.S. and Canadian coastal and inland waters. You can buy add-on coverage that extends your insurance when you’re boating within certain latitudes and longitudes that are excluded by the main policy, such as the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos, Mexico, Belize and other locations.

Private Dock Liability

This endorsement adds liability coverage for your private dock to your main boat liability insurance.

Captain’s Liability

Do you employ a captain or other paid crew? This endorsement would make them a named insured on the boat insurance policy.

Geico’s Platinum Plus Boat Insurance

Geico’s Platinum Plus is a boat insurance package that offers increased coverage amounts for emergency services, medical payments, personal effects and additional marine environmental damage.

It also adds hurricane preparation coverage that will pay 50% (up to a set dollar limit) to have your boat professional moved when there’s a Tropical Storm or Hurricane watch or warning. It also pays for lashing into ground anchors. It has some post-storm benefits as well for power washing and relaunch.

The Platinum Plus package also lowers your deductible for your dinghy, outboard and navigational electronics.

Geico Boat Insurance Discounts

Look for these possible discounts if you’re buying Geico boat insurance.

Boat safety course or training discount  if you’ve completed an approved boating safety course.

Multiple policy discount  if you have more than one boat insurance policy or another Geico policy.

Years loss-free discount  based on the number of years you’ve been insured and had no claims (excluding claims for hurricane, lightning and towing).

You may have the option to add a “diminishing deductible” for your hull and equipment coverage. For every year you don’t have a hull and equipment claim, your deductible for that coverage will be reduced by 25%.

Is Your Boat Eligible for Geico Boat Insurance?

Here are some of the rules typically used by Geico to determine whether a boat is eligible for coverage:

  • Hull length overall is less than or equal to 70 feet.
  • Boat must be less than 50 years old.
  • The boat can’t have more than four engines.
Pros & Cons
  • Hurricane coverage including post-storm benefits
  • Wide selection of coverage add-ons
  • Territory extensions for the Bahamas and Caribbean
  • Limited discounts

GOOD FOR COVERAGE CHOICES

Markel Boat Insurance

Markel Boat Insurance
Markel Boat Insurance
Editor's Take

Markel Boat Insurance Options

Markel has a wide variety of coverage choices that you can add beyond the basic boat insurance.

Replacement cost coverage

If your boat is less than three years old and is totaled or stolen, Markel will pay for a new boat of the same type, make, class and size.

Consequential damage

Covers damage from fire, explosion, sinking and more that’s due to wear and tear.

Ice and freezing damage

This pays for engine damage when you bought winterization services that didn’t work.

Ultimate drive coverage

Pays for repair or replacement of an outboard or sterndrive in the event of a mechanical breakdown due to wear and tear or defect.

Boat lift coverage

This adds coverage for your boat lift.

Fishing equipment coverage

This add-on will pay to replace fishing gear such as trolling motors rods and reels, lures, tackle boxes and depth finders.

Fishing tournament fee reimbursement

Reimburses you for a non-refundable entry fee if you have to miss a fishing tournament for reasons listed in the policy, such as injury, damage to your boat or a breakdown of your towing vehicle while on the way there.

Racing endorsement

Extends coverage for boat racing.

Port risk ashore

For boats that will be out of the water.

In water port risk and show use

Coverage if the boat is in a show.

Business coverage

You can add extra liability insurance if you earn money from your boat, such as charters and paid guides.

Markel Boat Insurance Discounts

Advance quote discount

Based on how far ahead you get your boat insurance quote before the policy effective date.

Classic boat club member

A discount off your boat liability and physical damage coverage if you are a member of a Classic Boat Club.

Is Your Boat Eligible for Markel Boat Insurance?

Markel may use these rules to determine whether a boat is eligible for coverage:

  • Length must be equal to or less than 26 feet.
  • Speed must be less than or equal to 120 mph.
  • Cannot have more than two main propulsion engines and an auxiliary motor.
  • Horsepower cannot exceed the manufacturer’s maximum capacity.
Pros & Cons
  • Extensive coverage selection
  • Options for fishing equipment and tournament fees
  • Can’t bundle with home or auto insurance for savings
  • Limited discounts

GOOD FOR DISCOUNTS

Progressive Boat Insurance

Progressive Boat Insurance
Progressive Boat Insurance
Editor's Take

Progressive Boat Insurance Options

Wreckage Removal

Wreckage removal is included when you buy physical damage coverage for your boat, or you can add it. If you’re legally required to remove a wreck, this coverage will apply. Or you’re not legally required to remove the wreck, this coverage can pay for removal under physical damage coverage.

Water Sports Coverage

This is included with Progressive boat liability insurance and covers injury and property damage caused by a person who’s being towed behind your boat for a water sport such as water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing.

Total Loss Replacement Cost/Purchase Price

If your new boat is totaled, this pays to replace it, rather than paying only actual cash value. Owners of boats five years old and older can receive the original purchase price. This coverage includes a diminishing deductible.

Roadside Assistance

Progressive’s roadside assistance coverage for boat owners will get your towing vehicle or trailer to the nearest qualified repair facility.

Fishing Equipment

You can add Progressive’s fishing equipment coverage when you buy physical damage coverage for a boat.

Coastal Navigation

Progressive’s boat insurance policies limit coverage to within 75 nautical miles of the U.S. and Canada and include all inland lakes and rivers. You can buy an add-on that extends your coverage to 125 miles.

Sign & Glide

This add-on to Progressive boat insurance provides water towing and emergency services (such as fuel or a jump-start) if your boat becomes disabled on the water.

Propulsion Plus

Propulsion Plus is available on boats less than 11 years and when you’re also buying Sign & Glide and comprehensive and collision coverage. It’s coverage for the lower units of outboard motors, and the upper and lower units of inboard/outboard motors, if you have a mechanical breakdown, including breakdowns caused by wear and tear.

Trailer Trip Interruption

If you also have roadside assistance for your boat trailer, this pays for meals, transportation and hotel if your towing vehicle or trailer breaks down while you’re towing your boat more than 100 miles away from home.

Hurricane Haul Out

Progressive’s Hurricane Haul Out coverage (not available in all states) applies when there’s a Tropical Storm or Hurricane watch or warning in the county where the boat is located. It reimburses you 50% of the cost to get your boat out of the water.

Progressive Boat Insurance Discounts

  • Multi-vehicle discount  for insuring two or more watercraft.
  • Multi-policy discount  if you have a Progressive insurance for your home, condo, car or other property.
  • Paid in full discount  when you choose the one-pay bill plan.
  • Homeowner discount  for owning a house, condo, co-op or manufactured home.
  • Original owner discount  if you are the first title-holder to the watercraft.
  • Idle assisted steering discount  if your personal watercraft has this feature.
  • Boating safety course discount  if you’ve completed a safety course offered by approved organizations like the United States Power Squadron.
  • Transfer discount  if you’ve had previous watercraft insurance.
  • Responsible driver discount  for people who have not been charged for any accidents or violations on the policy.
  • Claim-free renewal discount  when you’ve had no at-fault claims the previous policy year.
  • Prompt payment discount  is applied to new policies and then renewals when you’ve had no late payments in the last year.
  • Advance quote discount  that varies based on how far ahead you got your quote before the policy effective date.
  • Electronic funds transfer discount  when you use the EFT payment bill plan.

Is Your Boat Eligible for Progressive Boat Insurance?

Here are some of the rules typically used by Progressive to determine whether a boat is eligible for coverage:

  • No watercraft with maximum speeds over 75 mph (90 mph for bass boats)
  • The boat can’t have more than two engines (other than trolling), with some exceptions.

In addition to insurance for liability, boat damage, medical payments and uninsured boaters, Progressive’s boat insurance has the following options.

Pros & Cons
  • Extensive options for coverage add-ons
  • Water sports coverage
  • Hurricane haul out coverage
  • Many possible discounts
  • No fishing tournament fee reimbursement

GOOD FOR BASIC COVERAGE

State Farm Boat Insurance

State Farm Boat Insurance
State Farm Boat Insurance
Editor's Take

State Farm Boat Insurance Options

State Farm’s standard boat insurance typically includes:

  • Emergency service including mechanical labor at the place of breakdown and towing.
  • Wreck removal  coverage for expenses for raising, removal or destruction of your wrecked boat.
  • Fuel spill liability  coverage when you’re legally liable for a spill resulting from owning, maintaining or using your boat.
  • First aid expenses coverage reimburses you for costs related to giving first aid to others.

A State Farm boat insurance policy can also provide:

Fishing Tournament Fee Reimbursement

Adding this endorsement means you’ll be reimbursed for pre-paid and non-refundable fishing tournament fees if your boat is damaged and disabled, your towing vehicle broke down, you’re hospitalized for an illness or injury, and other problems.

Boat Rented to Others

This gives you coverage when you rent your boat to others for their personal (not business) use.

State Farm Boat Insurance Discounts

Safety course  discount if you complete an approved course from a provider such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron.

Diesel power discount on basic hull and liability premiums (not available in all states).

Pros & Cons
  • Pays expenses if you deliver first aid
  • Fees for missed fishing tournaments can be covered
  • No special hurricane coverage
  • Limited discounts

How to Find the Best Boat Insurance

Just like a sailboat is different from a pontoon, prices of boat insurance vary among insurance companies. To find the best boat insurance price, compare quotes from multiple insurance companies.

You can sometimes find free quotes online at an insurance company’s website, but not all boat insurance providers have online quotes. Instead, you can call the insurance company or an independent insurance agent.

You’ll also want to ask about boat insurance discounts such as:

  • Multi-policy discount. You can save by bundling multiple policies with the same insurer, such as boat and car insurance.
  • Boat safety discount. Get a discount if you pass an approved boater safety class.
  • Diesel-powered boat. Diesel boats are considered less hazardous than gasoline powered boats.
  • Boat safety features. You may be eligible for a discount if your boat has features such as fire suppression systems and Coast Guard-approved fire extinguishers.
  • Payment discounts. You can often get savings for paying your annual premium in full, going paperless or enrolling in auto-pay.
  • Claims free. Your boat insurance company may offer a discount if you have not had a claim in the past two years.

What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

Hull and equipment coverage is one of the foundations of a boat insurance policy. This coverage will pay for damage to your boat and its dinghy, including theft and vandalism.

Another foundation to any boat insurance policy is boating liability insurance. This covers cases where you’re legally liable for injury or property damage to someone else due to use, ownership or maintenance of your boat. Boat liability insurance extends to people who operate your boat with your permission.

Here are other boat insurance types that are available.

  • Personal effects coverage pays to replace your belongings that get damaged while they are on the boat, being loaded on or off your boat, or stored in a dock box by the boat.
  • Medical payments coverage pays the medical bills of someone who is injured while on your boat or boarding or leaving your boat.
  • Uninsured boater coverage pays medical bills for bodily injury due to physical contact between your boat and an uninsured boat.
  • Towing and assistance is a standard part of a boat insurance policy.
  • Boat trailer insurance pays for damage and theft.
  • Fuel and other spill liability insurance pays for the containment and cleanup of a spill, and also property damage to other people caused by your spill. If you’re sued over a spill, this coverage also pays for your legal defense. (Your insurance company might select the lawyer.)

What Boat Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Here are examples of typical exclusions in boat insurance policies.

  • Wear and tear
  • Gradual deterioration
  • Rot
  • Corrosion
  • Weathering
  • Damage from vermin, insects, marine life and other animals
  • Mechanical breakdown
  • Electrical breakdown
  • Structural breakdown
  • Overheating or galvanic action
  • Ice or freezing
  • Mold or mildew
  • Marring, scratching or denting
  • Blistering or delamination
  • Incomplete, improper or faulty repair, maintenance or renovation
  • Intentional acts, such as intentional boat damage

Boat Insurance Coverage Options

Boat insurance contains coverage types to help in different situations, much like car insurance.

Property Coverage for Boats

Property coverage protects the boat against theft and damage due to an accident or sinking. The coverage usually applies to the boat whether it’s on land or water.

You can choose between actual cash value or agreed value, also called replacement cost coverage, in the event your boat is totaled or stolen. The coverage you choose influences your costs and decides how much the insurance company will pay if you file a claim later.

Liability Insurance for Boats

If your boat damages someone else’s property, such as another boat, or injures someone during an accident, your liability insurance pays their damages. It can also cover problems caused to others by your watercraft, such as a large wake. Liability insurance also covers your legal fees if you’re sued over a problem covered by the policy, such as a boating accident.

Medical Payments Coverage

If you or your passengers are injured in a boating accident, medical payments coverage pays for your medical bills.

Uninsured Watercraft Coverage

If an uninsured boater strikes your boat, uninsured watercraft coverage pays your medical bills.

Boat Insurance Add-Ons

As a boat owner, you may need to purchase additional insurance, such as coverage for:

  • Boat trailers
  • Towing
  • Special equipment, such as fishing gear
  • Boating accessories such as radar
  • Dock contract liability
  • Fishing guide coverage
  • Ice and freezing coverage
  • Mechanical breakdown
  • Personal property

It’s also important to investigate coverage for fuel spills or wreckage removal in case an accident occurs on the water.


How Much Does Boat Insurance Cost?

Boat insurance typically costs between $200 and $500 per year, according to Trusted Choice, an industry group for independent insurance agents.

Your boat insurance cost will depend on several factors, such as:

  • Type of boat such as fishing boat, pontoon or sailboat
  • Length of boat
  • Age of the boat
  • Region of the country; for example, boat owners in areas impacted by hurricanes may pay more
  • Number of engines and horsepower
  • How you use the boat, such as recreational boating or commercial charters
  • How and where your boat is stored
  • Your years of boating experience and the experience of other people on your boat insurance policy
  • Safety measures, such as whether you completed a boating safety course
  • Your boat insurance claims history

Agreed Value vs. Actual Cash Value for Boats

Whether you have agreed value or actual cash value coverage influences how much you pay for boat insurance and how much you get reimbursed if you file a boat insurance claim.

The difference is all about depreciation. Here is the difference between agreed value and actual cash value coverage.

Type of coverage Value is decided… Does it account for depreciation if you file a claim? Costs
Agreed value
At the time you buy the policy
No
More expensive
Actual cash value
At the time of the loss
Yes
Less expensive

Actual cash value coverage offers cheaper premiums, but it will likely pay you less if your boat is destroyed or stolen. Your insurance company may require that you have this type of coverage if your boat is older—for example, when it’s more than three years old.


How to Get a Boat Insurance Quote

If you’re looking for boat insurance quotes, start with your current auto or homeowners insurance company. If you buy boat insurance from the same company you can likely get a bundling discount.

You can sometimes get boat insurance quotes online at insurance company websites, but the availability of online quotes can be limited. You can cast a wider net for quotes by contacting an independent agent, who can provide quotes from multiple insurers.

Before requesting quotes, think about the type of coverage you need. Collect specific information about your vessel, so the insurance company can give you an accurate quote. Also, think about optional coverage you might like, such as towing assistance.

What Do I Need for a Boat Insurance Application?

Along with basic information about yourself and the boat, expect common questions like these on a boat insurance application:

  • Have you had any boating or automobile insurance claims, accidents or losses in the past three years?
  • List any automobile or boating violation by the owner in the last three years
  • Is the boat currently damaged or has it been damaged in the past?
  • What is the largest boat you have owned and operated?
  • Has the boat been modified?
  • Has the owner taken training courses, such as a state-certified safety course

Do I Need Boat Insurance?

Some states require boat insurance. Also, if you dock your boat or finance it, the marina or lender will probably require coverage.

But even if your state doesn’t require it, consider the implications of going without boat insurance. If you get into an accident, you’ll be on the hook for your own repairs and your liability to others. With the average boat insurance claim hovering around $11,000, according to The Hanover Insurance Group, not having coverage could put you in a sticky financial situation.

The type of insurance you need will depend on the vessel’s size, type and value:

Small Boats

Standard homeowners insurance or renters insurance policies often cover smaller boats like canoes or small sailboats, but usually have limited property damage coverage.

While a homeowners insurance policy typically provides property coverage for a small boat, motor and trailer, it excludes liability insurance. But it’s possible to add boat liability coverage to your home insurance policy for an additional charge.

Larger Boats

If you have a larger and faster vessel like a yacht, you will need to purchase a boat insurance policy. Depending on your boat’s accessories, you may need additional insurance such as trailer coverage.

Also, to increase your liability coverage limits, consider umbrella insurance. It provides extra liability protection for your auto, home and boat, such as extra insurance in case you’re sued for a costly boating accident.

What States Require Boat Insurance?

Only two states currently require boat insurance: Arkansas and Utah. Both require residents to insure motorboats or personal watercraft for engines with 50 horsepower or more.

Arkansas residents must purchase a boat insurance policy that includes at least $50,000 in liability coverage per incident.

Utah residents can choose between one of two liability coverage options:

  • $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death and $15,000 property damage
  • A combined policy with a $65,000 coverage limit

Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Insurance

How much boat insurance do I need?

The amount of boat insurance you need depends on several factors, such as the age, motor size and value of your boat, lender requirements, marina requirements, state requirements, and intended use.

It’s also a good idea to assess your personal assets, risk tolerance and budget when selecting a coverage amount.

What companies offer boat insurance?

Many insurance companies sell boat insurance, including Allstate, Nationwide, Progressive, State Farm, The Hartford and USAA.

Check with your home and auto insurance companies when looking for boat insurance quotes. Make sure to ask  about bundling discounts that can reduce your rates by having multiple policies with the same company.

Is boat insurance required?

Most states don’t require boat insurance, but it’s still wise to get coverage. Only Arkansas and Utah have boat insurance mandates.

Arkansas requires liability insurance of at least $50,000 for personal watercraft and motorboats with more than 50 horsepower.

Boaters in Utah must carry at least $25,000 and $50,000 for bodily injury/death coverage, $15,000 property damage or $65,000 combined minimum per accident. Those requirements are for motorboats and personal watercraft of at least 50 horsepower.

A lender may also require boat insurance if you’re financing the vessel and many marinas additionally require protection if you’re docking there.

Is my boat covered by home insurance?

Home insurance policies may offer some coverage for watercraft, but it’s often minimal and depends on the boat and insurer. For instance, a home insurer may offer a policy for a small powerboat that goes less than 25-miles per hour.

The coverage may be capped at $1,000 or 10% of the home’s insured value and homeowners insurance policies don’t usually include liability coverage for boats. But you might be able to add a policy endorsement.


Next Up In Insurance


Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Advisor. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Advisor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Here is a list of our partners who offer products that we have affiliate links for.
lorem
Are you sure you want to rest your choices?