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Boat Insurance

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Get a boat insurance policy to protect your investment.

Boat insurance helps you protect your boat or personal watercraft (PWC) investment. So if you travel across lakes, rivers, or ocean waters of the United States we can help keep your peace of mind afloat. Whether you're looking for a new boat insurance policy or just to save money, we can help you get started with a free boat insurance quote.

Make boating better, together. Experience and a name you can trust go a long way when you're shopping for boat insurance. That's why the GEICO Marine Insurance Company has teamed with BoatUS , the nation's largest group of recreational boat owners. Since 1966, BoatUS has been helping to make boating safer, more affordable, and fun. Together, we share a passion for all things boating.

We all want cheap boat insurance rates, but customer service matters too. Protect your investment with boat insurance you can count on and get your free online boat insurance quote today.

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

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

Boat insurance can provide coverage for:

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

What types of watercraft 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 boats 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?

A policy insures your boat against damage and loss caused by common risks, such as collision, fire, storms, and theft. Boat insurance may also help protect you if you accidently injure someone or damage their property with your boat.

Service and Claims

When you choose GEICO Boat Insurance, you have access to:

  • Licensed agents as passionate about boating as you are
  • Expert service including 24/7 claims handling and towing
  • Experience you can rely on

24/7 Boat Towing*

GEICO Marine Insurance Company has teamed with TowBoatUS, the nation's largest towing fleet to provide:

  • 24/7 boat towing assistance
  • On the water towing services provided by TowBoatUS
  • Fuel delivery services
  • Digital dispatch through the BoatUS app and more

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Insurance Coverage

You can get a boat policy for your PWC. Typical PWC insurance coverage includes:

  • Damage to another craft or dock
  • Physical damage to your watercraft
  • Towing assistance

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, commercial charter, racing, etc.), and how and where it will be stored. All of these factors, including the experience and claims record of the owner will factor into the cost of boat insurance.

You could save even more with these boat insurance discounts.

We know discounts and our watercraft insurance agents can help you get them to help you save on your boat insurance quote.

Multi-Policy Discounts

If you're a current GEICO Auto Insurance policyholder, you could save on your boat insurance .

Boat Safety Courses

We know that safety comes first when you're having fun on the water. When you pass boat safety courses, you could save money on your boat insurance.

Need to speak with a boat insurance sales representative?

You can reach us at (855) 395-1412

  • Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM (ET)
  • Sat - Sun 8:00 AM - 9:15 PM (ET)

Boat Insurance: Get the answers you're looking for.

  • 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 watercraft that can't be added to a new or existing GEICO boat policy:

  • 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 Ageed 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 experts, 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.

Colorado Language Preference

Are you a resident of or looking for insurance in the State of Colorado?

We are temporarily unable to provide services in Spanish for Colorado residents. You will now be directed to an English experience.

Estamos encantados de ofrecer nuestra nueva version del sitio web en Español. Apreciamos su paciencia mientras seguimos mejorando su experiencia.

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Sailboat Insurance

(Here's how you can easily find the right coverage)

sailboat insurance

Jessica Huneck is an insurance writer from TrustedChoice.com. She began her writing career in 2011 and has since earned herself a bachelor's degree in English writing.

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Few activities offer such a sense of freedom, self-reliance, and accomplishment as guiding a sailboat across crystal blue waves. Maybe you are a long-time sailboat owner and you are wondering whether you can find better rates or lower costs on your sailboat insurance. 

Maybe you just spent the weekend at a boat show window shopping for schooners and wonder what your boat insurance costs might be. Either way, a local independent insurance agent can help.

Save on Boat Insurance

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Sailboat Safety Statistics

  • Sailboats have a better safety track record than powered watercrafts.
  • In 2011, there were 10 deaths of sailboat operators/passengers, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • Sailboats accounted for 27 total non-fatal injuries that same year, compared to 1,610 non-fatal injuries on open motorboats.

Is Sailing Insurance Required?

For most watercrafts, there is no state or federal law that mandates boat insurance . However, sailboats are an exception. Many people are surprised to discover that, unlike other types of boats, sailboats must be insured to operate on U.S. waters. 

Therefore, if you have just purchased or are planning to buy a sailboat, be prepared to have at least some coverage before you take it out on the water.

If you plan to finance your sailboat purchase through a bank or credit union, your lender will almost certainly require you to insure the craft against catastrophic damage. 

Moreover, many marinas and storage spaces require that boat owners insure their crafts before docking there. Getting coverage in place to protect your sailing dinghy will provide both protection and peace of mind.

What Kind of Sailboat Insurance Do You Need?

Choosing a sailboat policy can be challenging because every boat owner has different requirements. The options available to you will differ from one insurance company to another. Therefore, it is important to compare policies and ensure that your coverage matches your needs. 

An independent agent can compare premium rates and coverage from several different insurance companies so that you can see the best options on the market today.

If you're curious about whether or not your homeowners insurance will cover your boat, look carefully at your home policy first. Typically, homeowners policies will only offer coverage for a limited scope of incidents. 

You may have low coverage amounts for your boat under your homeowners insurance, or you may only have coverage for times when your boat is parked at your residence. 

Either way, it is advisable to speak with your insurance agent, and consider purchasing a sailboat insurance package to adequately cover your risks.

In order to protect your sailboat and your finances, your insurance could include some or all of the following:

  • Bodily injury liability insurance : Bodily injury liability protects you in the event that you injure another person, whether that person is on another boat or a dock, or is a passenger on your sailboat. Due to the costs of medical care and potential legal fees, this is an important insurance option to consider.
  • Property damage liability insurance : Property damage liability insurance covers you in case you damage another boat, a dock or other property belonging to someone else. If you plan to dock your sailing vessel, or if you plan to operate in busy areas where you risk hitting another watercraft, property damage liability coverage can provide important protection.
  • Comprehensive coverage : If your boat is stolen, vandalized or damaged in a fire or severe storm, comprehensive insurance can help you cover your costs. Comprehensive coverage can also protect your personal items if they are stolen from the sailboat or lost while you’re out on the water.
  • Towing and emergency assistance: Similar to roadside assistance for your car, this type of coverage can help if your sailboat is disabled for any reason out on the water. Depending on the insurance company you choose, you may also have the option to buy on-land towing coverage as well.

How to Find Sailboat Insurance

As a sailboat owner, you need to find the right coverage for your particular vessel, whether you own a mid-sized sloop or a 72-foot catamaran. You also want to ensure that you are in compliance with the local laws and regulations of your state.

Risks and concerns can vary widely depending upon the type of craft and how and where you sail. For example:

  • If you boat exclusively on a private local lake and never need to tow the craft, you may need a minimal amount of coverage to protect your vessel against storm damage and theft.
  • If you take passengers on tours for pay, whether as a sole proprietor, or as a part of a larger business, it is a good idea to take a close look at your liability coverage and ensure that you are adequately insured for potential injuries and property damage claims.  You may also need commercial insurance coverage .
  • If your sailing vessel is a high-value boat, such as a yacht or megayacht , you will need a specialized insurance policy that adequately protects your investment.

In the end, it's a good idea to make sure that your insurance coverage can match your usage and your risks on the water.

An online search for sailboat insurance is a great way to efficiently collect quotes and preliminary data about the insurance coverage and costs in your area.

Take Home Message for Smooth Sailing

No matter what type of craft you own, your sailboat faces a number of hazards while out on the water, while you are towing it to and from the waterway, and even while it is moored or stored for the off-season.

It's important to get some help assessing your risks, and get insurance that's going to protect you financially in the event of an accident. 

Whether you choose to look for insurance online, call around to several insurance companies, or work with an independent agent , just make sure you're getting the right coverage at a competitive price. Comparing quotes is an excellent way to do this - just make sure you're making apples-to-apples comparisons.

white sailboat on sea under blue sky during daytime Sailboat Insurance

A Guide to Sailboat Insurance

Imagine sailing freely on the open seas, wind in your hair and a sense of adventure in your heart. But amidst the exhilaration, don’t forget the importance of protecting your sailboat.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to navigate the world of sailboat insurance, helping you choose the right coverage, avoid common mistakes, and lower your premiums.

So set sail with confidence, knowing that your prized vessel is safeguarded against any unforeseen circumstances.

Table of Contents

Understanding Sailboat Insurance Coverage

You should consider reviewing your sailboat insurance coverage to ensure you’re adequately protected. As someone who values freedom and adventure, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of your insurance policy.

Finding affordable sailboat insurance can be a challenge, but with a few tips and tricks, you can secure the coverage you need without breaking the bank.

When searching for affordable sailboat insurance, start by comparing quotes from different providers. Look for companies that specialize in marine insurance as they may offer better rates and tailored coverage options. Additionally, consider bundling your sailboat insurance with other policies like auto or home insurance to potentially save money.

Understanding liability limits is crucial when it comes to sailboat insurance. Liability coverage protects you in case of accidents or injuries caused by your sailboat. It’s important to assess your risk exposure and choose liability limits that adequately protect your assets. While higher limits may come with a higher premium, they offer greater financial security.

Don’t forget to review the terms and conditions of your sailboat insurance policy. Look for any exclusions or limitations that may affect your coverage. It’s also a good idea to regularly reassess your insurance needs as your sailboat usage and value may change over time.

Types of Sailboat Insurance Policies

When considering sailboat insurance policies, it’s important to thoroughly compare and understand the different types available. Sailboat insurance provides essential protection for your vessel and yourself while out on the open water.

Here are some key types of sailboat insurance policies to consider:

Liability Limits: This type of insurance policy covers any damages or injuries caused to others while operating your sailboat. It’s important to carefully review the liability limits of each policy to ensure you have adequate coverage in the event of an accident.

Coverage Exclusions: It’s crucial to carefully review the coverage exclusions of each policy to understand what isn’t covered. Some common exclusions may include wear and tear, damage caused by improper maintenance, and acts of war or terrorism. Make sure you’re aware of these exclusions to avoid any surprises down the line.

Additional Coverage Options: Many sailboat insurance policies offer additional coverage options that you can choose from based on your specific needs. These options may include coverage for personal belongings on board, emergency towing services, and even coverage for racing events.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Sailboat Insurance

Considering the sailing conditions and intended use of your sailboat is crucial when choosing insurance coverage. There are several factors to consider when selecting sailboat insurance that will best suit your needs.

First, you need to take into account the sailing conditions you typically encounter. Are you sailing in calm waters or do you venture into rough seas? The type of coverage you choose should align with the risks associated with your sailing environment.

Second, think about the intended use of your sailboat. Do you use it for leisurely weekend trips, or do you participate in competitive racing? Different insurance policies offer varying levels of coverage for different uses.

To make it easier for you, here is a table summarizing the factors to consider when choosing sailboat insurance:

Navigating Liability Coverage for Sailboat Owners

There are several key factors to understand and navigate when it comes to liability coverage for sailboat owners, such as the amount of coverage needed and the potential risks involved. It’s important to have a clear understanding of liability limits and how they can protect you in the event of an accident.

Here are some points to consider:

Liability Limits : Determine the appropriate liability limit for your sailboat insurance policy. Higher limits provide more coverage in case of accidents or damages caused by your sailboat. It’s crucial to assess your personal risk tolerance and the potential costs associated with liability claims.

Coverage Exclusions : Familiarize yourself with the coverage exclusions in your policy. These are specific situations or events that may not be covered by your insurance. Understanding the exclusions can help you make informed decisions and potentially avoid costly surprises in the future.

Special Considerations : Take into account any special considerations related to your sailboat. For example, if you plan to charter your boat or participate in races, you may need additional coverage. Discuss these factors with your insurance provider to ensure you have the appropriate coverage for your specific needs.

Protecting Your Sailboat Against Physical Damage

To protect your sailboat against physical damage, it’s important to have insurance coverage that includes accidents and the cost of repairs.

Accidents can happen unexpectedly, whether it’s a collision with another boat or damage caused by severe weather conditions.

Coverage for Accidents

You should definitely check if your sailboat insurance policy includes coverage for accidents caused by collisions with other vessels. Accidents can happen, and the cost of repairs can add up quickly. It’s important to have the proper coverage in place to protect yourself and your investment.

Here are a few common accidents that could occur while sailing:

Collisions with other vessels: Accidents happen, and if your sailboat collides with another boat, it can result in significant damage. Make sure your insurance policy covers this type of accident.

Groundings: Running aground is a common occurrence for sailors, especially in shallow waters. If your sailboat gets stuck on a sandbar or hits a submerged object, it can cause damage to the hull and other parts of the boat.

Storm damage: Severe weather conditions can cause significant damage to your sailboat. High winds, heavy rain, and rough seas can lead to costly repairs.

Having the right insurance coverage can give you peace of mind and protect you from unexpected expenses. Take the time to review your policy and make sure you have the coverage you need.

Cost of Repair?

If your sailboat sustains physical damage, it is important to consider the cost of repair in order to make an informed decision about your insurance coverage. Understanding the cost of repairs will help you evaluate whether it is worth filing an insurance claim or paying out of pocket. To assist you in this process, here is a breakdown of the typical cost of repairs for common sailboat damages:

Specialized Coverage for Racing Sailboats

When it comes to racing sailboats, specialized coverage is essential.

Unlike regular sailboats, racing sailboats have unique policy considerations that need to be taken into account.

From coverage for regattas and races to higher premiums and deductibles, it’s important to understand the specific insurance needs of racing sailboats.

Racing Sailboat Coverage

Make sure your racing sailboat coverage includes specialized coverage for racing events. Racing sailboats require specific insurance coverage to protect against the unique risks involved in competitive sailboat events. Here are three important considerations to keep in mind when selecting your coverage:

Hull Insurance : This coverage will protect your sailboat from damage caused by accidents, such as collisions or grounding during a race.

Liability Insurance : In the fast-paced world of racing sailboats, accidents can happen. Liability insurance will cover any damages or injuries caused to others during a race.

Equipment Insurance : Racing sailboats often have specialized equipment that can be expensive to replace. Ensure your policy covers the cost of repairing or replacing your racing gear, such as sails, rigging, and instruments.

Unique Policy Considerations

There are three important policy considerations to keep in mind when selecting coverage for your racing sailboat.

First, make sure to thoroughly review the policy exclusions. These are the situations or events that your insurance company won’t cover. It’s important to understand these exclusions so that you can plan and prepare accordingly.

Second, pay close attention to the coverage limits. These limits determine the maximum amount that your insurance company will pay in the event of a claim. It’s crucial to assess these limits to ensure that they align with the potential risks and costs associated with racing sailboats.

Premiums and Deductibles

You should carefully consider the premiums and deductibles associated with specialized coverage for your racing sailboat. Sailboat insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of accidents or damage. To make the most informed decision, here are some key points to consider:

Premium discounts: Look for insurers that offer premium discounts for safety measures such as having a boating safety course, installing safety equipment, or having a clean claims history. These discounts can help reduce your overall insurance costs.

Choosing deductibles: Deductibles are the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Higher deductibles usually result in lower premiums, but it’s essential to ensure that you can comfortably cover the deductible amount in case of a claim.

Specialized coverage: Racing sailboats often require specialized coverage due to their unique risks. Make sure to evaluate the coverage options available for racing sailboats and choose a policy that adequately protects your investment.

Exploring Additional Coverage Options for Sailboat Insurance

Can you explain the benefits of adding additional coverage options to your sailboat insurance policy?

As a freedom-seeking sailor, you understand the importance of protecting your beloved sailboat from any unforeseen events. Exploring coverage limits and understanding policy exclusions are crucial steps in ensuring comprehensive protection.

By adding additional coverage options to your sailboat insurance policy, you gain peace of mind and the freedom to navigate the open waters without worry.

One of the main benefits of adding extra coverage is the ability to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. You can choose to enhance your coverage for damages caused by natural disasters, such as hurricanes or storms. This ensures that even in the face of nature’s fury, you’ll be financially protected.

Another important coverage option to consider is liability insurance. This protects you in the event that you cause damage to another person’s property or injure someone while operating your sailboat. By having this additional coverage, you can sail with confidence, knowing that you have the means to handle any potential liability claims.

Furthermore, adding coverage for personal belongings onboard your sailboat is essential. This protects your valuable possessions, such as electronics, navigation equipment, and personal belongings, from theft, loss, or damage.

Tips for Lowering Sailboat Insurance Premiums

If you maintain a good sailing record and take a boating safety course, you may qualify for lower sailboat insurance premiums. Here are some tips for reducing sailboat insurance costs and strategies for lowering sailboat insurance premiums:

Shop Around : Don’t settle for the first insurance provider you come across. Take the time to compare different policies and prices to find the best deal for you. Consider factors such as coverage limits, deductibles, and additional benefits.

Increase Deductibles : By opting for a higher deductible, you can lower your insurance premiums. Just make sure you have enough savings to cover the deductible in case of an accident.

Bundle Your Policies : Many insurance companies offer discounts when you bundle your sailboat insurance with other policies such as auto or home insurance. This can lead to significant savings on your premiums.

By following these tips and strategies, you can lower your sailboat insurance premiums and enjoy the freedom of sailing without breaking the bank.

The Claims Process for Sailboat Insurance

To expedite the claims process for sailboat insurance, make sure to promptly report any damages or accidents to your insurance provider. Time is of the essence when it comes to filing a claim, so don’t delay in notifying them about any incidents that occur. By doing so, you’ll help ensure that the claims process runs smoothly and efficiently.

When it comes to the claims process, it’s important to understand the timeline involved. Insurance companies typically have specific timeframes within which you’re required to report and file a claim. Familiarize yourself with these deadlines to avoid any potential complications or delays in receiving your settlement.

In addition to reporting the incident promptly, it’s crucial to gather all necessary documentation to support your claim. This may include photographs of the damage, estimates for repairs, and any relevant police or incident reports. By providing thorough documentation, you can help expedite the claims process and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Insuring Your Sailboat

You should always carefully review your sailboat insurance policy to avoid common mistakes that could leave you underinsured in the event of an accident. Sailboat insurance is essential to protect your investment and ensure your peace of mind while out on the open water.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Not understanding liability requirements : It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the liability requirements set by your state or marina. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in legal consequences and financial burden in case of an accident.

Ignoring coverage limits : Many sailors make the mistake of overlooking the coverage limits in their policy. It’s important to know the maximum amount your insurance company will pay in the event of a claim. If your coverage limit is too low, you may end up having to pay out-of-pocket for damages or injuries.

Neglecting to update your policy : As your sailboat ages or you make modifications, it’s essential to update your insurance policy accordingly. Failing to do so may result in inadequate coverage or even denial of a claim.

By reviewing your sailboat insurance policy, understanding liability requirements, paying attention to coverage limits, and keeping your policy up to date, you can ensure that you have the right coverage in place to protect yourself, your sailboat, and your freedom on the water.

Stay safe and enjoy your adventures worry-free!

Expert Advice on Choosing the Best Sailboat Insurance Policy

When comparing sailboat insurance policies, it’s important to consult with experts who can provide guidance on finding the best coverage for your specific needs. Understanding liability and having adequate coverage for accidents are crucial aspects of sailboat insurance. You want the freedom to explore the open waters without worrying about financial burdens in case of an unfortunate incident.

To begin, liability coverage is essential because accidents can happen, even to the most experienced sailors. Imagine a scenario where your sailboat collides with another vessel, causing damage to both boats and possibly injuring individuals. Without proper liability coverage, you could be held personally responsible for the expenses, which could be financially devastating. So, make sure your policy covers liability for bodily injury and property damage.

Additionally, coverage for accidents is vital. Sailboats are susceptible to various risks, including storms, collisions, and even theft. Accidents can result in significant damage to your boat, leaving you with hefty repair or replacement costs. Having comprehensive coverage that includes accidents will ensure that you’re protected financially if the unexpected occurs.

To find the best sailboat insurance policy, consult with experts who specialize in this field. They can evaluate your needs, explain the various coverage options, and help you find a policy that provides the right protection for your sailboat adventures. Remember, the freedom to sail without worry comes from having the right insurance coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i insure my sailboat if it is older or in need of repairs.

Yes, you can insure your older sailboat or one that needs repairs. Sailboat insurance providers understand that boats age and require maintenance. They offer coverage options to protect your investment and give you peace of mind.

What Is the Difference Between Agreed Value and Actual Cash Value in Sailboat Insurance?

When it comes to sailboat insurance, understanding the difference between agreed value and actual cash value is crucial. Agreed value ensures you’ll be compensated for the agreed upon value, while actual cash value takes depreciation into account.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Sailboat Insurance if I Have Completed a Boating Safety Course?

Yes, completing a boating safety course can make you eligible for discounts on sailboat insurance. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also gain valuable knowledge that will benefit you on the water.

Does Sailboat Insurance Cover Me if I Sail in International Waters?

Does sailboat insurance cover you when sailing in international waters? You’ll be glad to know that many policies do offer coverage for international sailing, giving you the freedom to explore the open seas worry-free.

Can I Add Coverage for Personal Belongings and Equipment Stored on My Sailboat?

Yes, you can add coverage for your personal belongings and equipment stored on your sailboat. Sailboat insurance offers coverage options for personal belongings and equipment protection, giving you peace of mind while enjoying your freedom on the water.

Scott is a devoted boat enthusiast and provides invaluable insights, tips, and advice on boat insurance coverage, industry trends, and maintenance. Marine Insurance Now is the go-to resource for seasoned boat owners seeking insurance guidance and aspiring sailors embarking on nautical adventures. Scott's expertise and infectious passion make his blog a must-read for boat enthusiasts and is making waves in the boating community.

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Average Sailboat Insurance Cost

Average Sailboat Insurance Cost | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

‍ Sailboat insurance is often less expensive than auto insurance, but rates vary based on several important factors.

Sailboat owners typically pay between $250 and $1,500 per year to insure their sailboats. This cost varies based on a number of factors, including policy type and coverage amounts. Sailboats are usually less expensive to insure than powerboats.

In this article, we’ll go over the average costs of sailboat insurance for typical production fiberglass cruising vessels. Additionally, we’ll go in-depth on the factors that contribute to premiums, along with how to reduce the cost of a good sailboat insurance policy.

We sourced the information used in this article from our own analysis of insurance industry averages. We also considered information provided by boat insurance companies, along with the policies they advertise.

Table of contents

‍ Average Annual Sailboat Insurance Price

Sailboat insurance varies, but owners rarely pay more than $1,000 annually for basic coverage. This is considering that the vast majority of sailboats are fiberglass production cruisers between 20 and 40 feet in length, and they aren’t used as often as automobiles.

Sailboat insurance prices range between $250 per year for the most basic coverage (liability, small boats with infrequent use) to $1,500 for comprehensive coverage (average-sized older vessel with somewhat regular use).

But if we were to establish a general rule about sailboat insurance, it’s this: it’s cheaper than car insurance. Sailboat insurance is usually an insignificant cost compared to mooring fees and maintenance.

Is Sailboat Insurance Cheaper than Powerboat Insurance?

Yes, sailboat insurance is usually cheaper than powerboat insurance, even if your vessel comes with an engine. This has a lot to do with speed, power, and accident rates.

Speedboats are particularly expensive to insure, as they’re more dangerous and accident-prone. The cost to insure a small speedboat is often comparable to a large sailboat.

Types of Sailboat Insurance Coverage

There are several types of coverage with different pricing rates. The actual name of these different coverage types varies between companies. But generally speaking, here are the broad types of insurance that you can get for your sailboat.

Basic Liability and Salvage Coverage

The most inexpensive coverage is basic liability, which usually covers accidents you cause only. It doesn’t cover your repair costs, but it does cover damage to other boats, medical expenses for injuries, and wreck removal.

Specialized or Custom Coverage

Specialized coverage varies most in price. This kind of coverage is determined by the owner and covers modifications and expensive equipment.

Let’s say a sailboat owner buys a basic new Catalina 315, then outfits it for offshore use. He installs solar panels, an autopilot, a Garmin radar set, and a costly set of automatic winches and hardware.

With a specialized insurance coverage plan, he can add the value of these very specific items to his repair and replacement plan in case the boat gets damaged or lost along the way.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive plans offer significantly more coverage. These policies offer towing services, damage costs for you and other boats, uninsured boater protection, repairs and replacement parts, and emergency assistance for things like dead batteries and running out of gas.

What Factors Contribute to Sailboat Insurance Premiums?

Sailboat insurance works much like car insurance, but there are some differences. Like car insurance, sailboat insurance premiums are based on factors including your accident record, the value of your boat, your location, and how often you use the vessel.

Operator Boating Record

Citations and accidents are some of the most important insurance cost factors. This makes sense, as a long history of responsible boating reduces the risk that the company will have to payout.

A minor incident won’t ruin your premiums, but a history of crashes and BWIs will certainly limit your options and increase sailboat insurance prices.

Experience plays a role as well. Documented boating experience, such as policies on other vessels or professional captain certifications, can greatly reduce the cost of sailboat insurance.

Operator Age

Age is another important factor for insurance premium prices. The ages that get the best rates are between 50 and 60. If you look at it on a chart, you’ll see insurance rates top out around age 16 and slowly decline until age 70. At this point, insurance rates begin to increase—but never to the level of a young person.

Sailboat Value

The value of your sailboat also plays a big part in your insurance costs. For example, a $500,000 classical schooner is certainly going to cost more to insure than a clunky $10,000 fiberglass sloop, especially because the owners of more expensive boats generally opt for more coverage.

Agreed Value vs. Actual Value

How does an insurance company decide what to pay out if your boat is a total loss? There are two primary ways these policies work: with either agreed value or actual value.

 Actual value policies are common for new boats, as their value is easy to determine. If a new (or late-model) boat is worth $150,000, then that’s the cost the insurance company will usually cover to replace the vessel.

Agreed value is more common for older and classic boats, as the procedures used to calculate their value aren’t always reliable. Factors such as rarity, design, desirability, and condition may not reflect clearly in analytics—but do on the market.

Agreed value is a number that the owner and the company settle on. It is more holistic than the actual value, as the actual value may be impossible to accurately calculate for some rare and vintage vessels.

Sailboat Age

The age of the vessel has an impact on insurance rates. Usually, an older vessel is thought to be less valuable to a point. This means that a 1970 sailboat is usually cheaper to insure than a 1990 sailboat. The cost difference can be negligible beyond ten years of age, but it’s higher with late-model vessels.

Sailboat Type

Different kinds of sailboats have different insurance rates. Factors under this category include a number of hulls, size, displacement, and cruising characteristics. For example, speedy trick race boats made with carbon fiber are more expensive to insure than bulky fiberglass cruisers.

Location plays a big part in average sailboat insurance costs for a number of reasons. For example, sailboats used in freshwater are typically cheaper to insure than saltwater.

Also, sailboats moored in areas prone to severe weather tend to have higher insurance premiums. For example, premiums in Florida or South Texas account for hurricanes, while premiums in central Oklahoma account for large hail.

Does Your Driving Record Affect Average Sailboat Insurance Cost?

Absolutely; your driving record can have a dramatic effect on your ability to find favorable sailboat insurance rates. This is because insurance needs to consider you and the boat—and how risky you (as a captain) are to insure.

Car accidents, moving violations, citations, and DUIs are detrimental to insurance premiums on and off the water. And they will find out, regardless of what company you choose. Risky drivers are almost always risky boaters as well.

But your driving record can also work in your favor. You may be a new boater who hasn’t had a chance to prove yourself yet. If sailboat insurance and auto insurance had no correlation, you’d be treated like a brand new driver for years, even if you’ve had experience. A safe driving record can reduce your costs and increase coverage options.

Does Liveaboard Sailboat Insurance Cost More?

Yes, liveaboard insurance tends to cost more. This is because you’re on the boat constantly and engaged in activities like cooking, bathing, and electricity use. All of these activities carry risks, which must be considered.

Additionally, liveaboard insurance policies can cover more than typical comprehensive coverage. This includes assets inside the sailboat, such as furnishings, computers, equipment, and other possessions.

Average Sailboat Insurance Costs Differences For Men and Women

Insurance companies consider risk on a wide scale, and they notice trends that are large enough to make a cost difference. One pricing factor to consider is that, after age 27, men tend to pay higher insurance premiums than women.

There’s a simple reason for this—men crash and commit violations more often. Insurance companies have found that, on average, men are more likely to engage in dangerous boating behavior, and thus they are riskier to insure.

The price difference is typically pretty small—between $10 and $100—but this gap widens with accidents, DUIs, and other detrimental incidents. Generally speaking, women can enjoy lower quotes and lower premiums if they have a clean driving and boating record.

How to Reduce Sailboat Insurance Premiums

Reducing your premiums is actually fairly simple, and there are strategies that take only a few hours to complete. The easiest way to reduce your sailboat insurance premiums is to take a boater’s safety course or to get your boating license, even if you’re not required to by law.

You can also reduce your premiums by increasing your hull deductible. This strategy will cost you more out of pocket in the event of an accident, but safe boaters can usually contend with the risk.

Seasonal insurance rates can also be reduced if you haul your boat out or winterize it correctly. If the boat sits in storage for six months of the year, like in a dry slip or a boatyard, you can usually get a pretty hefty winter discount.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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How to Navigate Marine Insurance in 2021

  • By Jennifer Brett
  • Updated: June 30, 2021

Sailboat wrecked by Hurricane Matthew

If you’ve been on the hunt for a marine insurance policy over the past year or so, you likely already know that it’s a challenging market. Sailing and cruising groups on social media and web forums are filled with frequent posts about people struggling to find coverage, keep coverage, or just afford it. It’s a problem that seems to be affecting beginning cruisers and circumnavigators, with old boats or new. So what gives? How did the situation get to this point, and what can sailors do to protect their dream?

“I’ve been doing this for 30 years, and I’ve never seen a market this hard,” said Morgan Wells, a yacht-insurance specialist with Jack Martin and Associates. “There’s been a great reduction in the number of insurance companies writing boat and yacht insurance, and the international-cruiser segment of the market has been more adversely affected, particularly for boats anywhere on the US East Coast, and even more so for people looking for new policies for Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.”

Indeed, cruisers across the spectrum of locations and sea time are feeling the pinch. When looking to renew their current insurance policy last year, circumnavigators Behan and Jamie Gifford, who live aboard their 1982 Stevens 47, were met with a surprise. “When it came time to renew, we were quoted more than double our cost for insurance the year we planned to cross the Indian Ocean, 2015—an arguably very risky navigational area—and we now had the added requirement of a third adult for passages,” Behan said. “In the end, we didn’t renew at all, and currently have liability-only insurance. I’m not pleased about that and hope to get back to full hull insurance when the market comes around.”

Owners of newer boats don’t seem to be having an easier time either. “We bought a 2015 Jeanneau 64 in October 2020,” Dan Stotesbery said. “I have a lot of experience sailing, but none of it was logged, so I don’t have any credentials like a Yachtmaster or anything like that. My wife has even less experience. When we heard it was tough getting insurance, we were definitely worried about getting covered. Complicating the situation was that the boat was in Turkey, and I needed to sail it across the Atlantic to get to my wife and family. We reached out to the company that insured our house to see if they could find us a company that would insure the boat and especially the crossing. We received two quotes back and ended up getting insured with Concept Special Risk. They did put in a lot of stipulations, like we needed to have a captain for the crossing and at least two other people with bluewater experience, a list of countries we aren’t allowed to go in, and a 250-miles-from-land limit once the crossing was complete. It was extremely expensive, and there was an additional cost for the crossing.”

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Changing Marketplace

So how did it get to this point? “We need to put it into context of a market that was very soft for many years—underwriters were looking for business,” Wells said. “There was a bit of a hiccup in the mid-2000s with some fairly significant storms, but generally it didn’t cause much change, and underwriters were still looking for ways to say yes. But then in 2017 came hurricanes Irma and Maria, then Dorian in 2019—these were extremely large losses to very large fleets of boats. Since 2017 we have seen the market flip from a soft to a hard market, and in fact, a very hard market by early 2021. We really have a big change now with fewer insurance companies and greater demand for insurance. And the pricing is much higher than it was a year ago. Irma and Maria showed the vulnerability in the market.”

Laura Lindstrom-Croop from Legacy Underwriters, noted that “many insurance companies left the Caribbean market in 2019-20. Pantaenius America was the first to leave,” she said. “The agency that I work with had YachtInsure, which lost its underwriter, Aspen Insurance, last summer. They have recently secured a new carrier, Clear Blue Specialty, that is writing new business but has new guidelines. Our second underwriter, Concept Special Risk, lost its company, Great Lakes Insurance, on January 1, 2021, but now it has a new company, Clear Springs Property and Casualty, that is writing new business with new guidelines.”

Suzanne Redden, mid-Atlantic branch manager for Gowrie Group, has had a similar experience. “Traditionally, when we would have someone coming in with a sailboat who wanted to do extended cruising, we had five, six, seven…at least that many companies who were willing to write that policy,” Redden said. “So there really wasn’t too much of an issue finding coverage for the customer, depending on where they wanted to go and their level of experience, that sort of thing. What we’re really struggling with now—and it’s a struggle—is that so many carriers have basically pulled out that our options are very limited as far as who is willing to write Caribbean navigation and worldwide navigation. Our choices are few. And what happens then is, of course, the prices go up because the company’s philosophy is ‘no one else wants to write here; we’ll write here, but this is what our actuaries tell us it’s going to cost to allow us to do that.’ So that’s why the rates have gone up.”

The cost to insure his Jeanneau 64 was definitely a bit of a surprise to Stotesbery: “The policy had to be paid upfront. That was the biggest surprise to us because we are used to paying car insurance monthly. This is also a hurdle that I think can be hard to overcome for some people. Not a lot of people have that kind of cash on hand to just fork out.”

Read More: How-To

Underwriting Difficulties

Along with higher costs, Redden also pointed out that the underwriting has changed a lot too. “Where before you would have had somebody who maybe had just a year or two experience, or they had just bought a boat, more companies would have been willing to let them take a trip. They look at it much more closely now when a new submission comes in. That’s made it more difficult, I think, for that sort of person to find insurance.”

According to Emma Whittemore, a service manager for BoatU.S./Geico Marine Insurance, underwriting has become much more sophisticated. “With the growth of data, insurance companies can really tell what group is a high-risk group,” she said. “We’re monitoring a lot more to make sure that the right people are behind the helm on these big, 35- to 60-foot boats. We want to make sure it’s not these customers’ first boat, and that they really know what they’re doing. Underwriting is fluid, but in general we always like to look at the ownership experience.”

This has been a particularly vexing problem for potential cruisers. Dana Fairchild and her husband live in Minnesota and have been planning for their cruising dream for the past few years. The couple has taken ASA sailing courses and chartered on Lake Superior but never owned their own sailboat. “Our cruising plans are to buy a boat large enough to live aboard; a 35- to 38-foot Island Packet is what we have in mind,” she said. “Due to the price point of Island Packets, we are looking at models from the 1990s. We plan to keep it on the East Coast of the US—somewhere above the hurricane zone during hurricane season, and probably down to Florida in the winter—for the first six months to a year while getting comfortable with the boat and used to the liveaboard lifestyle. After that we want to head to the Bahamas for a while, and eventually work our way down to the rest of the Caribbean and stay there.”

While the couple hasn’t purchased a boat yet, they’d heard the news that insurance might be difficult to find, so they reached out to a few companies to explain their plans and intended boat. “The short answer to what we’ve been hearing from insurance agencies is no. The reason for this is predominantly that we have not owned our own boat that is of comparable size, or at least within 10 feet. They don’t take into consideration that we have sailed and chartered boats of the same size, but really only want to see that a boat of comparable size was titled to us for at least two years”

This boat in Coconut Grove, Florida, nearly sank from all the debris.

Looking Ahead

So when faced with a denial, a notice of nonrenewal or a steep increase in premiums, what can a cruiser do? Is there coverage available? “What I am seeing, you have more choices if you limit your cruising to the US East Coast down to the Turks and Caicos,” Lindstrom-Croop said. “If you go to the Eastern Caribbean, you have fewer carriers, and some are writing coverage that doesn’t include hurricanes.

“I think cruisers are going to have to be patient and flexible. Also, update your sailing resume so when you shop around, you are giving the company a reason to give you the maximum credit available. Lower rates are probably not going to happen for a couple of years, climate change is weighing heavily on insurers, and the large number of storms recently is worrisome.”

Communication is crucial. Each of the insurance professionals I spoke with made it clear that underwriters are looking much more closely than in years past, and detailed sailing resumes and hurricane plans can help your chances. For newer cruisers, scaled-back sailing plans could help as well because finding coverage for a smaller cruising area will likely be much easier than, say, the entire East Coast and Bahamas. And for older vessels, a survey might be required for renewal.

“Some of the companies have gone to where they won’t write a boat over 40 years old,” Redden said. “Gowrie Group offers the Jackline program, which is a cruising program through Markel Insurance, which is really one of the last US companies still doing extended cruising, but they’re very restrictive on what they will write and how they’ll write it. But they will take older boats. Experience is the key.”

“It is harder to insure an older boat, but it can be done,” Lindstrom-Croop said. “There are just fewer markets. An older boat needs to be maintained well and have a current survey, within three years. I like to submit the survey along with the application when marketing so the underwriters can see the boat.”

For the time being, it seems that cruisers, such as Stotesbery, who currently have—albeit expensive—coverage are doing what they can to keep it. “We have had several major repairs to do on the boat, which we probably could have put in a claim for, but we are too worried about getting dropped or not covered next year, so we just paid for the repairs,” he said. “So it’s sort of a Catch-22. Unless we have a catastrophic type of claim, we don’t want to make one, but we still pay the high premium without really being able to take advantage of the protection. We will definitely start shopping again once we get closer to our renewal date. Unfortunately, there just aren’t a lot of insurance choices out there, so it is quite limiting, and they hold all of the cards.”

Others, such as the Giffords, are going without full coverage for now, while potential cruisers, such as the Fairchilds, might need to put their dream on hold. “As for how this is impacting our plans, it has really made us start to second-guess that this is even a possible plan. We have become discouraged, and this has really put a halt to most of the steps we were taking,” Fairchild said.

Wells, Redden and Lindstrom-Croop are optimistic for things improving in the insurance market over the next year or so, but all emphasize having patience. “We’re hoping that things will change for the better,” Redden said. “We’ve got some companies now that pulled out that are coming back, but it’s a very slow process.”

Jennifer Brett is CW’s senior editor.

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  • How We Chose

Boat insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect boat owners and their personal property in the event of an incident on the water. The best boat insurance companies offer flexible coverage options for a variety of vessels, with reasonable premiums and lots of additional benefits.

Every person who owns or operates a boat should consider carrying boat insurance , as it protects them against personal liability if they’re in an accident, as well as guarding them against loss if something happens to their vessel. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best companies that offer boat insurance, what they offer, as well as their benefits and drawbacks. We’ll also discuss special coverage options for particular use cases or types of boats.

  • Best Overall: Geico Marine »
  • Best for Fishing Enthusiasts: Markel »
  • Best for Yacht Owners: Chubb »
  • Best for Jet Ski and Personal Watercraft Owners: SkiSafe »
  • Best for Houseboats: American Family »
  • Best for Discounts: Progressive »

Geico Logo

Best Overall: Geico Marin e

Insures boats up to 50 feet in length

Gives policyholders access to BoatUS Catastrophe Team

Insures boats valued up to $2.5 million

Doesn’t insure wood or composite boats

Boats more than 40 years old aren’t eligible for coverage

Geico Marine has been writing boat insurance since the 1980s. Originally established as Seaworthy Insurance, the company was bought by financial giant Berkshire Hathaway in 2007.

Under the Geico umbrella, Geico Marine offers insurance designed to meet the needs of the vast majority of boat owners. The list of boats that are ineligible for coverage by Geico is far shorter than those that are. Disqualifying criteria include:

  • Boats over 50 feet in length
  • Boats over 40 years old (15 years for houseboats)
  • Multihull sailboats (catamarans)
  • Watercraft made of wood or composite material
  • Homemade boats
  • Amphibious land boats or hovercraft
  • Boats previously deemed a total loss
  • Boats valued over $2,500,000

In addition to its strong lineup of coverages, Geico Marine insurance also comes with 24/7 assistance. Additionally, the company has a long-standing association with The Boat Owners Association of the U.S. (BoatUS), including giving policyholders access to the BoatUS Catastrophe (CAT) Team. The BoatUS CAT Team is a group that brings considerable resources to bear – including towboats and cranes – to help BoatUS members and Geico customers recover and salvage their vessels after a natural disaster.

Coverages Offered: 

  • Not disclosed

Exclusions:

Navigational Limits:

Discounts and Benefits:

Salvage Coverage:

  • 24/7 assistance dispatch
  • Access to BoatUS Catastrophe Team

Insurer Financial Strength:

  • A++ (Superior) rating by AM Best

Markel Logo

Best for Fishing Enthusiasts: Markel

Special coverage for rods, reels, and other equipment

Emergency towing and personal property coverage included

Lift and trailer coverage available

Claims can take a few weeks to settle

Some negative customer reviews online

Specialty insurer Markel is another provider of boat insurance. Markel boat insurance policies come with multiple coverages included and even more optional coverages available, including many not available from other insurers. Several of these special coverages are geared towards fishing enthusiasts, including both amateurs and professionals.

Among Markel’s special coverages for fishers are protections for rods, reels, and other personal effects, plus coverage for boat lifts and trailers. The company even offers professional angler liability coverage and tournament fee reimbursement as optional add-ons.

However, according to Markel’s documentation and customer reviews online, the company can take up to several weeks to settle claims. This is somewhat longer than some other providers. Customers have also noted that claims can take longer and be more involved, increasing the time it takes to get boats repaired or replaced.

  • Watercraft liability
  • Medical payments
  • Agreed value watercraft and equipment
  • Emergency towing
  • Personal effects 
  • Uninsured/underinsured boater
  • Pollution liability
  • Replacement cost settlement
  • Boat lift 
  • Trailer 
  • Fishing equipment 
  • Professional angler liability
  • Tournament fee reimbursement
  • Crash damage
  • Theft coverage
  • Theft away from home
  • Wreck removal
  • Cost of gas, oil, parts, or a loaned battery in the event of a breakdown
  • Experienced boater 
  • Vanishing deductible for loss-free boaters 
  • Multi-boat policy 
  • Outboard propulsion 
  • Primary operator age 40 and over 
  • Diesel engine 
  • Wreck removal coverage included
  • A (Excellent) rating by AM Best

Chubb Logo

Best  for Yacht Owners: Chubb

Coverage designed specifically for yacht owners

High coverage limits available for captained vessels

Vessels must be 36 feet longer or greater to qualify for yacht coverage

Crew required for vessels over $3 million

Global insurer Chubb is one of the few large carriers that offers boat insurance designed specially for yachts, including those over 70 feet in length with professional captains and crews.

Yacht insurance from Chubb is available for pleasure cruisers at least 36 feet long (and valued up to $3 million), as well as captained yachts at least 70 feet long and valued at $3 million or more.

Among the niche yacht coverages available from Chubb are:

  • Search and rescue
  • Longshore and harbor workers’ compensation
  • Boat show and demonstration
  • Oil Pollution Act

Yacht insurance from Chubb can even include temporary substitute watercraft, so you can still enjoy the water if your yacht is damaged and requires repairs.

  • Agreed value 
  • Liability protection for both owner and crew 
  • Replacement cost loss settlement
  • Uninsured/underinsured boater 
  • Medical payments 
  • Search and rescue 
  • Longshore and harbor workers’ compensation 
  • Personal property and fishing equipment 
  • Marina 
  • Boat show and demonstration 
  • Precautionary measures
  • Bottom inspection
  • Oil Pollution Act (OPA) 
  • Temporary substitute watercraft
  • Marine environmental damage 
  • Emergency towing and assistance

SkiSafe Logo

Best for Jet Ski and Personal Watercraft Owners: SkiSafe

Coverage specifically designed for personal watercraft

Vessels are still covered during winter lay-up periods

Water sports liability coverage is included

No coverage for commercial use

$25,000 limit for no-fault medical payments

Specialty provider SkiSafe is one of the biggest personal watercraft insurers you’ve never heard of. The company doesn’t underwrite its own policies; that’s handled by AXIS Insurance Co., a large Bermuda-based insurer. SkiSafe has been around for nearly 50 years and insured more than half a million boaters.

Boat insurance from SkiSafe is designed to meet the needs of personal watercraft owners. As a result, coverages are fairly consolidated and focus specifically on the reduced needs of these types of boaters. Naturally, there is a heavy focus on coverage for injuries, including related to water sports. However, there are also special savings related to lay-ups, since the season for personal watercraft can be relatively short compared to other types of boats.

  • Physical damage
  • Bodily injury
  • Medical payments ($25,000 limit for no-fault medical payments)
  • Water sports liability 
  • Commercial use is not covered
  • Roadside assistance
  • Policies have stated navigational limits
  • Owners can’t take vessels to another country without prior approval
  • Boating safety course 
  • Clean driving record 
  • Restricted navigation territory 
  • Multi-craft 
  • Winter layup 
  • AXIS Insurance Company is rated A+ (Superior) by AM Best

American Family Renters Insurance logo

Best for Houseboats: American Family

Special coverage designed specifically for houseboats

Up to $100,000 of personal effects coverage available

Boats up to 54 feet can be covered (40 feet in Georgia)

A marine survey may be required

Must work with a local agent to buy coverage

American Family is unique among boat insurance carriers in that it’s one of few that offers a policy designed specifically for houseboats. Included in American Family houseboat policies are several coverages that cater specifically to these types of vessels, including up to $100,000 for your personal property in case items are stolen, damaged, or fall into the water.

Houseboat insurance from American Family may lack some coverages you might find with other types of vessels, such as emergency towing or parts delivery (these are included in some boat policies from American Family, but it’s unclear from the website whether they’re included in houseboat policies). Additionally, these policies have restrictions specific to houseboats, including horsepower limitations. But, American Family also offers unique discounts particularly helpful for houseboat owners.

  • Property damage (liability)
  • Medical expenses
  • Watercraft equipment 
  • Houseboat repair cost
  • Total loss agreed value
  • Houseboats can’t be used as a permanent residence
  • Vessels can’t be used for business purposes (separate coverage required)
  • Boats must be 54 feet or shorter (40 feet in Georgia)
  • Vessel MSRP must be less than $250,000
  • 500 horsepower limit for single-engine boats and 1,000 for dual-engine craft
  • Boating safety features 
  • Autopay and paperless 
  • Premium paid-in-full 
  • Multi-policy bundling 
  • Diminishing deductible

Best for Discounts: Progressive

Numerous discounts available

Can buy coverage online

Up to $1,000 of coverage if a pet is hurt or killed in a boating incident

Lots of limits on boat length and value

Many types of vessels are ineligible for coverage

Rounding out our list is insurance giant Progressive, which also has a strong boat insurance offering. Progressive has been insuring boats for more than three decades and insures more than 1 million vessels. Its policies should meet the needs of most owners of boats less than 50 feet long and worth less than $500,000.

Where Progressive really shines, though, is in its list of available discounts. Progressive offers boaters not just the standard discount opportunities available with other insurers, such as multi-policy, multi-boat, or paid-in-full discounts. Progressive also offers savings simply from switching coverage from another country. Additionally, accident forgiveness is also available for incidents both large and small.

  • Full replacement cost
  • Bodily injury 
  • Property damage liability 
  • Water sports 
  • Total loss replacement (optional)
  • Fishing equipment or carry-on item (optional)
  • Mechanical breakdown (optional)
  • Comprehensive  (optional)
  • Collision (optional)
  • Uninsured/underinsured boater (optional)
  • Medical payments (optional)
  • Trailer trip interruption (optional)
  • Boats less than 10 years old must be worth $500,000 or less
  • Boats 11 to 20 years old must be worth $350,000 or less
  • Boats more than 20 years old must be worth $75,000 or less
  • Boat can’t be used as a primary residence (liveaboards) 
  • Houseboats must have motors 
  • Homemade boats without a hull identification number are ineligible for coverage
  • Boats can’t have more than two owners 
  • Boats can’t have steel or wood hulls 
  • Amphibious land boats, hovercraft, and airboats worth more than $27,000 are ineligible
  • Boats must meet published U.S. Coast Guard standards
  • Boats must also be 50 feet long or shorter (limits can be 35 feet and $175,000 in value in some states)
  • Multi-policy 
  • Multi-boat 
  • Responsible driver 
  • Original owner 
  • Transfer from another company discount
  • Associations (including United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadron, USAA members in some states)
  • Advanced quote 
  • Pay in full 
  • Prompt payment 
  • Safety course 
  • Small-accident forgiveness
  • Large-accident forgiveness
  • Disappearing deductibles
  • Wreckage removal
  • On-water towing (optional)
  • A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best

The Bottom Line

Boat insurance is a highly individual product, much more so than auto or home insurance. Because boat owners’ needs vary greatly, it’s important to research providers to find the right carrier for your vessel and use case. Based on our research, we found that Geico is the best insurance company available for the widest array of vessels and the most common types of uses.

Things To Consider When Buying Boat Insurance

  • Coverage options : When looking for coverage, be sure to focus on the standard protections included in policies from each carrier, as well as optional add-ons available.
  • Policy limits and deductibles : Pay close attention to coverage limit type (such as replacement cost or agreed value), vessel value limitations, and policy deductibles for each carrier.
  • Navigational limits : Some carriers have limits on where their coverage is active, though few disclose this information publicly. 
  • Additional services and benefits: Extra features like 24/7 assistance, emergency towing, or part delivery can add significant value to a boat insurance policy.
  • Exclusions and limitations: Many carriers have exclusions for certain activities (such as commercial use), as well as certain types or values of vessels.
  • Agreed value vs. actual cash value: Some insurers offer boat coverage up to a specific value or amount agreed upon by the insurer and owner (typically, at the time the policy is written) should a covered incident occur, whereas other companies only may cover the actual cash value of your vessel.
  • Discounts and special offers : Multi-policy and multi-boat policies are common, but more niche discounts can offer greater opportunities to save.

How We Chose the Best Boat Insurance

To identify the best boat insurance, we reviewed offerings available from numerous reputable carriers. We focused primarily on those with solid financial ratings and comprehensive coverage options to meet the needs of a wide array of boaters. We then narrowed down our selections to those providers with best-in-class offerings specifically designed to meet certain types of boaters.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

At U.S. News 360 Reviews, our contributors and editors have years of experience researching and reviewing complex financial topics including insurance policies. Dock David Treece , the author of this piece and a senior contributor for 360 Reviews, has more than two decades of experience in the finance and insurance industry. He has covered insurance and other financial topics for Forbes, Investopedia, Business.com, and other publishers. He has also written for several insurers, including Progressive.

Based on our research, Geico Marine offers the best boat insurance policies for the greatest number of boat owners and operators.

Boat insurance is not required in most states. However, if you have a loan secured by a boat, most lenders require that you buy boat insurance. Additionally, boat insurance can protect owners and operators against personal liability if they’re involved in an accident.

When you buy boat insurance, you’ll need to provide several pieces of personal information, as well as information about your boat and applicable licenses. Depending on the type of boat and policy, you may also be required to submit a marine survey, which assesses the condition of your vessel.

Boat insurance does not typically have a waiting period before you can file a claim.

Some insurers allow policyholders to insure multiple boats under the same policy, so long as they all have the same owner(s). Many carriers also offer discounts for owners who insure multiple boats with the same company.

Depending on the size, type, and value of the vessel being insured, some carriers require a boat to undergo an inspection (called a marine survey) in order to assess the boat’s condition prior to binding coverage.

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

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Before setting sail this year, remember that NBOA Marine Insurance offers the best sail boat insurance for every budget. There are several deductible options for your convenience, and complete sail boat coverage options include liability from $100,000 to $1,000,000 and above. NBOA Marine Insurance even covers personal property damage. We will personally work with you to make sure that you have every angle covered so you can enjoy the water with ease.

NBOA Marine Insurance's sailboat insurance also uses "agreed value" coverage, protecting you from depreciating prices. Whether protecting your sailboat from accidents, uninsured boaters or theft, you'll find the most dependable coverage for your needs.

For more information about boat insurance, contact an experienced agent at NBOA Marine Insurance at 1-800-248-3512 or complete a free boat insurance quote online.

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Supreme Court Opinion on Maritime Law Solidifies Insurer’s Choice-of-Law Clause

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A dispute between an insurer and a yacht owner went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court with a decision recently—the first of its kind on marine insurance in about 70 years—to clarify federal maritime law and state insurance law.

Last month the highest court released a unanimous opinion that choice-of-law provisions in maritime contracts, governed by federal maritime law, are enforceable over state law. Maritime contracts include marine insurance policies.

The case at hand, Great Lakes Insurance v. Raiders Retreat Realty, goes back to 2019 when a yacht ran aground in Florida, sustaining hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. Munich Re’s Great Lakes denied the claim and sued Raiders Retreat in Pennsylvania federal court after an investigation found that fire extinguishers on the boat did not meet required standards. Raiders Retreat then countersued, alleging breach of contract under Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. The insurer won in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania—finding that federal choice-of-law provisions in the policy could be enforced.

Raiders appealed and, while the U.S. Court of Appeals recognized choice-of-law provisions in maritime contracts, it sent the case back to the district court to consider whether applying New York law would violate Pennsylvania’s policy regarding insurance. Insurers typical include choice-of-law provisions in contracts and declare that New York law applies when there is no federal precedent.

The American Institute of Marine Underwriters said the Supreme Court’s decision clarified the insurer’s choice-of-law clause in a policy and said it cannot be disregarded due to another state’s laws. There are narrow exceptions but none applied to this case, the court said.

“The ruling adheres to the principles of uniformity and certainty in maritime law,” the AIMU said. Great Lakes was represented by AIMU member The Goldman Maritime Law Group and an amicus brief, cited several times in the opinion delivered by Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, was written by member Wiggin and Dana on behalf of AIMU.

“As well stated in the court’s opinion, this decision will enable marine insurers to better assess risk,” said John Miklus, president of AIMU, in a statement. “By enforcing an insurance policy’s choice-of-law provisions in jurisdictions that are well developed, known, and regarded, the court recognizes that insurers can lower the price and expand the availability of marine insurance.”

Kavanaugh wrote that the presumption of enforceability of the provisions “facilitates maritime commerce by reducing uncertainty and lowering costs for maritime actors.”

“Maritime commerce traverses interstate and international boundaries, so when a maritime accident or dispute occurs, time-consuming and difficult questions can arise about while law governs,” he continued. “By identifying the governing law in advance, choice-of-law provisions allow parties to avoid later disputes—as well as ensuing litigation and it attendant costs.”

Pamela A. Palmer of the Clark Hill law firm said the high court opinion will help to “eliminate any confusion in the industry that marine insurance contracts are somehow different than or held to a different standard than general maritime contracts.”

“What strikes me in the decision is the court’s acknowledgment that choice-of-law provisions are important to reduce uncertainty and to lower costs for maritime entities but, more importantly in the context of marine insurers, knowing what law applies enables marine insurers to better assess risk and to price policies,” Palmer said. “This is a huge consideration for the marine insurance industry and had the court held otherwise the price and availability of insurance would be severely impacted—considerations that ironically would have harmed policyholders in the long run despite what would have felt like a short-term policyholder win in this case.”

Onlookers also waited to see if the Supreme Court would address a 1955 decision in Wilburn Boat Co. v. Fireman’s Insurance Co. , another maritime insurance case in which the court ruled a court could apply state law if there is no established maritime law. However, Kavanaugh concluded Wilburn Boat did not need to be considered because it did not involve choice-of-law provisions.

“While it would have been an additional victory for proponents of maritime uniformity for the court to have overruled Wilburn Boat, Justice Kavanaugh did not take that additional step,” wrote Charlie McCammon, president of marine risk consulting, in a blog for WTW.

In a concurring opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote separately about Wilburn Boat, saying it is “at odds with the fundamental precept of admiralty law.”

“Wilburn Boat’s rationale is deeply flawed,” he added.

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Written By Chad Hemenway

Chad is National News Editor at Insurance Journal. He has been covering the insurance industry since 2007, reporting on trends and coverage in most lines of insurance as well as natural catastrophes, modeling, regulation, legislation, and litigation. Chad can be reached at [email protected]

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IMAGES

  1. Sailboat Insurance: The Best Options By Far

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  2. Sailboat Insurance Guide: Costs, Requirements & More

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  3. Sailboat Insurance: The Best Options By Far

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  4. 10 Best Boat Insurance Companies for Your Boat

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  5. 10 Most Common Boat Insurance Claims

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  6. Sailboat Insurance

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  6. Boat Safety Tips

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  1. Sailboat Insurance: The Best Options By Far

    Learn how to find the best sailboat insurance for your boat, whether it's a yacht, speedboat, or fishing boat. Compare the types, coverage, and companies of boat insurance and get tips on how to protect your boat and yourself. Find out what to consider before buying boat insurance and what to expect from different policies.

  2. Sailboat Insurance: Get a Quote

    Progressive offers sailboat insurance for as low as $100/year for a liability policy. You can insure almost any type of sailboat, including racing, and get unique coverages like no depreciation on partial losses, agreed value coverage, and wreckage removal. Learn more about the cost, coverages, and discounts of Progressive's sailboat insurance.

  3. Boat Insurance

    Get a quote on boat insurance from experts who offer agreed hull value, actual cash value and liability only options. Add unlimited towing from TowBoatUS for as little as $3 a month.

  4. Boat Insurance

    GEICO offers boat insurance for various types of watercraft, including sailboats, with coverage for damage, liability, medical, and more. You can customize your policy to meet your needs and save money with discounts and boat safety courses. Get a free online quote and get out on the water with GEICO.

  5. How Much Does Liveaboard Sailboat Insurance Cost?

    Learn how much liveaboard sailboat insurance costs, why it's important, and how to find an affordable plan. Find out the average cost of sailboat insurance, the factors that affect it, and the benefits of living on a boat. Compare different types of coverage and get tips to reduce your premiums.

  6. How much is sailboat insurance?

    Learn how factors like boat size, value, age, location and coverage options affect the cost of sailboat insurance. Find out the average annual premium, the discounts available and the limitations of sailboat insurance. Compare quotes from Nationwide, a trusted provider of boat insurance.

  7. Sailboat Insurance

    Learn how to find the right coverage for your sailboat insurance, whether you own a small or large craft, and how to compare quotes from different insurance companies. Find out the benefits of sailboat insurance, such as liability, property damage, comprehensive, towing and emergency assistance.

  8. A Guide to Sailboat Insurance

    Marine Insurance Now is the go-to resource for seasoned boat owners seeking insurance guidance and aspiring sailors embarking on nautical adventures. Scott's expertise and infectious passion make his blog a must-read for boat enthusiasts and is making waves in the boating community. Imagine sailing freely on the open seas, wind in your hair and ...

  9. Sailboat Insurance Guide: Costs, Requirements & More

    Learn how to protect your sailboat with insurance from Clovered, a leading provider of boat insurance. Find out the average costs, coverage options, and tips for choosing the best policy for your needs.

  10. Boat Insurance Quote

    Get a quote for sailboat insurance from BoatUS, the experts in boat insurance. Choose from policies for all boat types, including yacht, PWC, fishing and watersports gear, and unlimited towing.

  11. Boat Insurance: Get a Quote Online

    Progressive offers boat insurance for any watercraft up to 50 feet long and $500,000 in value, with no marine survey required. You can save on your policy with discounts, coverages, and optional features like Sign & Glide and Propulsion Plus.

  12. Average Sailboat Insurance Cost

    Learn how to lower your sailboat insurance costs based on factors such as policy type, coverage amount, value, age, and location. Find out the average costs of sailboat insurance for fiberglass cruising vessels and how to compare them with powerboat insurance.

  13. Best Boat Insurance Of 2024

    Forbes Advisor evaluates several large insurance companies to find the best boat insurance for different types of boats, such as sailboats, pontoon and fishing boats. Learn about the coverage options, discounts, costs and tips for buying boat insurance.

  14. Yacht Insurance

    Chubb offers comprehensive and customized yacht insurance policies for pleasure yachts 36 feet or greater in length and captained vessels 70 feet or greater in length and valued at $3 million or more. Learn about the Masterpiece® Yacht policy highlights, such as agreed value coverage, liability protection, replacement cost loss settlement, uninsured/underinsured boater coverage, and more.

  15. How to Navigate Marine Insurance in 2021

    Learn how the challenging marine-insurance market of late has affected sailors across the spectrum of locations and sea time. Find out the causes, effects and solutions for finding or keeping insurance for your boat or yacht.

  16. Why is Boat Insurance Important?

    Ahoy! Insurance offers comprehensive boat insurance policies for sailors, with coverage for collision, liability, medical, towing, and more. American Sailing members can save 5% on their boat insurance and get access to exclusive features and benefits.

  17. The Best Boat Insurance of 2024

    In addition to its strong lineup of coverages, Geico Marine insurance also comes with 24/7 assistance. Additionally, the company has a long-standing association with The Boat Owners Association of ...

  18. Sailboat Insurance

    NBOA Marine Insurance offers the best sail boat insurance for every budget, with several deductible options and complete sail boat coverage. You can also enjoy personal property damage coverage and "agreed value" coverage, which protects you from depreciating prices.

  19. Sailboat Insurance Coverage

    Learn how to customize your sailboat insurance coverage with American Family Insurance. Choose from different options for your boat, equipment and liability protection on land and water.

  20. Supreme Court Opinion on Maritime Law Solidifies Insurer's Choice-of

    The case at hand, Great Lakes Insurance v. Raiders Retreat Realty, goes back to 2019 when a yacht ran aground in Florida, sustaining hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.Munich Re's Great ...

  21. [4K] Walking Streets Moscow. Moscow-City

    Walking tour around Moscow-City.Thanks for watching!MY GEAR THAT I USEMinimalist Handheld SetupiPhone 11 128GB https://amzn.to/3zfqbboMic for Street https://...

  22. THE 10 BEST Moscow Boat Rides & Cruises (Updated 2024)

    Explore the scenic and historic attractions of Moscow from the water with the best boat tours and cruises. Enjoy the views of the Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and the Sparrow Hills on a relaxing or informative boat ride. Or, spice up your trip with some water sports and activities in Moscow. Find out more on Tripadvisor.

  23. Boat tours and river cruises through Moscow: where to take them

    On this map you can see the details of the longest and most classic of the Flotilla Radisson boat tours: 2. Companies that do boat tours on the Moskva River. There are many companies that do cruises on the Moskva River, but the 4 main ones are: Capital River Boat Tour Company (CCK) Mosflot. Flotilla Radisson.

  24. Moscow to St. Petersburg Russian River Cruise

    Book and travel with confidence. Moscow — St. Petersburg Moscow — Astrakhan Astrakhan — St. Petersburg. 13 days - 12 nights. Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia's best-known cities, but the towns of Russia's historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by ...