how much is boat insurance

How Much Does Boat Insurance Cost?

Written by Zuzana Prochazka
March 23, 2022

Last Updated on March 23, 2022 by Boatsetter Team

Nearly half of boats are uninsured primarily due to high premiums and deductibles, but boating without insurance is the same as driving without it—it’s very risky and in some states, it’s illegal. Let’s look at when you need insurance and how much its’ likely to cost.

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Average Boat Insurance Costs: Per Month and Per Year

As a responsible owner, your boat should be insured from the minute you take ownership or control of it. Boat insurance costs vary and can run from $500 per year for smaller boats to thousands of dollars for large yachts.

A rule of thumb is that annual premiums will total 1 to 3 percent of the value of the vessel.

  • For example, a $50,000 boat will have annual premiums of $500 – $3,000 and a policy for a $200,000 boat will cost $3,000-$6,000 per year. This doesn’t hold for very large yachts where the percentages as well as the absolute numbers rise dramatically.
  • Big yachts will have additional equipment and possibly professional crew, or they may be chartered all of which adds to the overall coverage costs.

You can buy boat insurance online or get a quote from specialized agents like GEICO/BoatUS, who may also be able to provide a boat insurance calculator to get you started.

boat insurance costs

How Much Should I Insure My Boat For?

There are several factors that will dictate how much you should insure a boat for:

  1. Size, vessel type and value
  2. New or pre-owned
  3. Where you will be boating

Size, type and value

Bigger and more expensive vessels will require higher insurance coverage limits and higher premiums. Also, high performance boats (like fast cars) command a premium because of the risks that go with the kind of boating they engage in.

New or pre-owned

New boats are easier to insure because presumably, there are fewer risks of equipment failure. However, the coverage for new boats may be more expensive simply due to the higher value of the vessel itself.

How much does it cost to insure a used boat? Well, that depends. An insurance company may require a current survey to make certain that the boat is in a seaworthy condition. Surveys cost money and the premiums for older boats may be higher or lower depending on the boat’s condition. Some insurers won’t cover boats older than 20 years.

Cruising grounds (where you’re be doing most of your boating)

Boat insurance costs will vary by state with some being much higher than others. If you boat in waters that are known for hurricanes, you may have to add coverage in certain seasons and geographies. If the boat will be stored ashore for an extended period, you may qualify for a discount.

Outside of insurance, be sure to read our guide outlining the costs of boat ownership and what expenses you can expect.

how much should you insure your boat for

Why is Boat Insurance So Expensive?

There are risks that go with boating—collision, onboard damage, injury, environmental impact, etc. There are fewer experienced boaters on the water than there are drivers on the road so boat insurance costs can be steep.

How Can I Lower My Boat Insurance Costs?

Some insurers will offer a discount for having multiple policies with the company, for having a good driving record, for paying a year’s worth of premiums up front, or for the owner/operator completing boating safety courses. You can also opt to lower monthly premiums by raising the deductible.

Commercial Boat Insurance, Peer-to-Peer, & Charters

Insurance costs rise when the boat is chartered or used for commercial purposes, because it’s expected that it will be used more frequently and will carry paying passengers.

This extends to peer-to-peer boat rentals, like Boatsetter rentals, where private owners lease their boats with or without a captain. If decide to become a Boatsetter owner and list your boat for rent, you’ll have peace-of-mind through coverage provided by the company’s exclusive peer-to-peer boat rental policy provided through GEICO/BoatUS.

So, is Getting Boat Insurance Worth It?

Absolutely. Accidents happen so whether there are medical costs, expensive property damage, legal fees or the cleanup of an oil/fuel spill, you’ll want the boat you rent or buy to be covered.

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