Georgia Boat Insurance

Georgia is full of boating opportunities. While boat insurance isn’t required by state law, having the right coverage helps protect your boat, your wallet, and your time on the water. Accidents, storms, or theft can be expensive, and insurance helps make sure you're not stuck paying out of pocket.

With GEICO Marine, Georgia boaters get more than just affordable coverage. You get flexible protection, optional towing through TowBoatUS, and support from BoatUS—the nation’s largest group of recreational boaters with over 50 years of experience making boating safer and more enjoyable.

Is Boat Insurance Required in Georgia?

Georgia does not require boat insurance for private recreational vessels by law. You can operate your boat without a policy, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to go without coverage.

If your boat is financed, most lenders will require insurance until the loan is fully paid. Marinas and storage facilities may also ask for proof of liability coverage before giving you a spot to dock. Without insurance, you could be responsible for paying out of pocket if your boat is damaged or causes an accident.

Georgia Boat Insurance Coverages

Boating in Georgia means everything from leisurely lake cruising to fishing trips along the coast. GEICO Marine offers flexible insurance options so you can build coverage that fits how and where you use your boat.

Common options for Georgia boaters include:

  • Liability Coverage: Covers injuries or property damage you may cause to others while operating your boat, including legal fees if you’re sued.
  • Hull and Equipment Coverage: Helps pay to repair or replace your boat, engine, and boating equipment due to damage from a covered event. Boating equipment includes items you own and regularly carry aboard that are needed for safe operation and routine maintenance.
  • 24/7 Boat Towing: Optional towing coverage is available through TowBoatUS, providing emergency services if you break down on the water. This optional service helps get you back to shore safely.

These coverages can be bundled to create a plan that suits your boating lifestyle in Georgia.

How Much Does Boat Insurance Cost in Georgia?

Boat insurance rates in Georgia depend on many factors, including the type of boat and where you use it. Whether you’re boating on Lake Oconee or along the Intracoastal Waterway, your coverage needs and premiums may vary.

Some common factors that affect the cost of your policy include:

  • Type of boat: High-performance boats usually cost more to insure.
  • Length and horsepower: Larger, more powerful boats tend to have higher premiums.
  • Usage: Boats used for commercial purposes may be more expensive to insure.
  • Storage location: Storing your boat securely, especially away from saltwater, may help lower your premium.
  • Boater experience and claims history: If you have boating experience and no prior claims, you may qualify for a better rate.

GEICO Marine can help you build a policy that reflects how you use your boat, so you’re not overpaying for protection.

Georgia Boat Insurance Discounts

GEICO Marine offers several ways for Georgia boaters to save money without cutting back on protection. These discounts reward safe boating practices and help make coverage more affordable:

  • Multi-Policy Discount: If you already have a GEICO auto policy, bundling boat insurance may help reduce your premium.
  • Boat Safety Course Discount: Completing a state-approved safety course, like the BoatUS Foundation safety course, may earn you a discount and make you a safer boater.
  • Loss-Free Credit: If you go a set period without filing a claim, you might be eligible for a credit when you renew your policy.

These discounts can add up to meaningful savings while keeping your boat well protected.

Boat Insurance Limits and Deductibles

When setting up your boat insurance policy in Georgia, understanding limits and deductibles helps make your decisions easier:

  • Deductibles: This is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket before your policy kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium, but it also increases what you pay if you file a claim.
  • Coverage Limits: These determine the maximum your insurance will pay for a covered claim. It’s important to select limits that reflect your boat’s value and how you use it. If a claim exceeds your limit, you’ll be responsible for the remaining costs.

GEICO Marine can help you find the right balance between premium cost and protection so you're not left unprepared.

Why GEICO is the Best Boat Insurance in Georgia

Choosing the right boat insurance in Georgia means finding a provider that understands your lifestyle and your local risks. GEICO delivers affordable rates, flexible coverage, and a smooth claims process to help keep you on the water with confidence.

Backed by GEICO Marine and supported by BoatUS—the nation's largest group of recreational boat owners with over 50 years of experience—you get more than just a policy. You get a trusted partner who knows boating and makes it safer and more enjoyable.

Get a Free Boat Insurance Quote in Georgia

Boating in Georgia means dealing with different risks depending on where and how you boat. Understanding the coverage available to you is a smart first step. GEICO Marine makes it easy to explore both required and optional coverages, like liability, towing, and equipment protection, so you can build a policy that fits your needs.

If you're looking for affordable boat insurance that doesn't compromise on coverage, GEICO and BoatUS offer options tailored to fit your needs.

Boat Insurance in Georgia FAQs

  • Do boats in Georgia need to be registered?

    Yes. Most boats in Georgia must be registered with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, including all motorized vessels and sailboats longer than 12 feet. Registration numbers and decals must be displayed properly on the boat.

  • What types of watercraft are covered by boat insurance in Georgia?

    GEICO boat insurance can cover a variety of recreational vessels, including fishing boats, powerboats, pontoon boats, sailboats, and personal watercraft like jet skis. Coverage options depend on the type of boat, how you use it, and where you store it.

  • Does taking a boating safety course lower my insurance in Georgia?

    Yes. Completing an approved boating safety course, such as the free BoatUS Foundation course recognized by Georgia, may qualify you for a discount and can improve your knowledge as a boater.

  • Are all boaters in Georgia required to wear a personal flotation device?

    In Georgia, children under 13 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket while on a moving boat. All vessels must have one wearable life jacket per passenger, and anyone operating or riding on a personal watercraft or being towed must also wear a life jacket.

  • Does homeowners insurance cover boats?

    Most homeowners insurance does not cover boats, and if it does, it often has strict limits based on the boat's size, value, or horsepower. To protect your boat against theft, accidents, and storm damage, and to have liability coverage, you need dedicated boat insurance.