South Carolina Boat Insurance

From Lake Hartwell to the coastal waters of Hilton Head, South Carolina offers endless opportunities for boating recreation, but it also presents a variety of risks that can turn a day on the water into a costly incident.

Boat insurance in South Carolina isn’t always legally required, but it can provide critical coverage for accidents, liability claims, and severe weather events that frequently affect the region.

Looking for the right South Carolina boat insurance? GEICO’s got what you need. Whether you’re just after the basics or are seeking more well-rounded protection, GEICO offers the flexibility and affordability to meet your specific requirements.

Let’s dive into it.

Is Boat Insurance Required in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, boat insurance is generally not mandated by state law. However, specific requirements do apply to certain situations. For instance, a bill enacted in 2025 mandates that owners of boats anchored in South Carolina waters for more than thirty days must maintain a liability insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $100,000. Another proposed bill aims to require owners of watercraft 16+ feet in length to carry liability insurance of at least $50,000.

Also, keep in mind that, even when not legally required, other entities may insist on boat insurance. Marinas often require proof of liability coverage before allowing you to dock, and lenders typically mandate hull and equipment insurance if you're financing your vessel.

South Carolina Boat Insurance Coverages

Shopping for boat insurance in South Carolina?

It’s important to understand the different types of coverage available and how they apply to your unique requirements. From liability protection that covers injuries or property damage to others to hull and equipment coverage that helps repair or replace your vessel after an accident, these policies can be tailored to match your needs.

A few of GEICO’s coverages commonly included in policyholders’ plans include:

  • Liability Coverage: Takes care of damages and injuries to others if you're at fault in an accident, including costs associated with injuries, property damage, and legal fees.
  • Hull and Equipment Coverage: Protects your boat if it collides with another vessel or object, while also covering non-collision-related damages, such as those from fire, theft, or storms.
  • 24/7 Boat Towing: Assists with towing costs and provides emergency services if your boat breaks down or you get stranded.

How Much Does Boat Insurance Cost in South Carolina?

When determining the cost of your boat insurance premium, insurers consider elements such as the type, size, and value of the boat, how and where it’s used, the owner’s boating experience, and even the waters where it’s typically operated—whether that's the open ocean near Hilton Head or inland lakes like Jocassee or Hartwell. Understanding these factors can help South Carolina boaters make informed decisions when comparing policies and managing insurance costs.

Some key factors that play into the cost of boating insurance include:

  • Type of boat: Different types of boats (e.g., sailboats, fishing boats, speedboats) come with varying risk levels and replacement costs, which affect the overall premium.
  • Length of boat: Longer boats often cost more to insure due to higher repair or replacement costs and greater liability exposure.
  • Horsepower: Higher horsepower means greater speed and potential risk, which usually leads to higher premiums.
  • How it’s used: Boats used for commercial or charter purposes cost more to insure than those used for occasional personal recreation.
  • Where it’s stored: Storing your boat in a secure marina or indoor facility may reduce premiums, while keeping it outdoors or in high-risk areas (like hurricane-prone coastal regions) can increase costs.
  • Navigation area: Operating in open ocean waters or high-traffic areas, such as Charleston Harbor, may raise your rates compared to calm inland lakes or rivers.
  • Owner’s experience: Insurance companies often reward experienced boaters with lower rates, while new or unlicensed operators may face higher premiums.

Even if these factors aren’t currently working in your favor, there are still several ways you can lower your boat insurance expenses. One of the easiest ways to do so is by checking if you’re eligible for any discounts. More on this below.

South Carolina Boat Insurance Discounts

South Carolina boat owners looking to save on insurance costs have several opportunities available to them to secure valuable discounts without sacrificing coverage. For instance, GEICO offers bundling discounts when you combine your boat policy with existing auto insurance. Completing a certified boating safety course can also lower your GEICO premium by showing you're a responsible and knowledgeable operator.

Key savings opportunities with GEICO include:

  • Multi-Policy Discount: Bundling your boat insurance with your GEICO auto policy can potentially lower your auto premium.
  • Completing a boat safety course: Participating in an approved boat safety course may qualify you for a discount.
  • Loss-Free Credit: Completing a policy period without any claims may make you eligible for a credit that can be applied to your next policy renewal.

Why GEICO is the Best Boat Insurance in South Carolina

We know you have countless options when it comes to boat insurance in South Carolina, so why choose GEICO?

With many years of experience covering all different types of policyholders, we’ve insured nearly every kind of vessel—from personal watercraft to cabin cruisers and everything in between. Offering several distinct coverages to choose from, GEICO also empowers boat owners to customize their plan to fit their unique needs, ensuring they get everything they require and nothing they don’t.

And discounts? It doesn’t get any better than GEICO. Whether you bundle policies, finish a boat safety course, or have a claims-free policy period, there are numerous ways that you can save.

No matter what your priority is—affordability, flexibility, or anything else—GEICO has everything you need to meet your specific boat insurance requirements.

Get a Free Boat Insurance Quote in South Carolina

Operating a boat in South Carolina without the proper insurance is never worth the risk. After all, whether you’re fishing, cruising, or just relaxing on the water with friends, boating is all about peace of mind, right? Nothing offers more peace than knowing you’re sufficiently protected, no matter what floats your way.

From liability coverage to optional add-ons like towing and equipment protection, tailoring your policy to match how and where you boat is key. And with GEICO’s abundance of discount opportunities, you can enjoy well-rounded protection without dealing with waves of expenses.

Ready to take the first step in securing your South Carolina boat insurance? Get your free quote from GEICO today!

Boat Insurance in South Carolina FAQs