Boat Insurance

About Boat Insurance

April 27, 2026
By GEICO Team
4 min read
Editorial Guidelines
The GEICO Gecko steering a sailboat on open water.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Your Homeowners or Auto Policy Probably Does Not Cover Your Boat
Most homeowners policies restrict coverage by boat size and horsepower, and auto insurance is not designed for watercraft at all. Without a dedicated boat insurance policy, you are likely underinsured for hull damage, liability, and theft. Coverage limits vary by state and underwriting company, so relying on assumptions can leave you exposed when it matters most.

Boat Insurance Covers Your Vessel, Your Liability, and Others on the Water
A typical policy covers damage to your hull, sails, motor, equipment, furnishings, and trailer, plus liability for injuring someone or damaging their property with your boat. It also includes medical payments, fuel spill liability, salvage and wreck removal, and uninsured boater protection. Optional add-ons include towing services, disappearing deductibles, personal property coverage, fishing equipment coverage, and ice/freeze protection.

Cost Depends on Your Boat, How You Use It, and How You Store It
Factors like vessel size, type, chosen coverage levels, frequency of use, and storage method all influence your premium. GEICO offers discounts for bundling boat and auto policies, completing a boat safety course, and maintaining a clean claims history, so the final price may be lower than you expect.

A boat insurance policy may cover you and your boat or personal watercraft against liability and damage in the event of a boating accident, including if you injure someone or damage someone else's property with your boat. Boat insurance can also cover your motorboat, sailboat, or other types of watercraft in the event it is stolen. The parts of a watercraft that are typically covered by a boat insurance policy include the hull, machinery, or any equipment that is permanently attached to your boat or personal watercraft (PWC).

At GEICO, we know your boat and PWC are investments not only of time and money, but fun as well. GEICO Marine Insurance Company can help you protect your investment. Accidents happen, but with boat insurance, you can rest assured you're covered on and off the water. We share your passion for watersports and have teamed up with BoatUS. Put our experience to work for you and get a free online boat insurance quote or call us at (855) 395-1412.

Is my boat covered under my auto insurance or homeowners insurance policy?

If you don't have a separate boat insurance policy, you're probably underinsured. Auto and homeowners insurance policies aren't made to cover boats and PWCs. Most homeowners policies have size restrictions, as well as limitations on horsepower and damage coverage. Coverage limits vary by state, underwriting company, and contract. Don't wait until it's too late to find out your coverage is lacking.

What does boat insurance cover?

Boat insurance coverage varies based on your boat or watercraft. Typical boat insurance policy includes the following coverage:

For you and your boat:

  • Damage to your boat's: hull, sails, equipment, furnishings, motor, and trailer
  • Liability
  • New boat replacement for new boats
  • Agreed hull value or actual cash value
  • Fuel spill liability
  • Medical payments
  • Salvage coverage and wreck removal
  • Uninsured boater protection

For others:

  • Damage to another boat
  • Damage to other property caused by your boat
  • Bodily injury/death of another person

Optional insurance coverages:

  • Multiple towing options, on and off the water
  • Disappearing deductibles
  • Coverage for your personal property
  • Coverage for your fishing equipment
  • Ice/freeze coverage

How much does boat insurance cost?

There are a variety of factors that can influence how much boat insurance costs, including, but not limited to:

  • The size of your boat or personal watercraft
  • The type or model of boat or watercraft that you want to insure
  • The amount and type of coverage that you choose for your boat insurance policy
  • How you will use your boat or watercraft and how often
  • How your boat will be stored

Get a free online boat insurance quote or call us at (855) 395-1412.

Boat Insurance Discounts

Not all coverage is created equal. A low rate or cheap boat insurance doesn't mean reduced coverage or losing the promise of service when you insure with GEICO. We're committed to providing a policy that's right for you.

Discounts:

  • Multi-Policy Discount for current GEICO Auto policyholders
  • Passed a boat safety course
  • No loss credits

Why choose GEICO Boat Insurance?

  • Customizable coverage to meet your needs
  • Licensed agents as passionate about boating as you are
  • 24/7 claims handling and towing service
  • Discounts available when you insure both your boat and car

Ready to Get Out on the Water?

Boat insurance could help protect your boat, passengers, and weekends.

Get a Quote Learn More
Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or in all situations. GEICO has teamed up with its subsidiary, BoatUS, to bring boaters a policy developed by specialists, with the great service you expect from GEICO. Policies are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. When you begin a quote, you'll be taken to the BoatUS website for a secure boat quote. Any information you provide will be subject to the privacy policy posted on their website.

  • Is my boat covered under my auto insurance or homeowners insurance policy?
  • What does boat insurance cover?
  • How much does boat insurance cost?
  • Boat Insurance Discounts
  • Why choose GEICO Boat Insurance?
  • Ready to Get Out on the Water?

Please note that the information above is meant to help you better understand insurance coverage in general. This content is for educational purposes only and does not serve as an actual insurance policy, nor does it change any terms or details in your own policy. Because insurance options can vary depending on your insurer, where you live, and what's available, we recommend that you review your policy documents and speak with a licensed insurance expert if you have questions about your coverage. Any examples of premiums, losses, deductibles, or repair costs are just for illustration and might not reflect your personal situation. Whether an accident or loss is covered will depend on the specific rules and details in your policy. Also, if you click on any links to other websites, we are not responsible for their content.