Boat insurance is crucial for safeguarding your investment. However, it’s important to understand both what it covers and what it excludes.

Boat insurance typically covers damages from accidents and theft and liability for injuries or property damage. However, boat owners should be aware of potential gaps, such as exclusions for certain types of damage or limitations on coverage during specific conditions.

What Boat Insurance Typically Covers

Knowing what boat insurance typically covers is essential for effective risk management. Here are the common areas covered:

• Property insurance covers the boat’s hull, sails, equipment, and furnishings.
• Collision damage protects against accidents you cause, including your boat and towing services.
• Special equipment coverage may include fishing gear and personal effects.
• Marine liability insurance addresses damages or injuries you cause to others.
• Uninsured/Underinsured boater coverage offers protection if hit by a boater without sufficient insurance.
• Emergency assistance includes towing, roadside help, and rental reimbursement.
• Additional enhancements may cover oil pollution liability, wreck removal, windstorm expenses, and medical payments.

Common Boat Insurance Exclusions To Watch For

Being aware of common boat insurance exclusions can help you avoid unexpected gaps in coverage. Here’s a brief overview of common boat insurance exclusions:

• Wear and tear, including saltwater corrosion, is not covered.
• Damage from infestations by insects, animals, mold, or marine life is typically excluded.
• Damages caused by marine creatures, including sharks, are not covered.
• Mechanical failures or defects due to poor maintenance are excluded, although damages from these issues might be covered.
• Additional equipment like GPS systems and life jackets may not be covered unless specified.
• Damage from improper storage or transportation is usually excluded.
• Accidents caused by unauthorized operators are not covered.
• Sailing outside of specified geographic areas may void coverage.
• Racing and special events are often excluded unless additional coverage is purchased.

Understanding Supplemental and Specialized Coverage Options

Understanding supplemental and specialized coverage options can provide additional protection tailored to your specific needs. Here are some options to consider:

• Expanded equipment coverage includes protection for personal effects, navigation gear, and special equipment.
• Supplemental policies offer protection for competitions, damage from marine life, or higher-risk navigation zones.
• Fuel spill and pollution liability coverage addresses accidental discharges into water bodies.
• Legal defense and indemnity coverage protects you if you are sued over a boating incident.
• Crew coverage provides additional protection for those operating larger vessels.

Choosing the Right Boat Insurance Policy

Assessing your specific boating needs involves considering factors like the type of boat, its use, and the risks you might face. This evaluation helps determine the appropriate level of coverage to adequately protect your investment.

Collaborating with your insurance provider is crucial to address potential exclusions, such as geographic limits or operator restrictions, that could affect your coverage. 

Additionally, understanding how boat repairer insurance applies is important if you operate a boat repair business and need comprehensive liability protection. 

Protecting Your Boat and Understanding Exclusions

Boat insurance provides essential protection for your vessel, but it’s important to understand policy exclusions. This awareness is key to avoiding unexpected expenses and fully covering yourself.

Consulting with Mariners General Insurance Group can help tailor your coverage to your specific needs, including geographic limits and equipment protection. Boat owners should also review both covered damages and exclusions annually to ensure full protection.

About Mariners General Insurance Group

Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide — in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs — trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.