We value your privacy. We may collect personal information from you for business, marketing, and commercial purposes. Read more Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (CA residents only)

We value your privacy. We may collect personal information from you such as identifying information (name, address, driver's license number), transactional information (products or services purchased and payment history), digital network activity (interactions with our website, IP address), geo-location data, audio recordings and other forms of personal information. We use this information for business, marketing and commercial purposes, including but not limited to, providing the products and services you request, processing your claims, protecting against fraud, maintaining security, confirming your identity and offering you other insurance and financial products.

For California residents, click here to view the full version of the California Consumer Privacy Notice.

Start of main content

Boat insurance basics: What's covered

Learn about boat insurance and what the coverage may mean for you.

Did you know that boat insurance is one of the earliest known forms of insurance? Ancient sailors knew firsthand about the risks of a life at sea and sought to insure their boats against hurricanes and other unpredictable weather and waters. And it still applies today.

Boat insurance policies can vary widely in what they may or may not cover based on a number of considerations. Some of the factors include: type and age of the boat, where it will operate (waterways) and boat usage (length of boating season). Still, there is basic coverage available as well as some potential discounts for safe boaters.

Physical damage

This coverage insures your boat against damage and loss caused by common risks, such as sinking, fire, storms, theft and collision. The property covered can vary, but the policy will typically cover the hull and other components, such as:

A boat trailer may or may not be covered, depending on the policy. Talk with your agent to determine if your boat insurance policy covers your trailer.

When choosing your policy, consider asking whether you will be insured for the boat's replacement cost or its actual cash value (ACV). A replacement cost policy will reimburse you for the cost of repairing the boat to its original condition or replacing the boat with the same or similar model. A policy based on ACV will reimburse you for the value of the repair or replacement (cost to repair or replace the property minus depreciation) at the time of the loss. Some insurance policies may include agreed value loss settlement for total loss situations. This ensures you receive the policy coverage limits if your boat is determined to be a total loss.

Liability coverage

This coverage applies if your boat causes injury to others or damage to other boats, docks or structures. Keep in mind that the injury or damage can be due to direct contact with your vessel or situations caused by your vessel, such as large wakes. Boat liability coverage helps protect you from covered claims and lawsuits including payment of settlements and legal fees. Consider your needs and possible risks so that you purchase the best liability coverage for you and your boat.

Other coverage

Your insurer may offer additional kinds of coverage to go with your basic boat insurance. A State Farm® boat insurance policy may provide coverage for temporary repairs, emergency service and wreck removal as part of your basic contract. For additional information, talk with your agent.

Optional coverage

In addition to what is offered as part of your basic policy and depending on your boating needs, you may want to consider purchasing coverage like:

Discounts

A way to help lower your boat insurance premium is to become a safer boater. For example, many insurers offer discounts to boaters who have completed an approved boating safety course. 

Other frequently asked questions about boat insurance

What sets State Farm boat insurance apart?

Does boat insurance cover sinking?

State Farm typically insures against perils like sinking, fire, theft and storms, just to name a few. Check out more details on boat insurance, or talk to a State Farm agent for more information.

What types of boats are typically insured by State Farm?

State Farm offers boat insurance for a wide variety of water-going types like sailboats, fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and even jet skis. Contact a local insurance agent for a quote today!

Buying boat insurance may help you be prepared when the unexpected happens. And if you’re interested, learn more boating safety ideas, advice on how to trailer your boat and what to do in the case of a boating accident.

This is only a general description of coverages and is not a statement of contract. Details of coverage or limits vary in some states. All coverages are subject to the terms, provisions, exclusions and conditions in the policy itself, and in endorsements.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.

State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm General Insurance Company Bloomington, IL

State Farm Florida Insurance Company Winter Haven, FL

Start a quote

Find agents near
you or contact us

Related articles

Boat trailer safety includes choosing the proper trailer and towing vehicle, following proper hitching procedures and learning safe driving techniques.

Understand your responsibility if you are involved in an accident.

Consider completing these tasks before hitting the water.

Help stay safe on the water by being prepared with these boat safety tips.