
In North Carolina, boat insurance is not mandatory, but it's highly recommended to protect your investment and financial well-being.
The state's waterways can be treacherous, with strong currents and rough seas, making accidents more likely.
Boat insurance can help cover the costs of repairs or replacement if your boat is damaged or stolen.
North Carolina's coastal waters also expose your boat to risks like hurricanes and flooding, which can cause significant damage.
Do I Need?
In North Carolina, boat insurance isn't always required by law, but some marinas might mandate liability coverage, and lenders may require comprehensive and collision coverages if you lease or finance your watercraft.
If you own your boat outright and aren't required to carry liability coverage, it's still a good idea to protect your investment and assets in case of an accident.
Boat insurance can help cover repair costs or legal fees in the event of an unforeseen incident, such as an accident, weather damage, theft, or liability from injuries.
Accidents can happen even to experienced boaters, making proper coverage essential for peace of mind while on the water.
To prioritize getting the right coverage for your needs, consider the potential hazards you face while boating, including accidents, weather damage, theft, or liability from injuries.
Here are some types of coverage to consider:
While getting a good deal is important, don't skimp on essential coverage to save a few bucks, as this might leave you financially exposed in case of a serious boating accident.
Types of Boat Insurance
Liability insurance is a must-have for boat owners, covering medical costs and property damage if you're at fault in an accident.
Bodily injury liability coverage covers the medical costs associated with injuries sustained by other boaters or guests and visitors while aboard, while property damage liability coverage covers damage to other people's property, such as docks, marinas, and other boats.
Physical damage coverage can be tailored to fit your needs, with options for collision and comprehensive coverage.
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Collision coverage covers repairs to or replacement of your own boat, motor, trolling motor, or permanent boating equipment due to damage caused by a collision with another boat or an object while on the water.
Comprehensive coverage covers repairs to or replacement of your own boat, motor, trolling motor, or permanent boating equipment due to damage or loss caused by anything other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or a storm.
Additional coverage options include personal property coverage for equipment like tools, life preservers, anchors, and oars, and coverage for fishing equipment like rods, lures, nets, and tackle.
Here are some additional coverage options to consider:
- On-water towing and labor coverage for a disabled vessel
- Medical payments coverage for hospital and funeral expenses for you or your passengers
- Uninsured/underinsured boaters coverage for an accident with another boater with insufficient or no boat insurance
Boat Insurance Costs and Coverage
Boat insurance costs in North Carolina can range from $200 to $500 annually for smaller boats, while larger or more expensive vessels like yachts can see premiums exceeding $1,000 per year.
Several factors influence the cost of boat insurance, including the make, model, and year of the boat, boating experience, claims history, and horsepower.

You may be eligible for certain discounts on your North Carolina boat insurance policy, such as a layup discount or a discount for successfully completing a boating safety course.
Here are some factors that can affect the cost of your boat insurance:
- Make, model, and year of the boat
- Boating experience
- Claims history
- Horsepower
Additionally, your credit score and where you typically use your boat can also impact your boat insurance cost in North Carolina.
Physical Damage
Physical damage coverage is a crucial aspect of boat insurance. It covers repairs or replacement costs for your boat if it's damaged in an accident or natural disaster.
You can get physical damage coverage through comprehensive coverage, which covers damage or loss caused by anything other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or a storm. This type of coverage is essential if you want to protect your investment against a wide range of risks.
Physical damage coverage can also include repairs to or replacement of your boat's motor, trolling motor, or permanent boating equipment. This means that if your boat's engine is damaged in a storm, your insurance policy will help cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
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If you're not sure what type of physical damage coverage you need, consider the following:
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damage or loss caused by anything other than a collision
- Collision coverage: Covers repairs to or replacement of your boat due to damage caused by a collision with another boat or an object while on the water
Here's a breakdown of the types of physical damage coverage you may need:
By understanding the different types of physical damage coverage available, you can make an informed decision about the level of protection you need for your boat.
Average Cost
The average cost of boat insurance in North Carolina can vary significantly depending on several factors.
Make and model of the boat are key determinants of insurance costs, with larger, older, or more expensive boats often leading to higher premiums.
Boating experience also plays a role, with more experienced boaters potentially paying less for insurance than newer boaters.
Claims history is another factor, as both at-fault and not-at-fault claims can impact insurance costs.
Horsepower also matters, with boats having stronger engines costing more to insure.
The amount of coverage and deductibles chosen, as well as where the boat is typically used, can also affect the cost.
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Credit score can even influence the cost, although this is not explicitly stated in the examples.
Here's a rough idea of what to expect in terms of average costs:
You may be eligible for certain discounts, such as a layup discount or a discount for completing a boating safety course.
Reducing Costs and Finding the Best Quote
To reduce the cost of boat insurance in North Carolina, consider taking advantage of discounts offered by insurance companies like Progressive. They automatically add discounts such as multi-policy, paid in full, responsible driver, safety course, and original owner to your policy.
You can save money by being a responsible driver and taking a safety course. Progressive also offers a multi-policy discount.
If you're looking for the best boat insurance quote in North Carolina, comparison shopping is key. However, working with a local independent insurance agent can simplify the process and provide knowledgeable, superior service.
Here are some ways to get quotes from multiple insurance companies:
- Ask a local independent insurance agent to provide quotes from multiple companies.
- Get quotes from multiple insurance companies online or by phone.
How to Reduce Costs

Reducing costs is a top priority for many boat owners in North Carolina. You can start saving immediately with Progressive, which offers a variety of discounts that can be automatically added to your policy.
One way to save is by bundling your boat insurance with other policies, such as home or auto insurance. This is known as the Multi-policy discount.
Paying your premium in full upfront can also earn you a discount. It's a good idea to review your budget and see if you can afford to pay the full amount at once.
Taking a safety course can also qualify you for a discount. This shows that you're responsible and knowledgeable about boat safety.
If you're the original owner of your boat, you may be eligible for a discount. This is a great incentive to buy a new boat or upgrade your current one.
Here are some discounts offered by Progressive that can help you save:
- Multi-policy
- Paid in full
- Responsible driver
- Safety course
- Original owner
Finding the Best Quote

You can find the best boat insurance quote in North Carolina by comparison shopping. Unfortunately, the process of acquiring and comparing insurance quotes can be time-consuming and even frustrating.
A local independent insurance agent can help you assess your coverage needs and provide you with quotes from multiple insurance companies, allowing you to make the best choice. Working with a local agent is the best way to get knowledgeable, superior service from someone who understands the needs of boat owners in North Carolina.
To get the best quote, you can also use online tools and resources, such as the Ahoy! Mobile App, which can help you navigate the process and provide you with a seamless and enjoyable boat insurance experience.
Progressive offers a variety of discounts that can be automatically added to your policy, such as the Multi-policy discount. You can also take a safety course to qualify for a discount.
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Here are some ways to lower the cost of boat insurance in North Carolina:
* Multi-policy discountPaid in full discountResponsible driver discountSafety course discountOriginal owner discount
This is not an exhaustive list, but it's a good starting point. Be sure to explore other options and discounts that may be available to you.
Requesting a quote is a breeze – simply share some basic information, and our expert team will customize an insurance solution tailored to your specific requirements.
Boat Insurance Companies and Options
If you're looking for the best boat insurance companies in North Carolina, there are several reputable options to consider. Progressive is one of the top choices, offering personal insurance coverage including boat insurance to North Carolina residents.
Safeco Insurance is another well-established carrier with a comprehensive range of insurance coverage, including boat insurance, that helps North Carolina boat owners protect what's important. Foremost Insurance Company also offers a wide range of coverage, including boat insurance, in 50 states.
Travelers is a highly-rated boat insurance company in North Carolina, providing a variety of personal insurance options, including auto, home, and renters insurance. Central Insurance Companies is a well-established carrier with more than a century's worth of history in the insurance industry, offering a wide range of coverage options, including boat insurance, in 24 states.
Here are some of the top boat insurance companies in North Carolina:
- Progressive
- Safeco Insurance
- Foremost Insurance Company
- Travelers
- Central Insurance Companies
An independent insurance agent can help you learn more about these and other North Carolina boat insurance companies, and provide you with competitive quotes for the coverage that fits your needs.
Boat Insurance Requirements and Laws
Boat insurance is not required by law in North Carolina, but it's a good idea for most boat owners to have it.
If you financed the purchase of your boat, your lender will likely require you to have boat insurance until your loan is paid off.
A local independent insurance agent can help you learn more about the requirements for boat insurance in North Carolina and find a policy that fits your needs.
In North Carolina, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, must complete a boater education course to operate a boat powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater.
All boats must be registered with the state, and specific safety equipment like life jackets must be onboard.
Is Required?

North Carolina does not require boat insurance by law. This means you're not obligated to have insurance, but it's still a good idea to get covered.
Having boat insurance is crucial for peace of mind, and it's essential for a stress-free boating experience.
Requirements
In North Carolina, boat insurance is not required by law, but it's a good idea for most boat owners to have it.
If you financed the purchase of your boat, your lender will likely require you to have boat insurance until your loan is paid off.
Having boat insurance can help you recover the costs of medical payments, property damage, and wreckage fees after an accident.
If you dock your boat at a marina, having boat insurance might be a stipulation of your marina lease agreement.
A local independent insurance agent can help you learn more about the requirements for boat insurance in North Carolina and find a policy that fits your needs.
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Laws

If you're planning to hit the waters in North Carolina, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the local boating laws.
In North Carolina, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, must complete a boater education course to operate a boat powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater.
Boats must be registered with the state, which is a straightforward process that ensures you're compliant with local regulations.
All boats must have specific safety equipment on board, including life jackets.
Boating under the influence (BUI) is taken seriously in North Carolina, with fines or loss of boating privileges as potential consequences.
Common Boat Insurance Coverages
Boat insurance in North Carolina offers various coverages to protect your watercraft and its occupants. Liability insurance is essential for boat owners, covering medical costs associated with injuries sustained by other boaters or guests and visitors while aboard if you're at fault for an accident.
Bodily injury liability coverage is a must-have, as it covers the medical costs associated with injuries sustained by other boaters or guests and visitors while aboard if you're at fault for an accident. Property damage liability coverage is also crucial, covering damage to other people's property, such as docks, marinas, and other boats, if you're at fault for an accident.

You can also obtain coverage for physical damage to your own watercraft, including collision coverage, which covers repairs to or replacement of your own boat, motor, trolling motor, or any permanent boating equipment due to damage caused by a collision with another boat or an object while on the water.
Comprehensive coverage is another essential aspect of boat insurance, covering repairs to or replacement of your own boat, motor, trolling motor, or permanent boating equipment due to damage or loss caused by anything other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or a storm.
Additional coverages to consider include personal property coverage for equipment such as tools, life preservers, anchors, and oars, and coverage for fishing equipment like rods, lures, nets, and tackle.
Here are some additional coverages you may want to consider:
- On-water towing and labor coverage for a disabled vessel
- Medical payments coverage for hospital and funeral expenses for you or your passengers
- Uninsured/underinsured boaters coverage for an accident with another boater with insufficient or no boat insurance
These coverages can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an accident or unexpected event.
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Getting a Quote and Protecting Your Assets

Getting a quote for boat insurance in North Carolina is a straightforward process. An independent insurance agent can make the process much simpler by providing quotes from multiple insurance companies.
You can also get a quote from a reputable insurance agency like The Huneycutt Group, which has over 50 years of combined experience and relationships with dozens of insurance companies.
Boat insurance protects you financially in the event of an unforeseen incident, such as an accident or theft. This coverage ensures that repair costs or legal fees don't come out of your pocket.
Proper coverage is essential for peace of mind, especially if you're an experienced boater who can't control every situation on the water. Requesting a quote from a reputable insurance provider like ALLCHOICE Insurance is a breeze.
To get a North Carolina boat insurance quote, simply share some basic information, and their expert team will customize an insurance solution tailored to your specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reasonable boat insurance?
The most reasonable boat insurance is offered by Progressive, known for its low overall costs and plentiful discounts. Other affordable options include Market, BoatUS, National Boat Owners Association, Foremost, and State Farm.
Is it worth getting boat insurance?
While boat insurance may not be necessary for every watercraft, liability coverage is often affordable and essential for protecting yourself from costly injuries or damages. Consider getting boat insurance to safeguard your finances and well-being.
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