Washington Boat Insurance

Find the Best Boat Insurance Rates & Companies in Washington 

From ocean access to lakes and rivers, Washington State has plenty of opportunities for water sports enjoyment. However, watercraft owners need to be aware of the risk of collisions, vandalism, and other threats that could be extremely expensive to handle without the right coverage. That's why having adequate Washington boat insurance is critical.

Luckily, a Washington independent insurance agent can help you get set up with all the necessary boat insurance. They'll make sure you get matched to the ideal policy for your boat and its uses. But first, here's a breakdown of Washington state's boat insurance requirements and more.

Best Boat Insurance Companies in Washington

You could get a boat insurance policy from many different carriers in Washington. But if you're looking for the best coverage available, start by checking into these top-rated boat insurance companies in Washington.

1. Foremost: This insurer sells boat insurance and many other types of personal insurance products. Foremost has excellent AM Best and Better Business Bureau ratings and provides 24/7 claims reporting.
2. Travelers: This insurer sells boat insurance and several other types of personal and business insurance. Travelers has superb AM Best and Better Business Bureau ratings and offers many boat insurance discounts.
3. Progressive: This insurer sells boat insurance and many other types of personal and business insurance. Progressive has a great AM Best rating for financial strength and provides year-round, 24/7/365 customer service.

A Washington independent insurance agent can shop and compare boat insurance quotes from the best boat insurance companies in your specific area. 

What Boat Insurance in Washington Can Cover

A boat insurance policy is built with several types of coverage. In Washington, you can typically choose from the following boat insurance options:

• Boating liability insurance: This covers lawsuit costs related to third-party claims of bodily injury or personal property damage.
• Medical payments insurance: This covers medical treatments for yourself or your passengers after a boating collision, regardless of fault.
• Collision insurance: Pays for damage to your boat from a collision with another object, regardless of fault.
• Personal effects insurance: This covers expenses related to repairs or replacements for personal items like scuba gear, fishing gear, and water skis that get damaged, lost, stolen, or destroyed.
• Equipment insurance: This covers expenses related to repairs or replacements for equipment or accessories not originally installed by the manufacturer, such as GPS units, boat hoists, and more that get damaged, lost, stolen, or destroyed.
• Uninsured/underinsured boater insurance: This covers costs related to property damage and medical treatments in case of a collision with a boater who doesn't carry adequate insurance to reimburse you.
• Towing insurance: This covers towing expenses if your boat breaks down on the water due to mechanical failure, etc.
• Comprehensive insurance: Pays for damage to your boat due to a non-collision event such as a flood or theft. 
• Fuel spill/wreckage cleanup insurance: This covers wreckage and pollutant clean-up expenses if you cause a collision on the water.

A Washington independent insurance agent can help you assemble a boat insurance policy that includes each type of protection you need.

Is Boat Insurance Required in Washington?

Washington doesn't require boat insurance by law. However, having a policy can help you get reimbursement after collisions, breakdowns on the water, vandalism, theft, and many other disasters. Because of this, you might still want to get a boat insurance policy if you own any of the following:

Boat insurance is also often required by marinas and watercraft financing lenders. So, regardless of whether state law mandates boat insurance, you might find that you're still required to have coverage.

What Boat Insurance in Washington Will Not Cover

While boat insurance covers a lot of disasters, it's not designed to cover just anything. In Washington, boat insurance typically excludes these threats:

• Watercraft damage caused by animals, insects, or marine life
• Watercraft wear and tear over time
• Malicious or intentional acts to third parties or their property
• Watercraft damage due to faulty or defective machinery (without the proper endorsement)
• Boat trailer damage or loss
• Watercraft mold damage

Before you file a claim, make sure you understand your specific boat insurance policy's coverage exclusions. 

Average Cost of Boat Insurance in Washington

In Washington, boat insurance costs an average of $344 per year. Keep in mind, though, that the cost of boat insurance can be influenced by many different factors, including:

• Your exact location
• Where your watercraft is stored while not in use
• The engine size and length of your watercraft
• Your prior boat insurance claims
• The types and amounts of coverage you select
• Your personal boating history
• The specs of your watercraft, including its make and model

You can expect a boat insurance policy to be more expensive if you've filed several boat insurance claims in the past. 

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What Boat Insurance Discounts Are Available in Washington?

Washington offers a variety of boat insurance discounts for watercraft lovers. Many carriers offer the following ways to save money on your boat insurance:

• Boater safety course discounts: Completing a state-approved boater safety course can earn you a boat insurance discount.
• Lay-up discounts: Using your boat only during the summer months might earn you a boat insurance discount.
• Bundling discounts: Bundling boat insurance with home insurance, auto insurance, or another type of coverage through the same carrier can earn you discounts on each policy.
• Affiliation discounts: Being affiliated with various groups and organizations can lead to boat insurance discounts.
• Loyalty discounts: Continuing your coverage with the same boat insurance carrier for a specific number of years can earn you a discount after a while.
• Security discounts: Protecting your watercraft against theft, vandalism, etc., with security devices can earn you a discount.

A Washington State independent insurance agent can help find and apply any boat insurance discounts you qualify for to your policy. Your agent will help you reduce your policy's costs as much as possible.

Popular Questions about Washington Boat Insurance