Boat and watercraft insurance for Puget Sound boaters

Boat insurance covers physical damage to your boat, motor and trailer, plus liability if you injure someone or damage another vessel, dock or property. Washington does not require boat insurance by law, but most marinas require proof of liability coverage, and lenders require physical damage coverage on financed boats. Boaters in Edmonds, Mukilteo and Shilshole also face Puget Sound conditions: strong currents, cold water, logs and debris, and winter storms at moorage.

What boat insurance covers

• Hull and machinery: damage from collision, sinking, fire, theft and storms
• Liability: injury to others and damage to docks, other boats and property
• Fuel spill liability and wreck removal, which marinas often require
• Uninsured boater: injuries caused by an uninsured operator
• Medical payments for you and your passengers
• Towing and on-water assistance, trailer and personal effects coverage

Agreed value or actual cash value

An agreed value policy pays the value you and the insurer settle on at the start if the boat is a total loss. Actual cash value subtracts depreciation. For most boats we recommend agreed value. We also check navigation limits, lay-up periods and who is allowed to operate the boat, all details that matter at claim time.