Boat insurance in Maine

How does Maine boat insurance work?

Although Maine doesn't have a law that requires boat owners to carry boat insurance, there are reasons you may need it. Companies that offer loans for boat purchases usually require boat insurance, and private marinas and docks may ask for proof of boat insurance before letting you use their facilities.

A Maine boat insurance policy's liability coverage can protect you if you're at fault for injuring someone else or damaging their belongings. And comprehensive coverage can help with the cost of repairs or replacement in the case of theft or vandalism. When a covered occurence happens, you'll file a claim with your boat insurer and they'll work with you and the other parties to provide coverage.

What's included in a standard Maine boat insurance policy?

Bodily injury liability coverage may help with medical and legal expenses if someone on your boat, on another boat, or in the water is injured.

Property damage liability coverage may cover damages your boat causes to another boat, marina, or dock, for example. This coverage may also help with legal fees that arise as a result of a property damage incident.

Along with boat liability coverages, an umbrella policy can offer extra protection if you need more than a $500,000 liability limit. Umbrella policy limits typically can be obtained up to $5 million.

Watersport coverage helps pay for medical costs associated with accidents involved in on-the-water sports such as tubing and water skiing.

Wreckage removal coverage may pay for the removal of your boat from the water in the event it sinks.

Fuel spill covers legally required cleanup costs associated with spilled fuel, no matter how it happened.

Optional boat coverages

Comprehensive and collision: Comprehensive coverage covers the cost to replace or repair your boat for non-collision events outside of your control, such as fire, theft, and vandalism. This type of coverage may be especially helpful if you store your boat during the long winter months when it's not in use. On the other hand, collision coverage protects your watercraft from accidents involving other boaters and objects such as buoys and docks. If you're financing your boat, your lender will likely require both comprehensive and collision. Learn more about collision and comprehensive coverages for boats.

Sign & Glide^®: Sign & Glide^® towing assistance^† will help with on-water towing, jump starts, fuel delivery, and more if your boat is disabled in the water.

Propulsion Plus^® mechanical breakdown: Propulsion Plus mechanical breakdown coverage will help if the lower unit of an outboard motor or the upper and lower units of an inboard/outboard motor suffer a mechanical breakdown — even if it's from wear and tear.

See all boat insurance coverages.

Does Progressive insure yachts?

With Maine's expansive Atlantic coastline, it's not uncommon for yachts to cruise its waters. If you're a boater in the state of Maine with a yacht more than 26 feet, Progressive can help you get the insurance you need.

How much is boat insurance in Maine?

Because the boating season is shorter in northern states like Maine, it's considered a lower-cost state when it comes to boat insurance. In addition to the type of coverage you opt for, many factors will determine the cost of your Maine boat insurance, including:

• Your age: Generally, the older you are, the more affordable your rate may be.
• Claims history: This may include both at-fault and no-fault claims.
• Boating experience: More experienced boaters may pay less for boat insurance than newer boaters.
• Make, model, and year of the boat: Insuring larger, older, or more expensive boats often leads to higher premiums.

How can I lower my boat insurance rate in Maine?

Discounts vary by state, but in Maine, you may be able to lower your insurance rate if:

• Multi-policy discount: you have another policy with Progressive; you can bundle and save on boat insurance.
• Safety course: you completed a Maine-approved safety course.
• Original owner: you're the original owner; you're entitled to a discount on your boat insurance policy with comprehensive and collision coverages.
• Responsible driver: you have no watercraft or motor vehicle violations or accidents on your record for the last three years.

See if you qualify for more boat insurance discounts.

How to get boat insurance in Maine