North Carolina boat insurance

How does North Carolina boat insurance work?

Although North Carolina doesn't have a law that requires boat owners to carry insurance, there are other reasons you may need it. Lenders may require boat insurance as part of their loan terms. Also, private marinas and docks may also ask for proof of liability coverage, which boat insurance can provide, before letting you use their facilities.

There are other reasons to consider carrying boat insurance as well. A North Carolina boat insurance policy may help with the cost of repairing or replacing your vessel in case of theft or vandalism. And suppose you like to bring guests out on your boat. The liability coverage on your boat insurance may help protect you and your assets if you are responsible for someone getting hurt or their belongings damaged while on your boat.

What's included in a standard Progressive North Carolina 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 and you are responsible. Property damage liability coverage may pay for damages your boat may have caused to another boat, marina, dock, or other property. An umbrella policy can offer extra liability protection if you need more than a $500,000 liability limit. Umbrella policy limits can be obtained, typically up to $5 million. Learn more about boat insurance liability coverage.

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

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

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

Optional boat coverages

Comprehensive and collision: Comprehensive coverage helps repair or replace your boat if it's damaged by events outside your control, such as fire, theft, or vandalism. This type of coverage is particularly useful when your boat is in storage, and you are not actively checking on it. Collision coverage pays for repairs to your boat if you collide with another vessel, or with a stationary object like a buoy or a dock. If you're financing your boat, your lender will likely require both comprehensive and collision.

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

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?

You can see yachts sailing the waters inland and off the coast of North Carolina during boating season, and some of them may well be insured by Progressive. If you're a boater in the state of North Carolina with a yacht over 26 feet, Progressive may help you get the insurance you need.

How much is boat insurance in North Carolina?

North Carolina is considered a medium-cost state when it comes to boat insurance. In addition to the type of coverage you opt for, many factors determine the cost of boat insurance in North Carolina, including:

• Make, model, and year of the boat: Insuring larger, older, or more expensive boats often leads to higher premiums.
• Claims history: This may include accidents where you were at fault and not at fault.
• Boating experience: More experienced boaters may pay less for boat insurance than newer boaters.
• Your age: Generally, the older you are, the more affordable your rate may be.

How can I lower my boat insurance rate in North Carolina?

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

• Multi-boat discount: You insure more than one watercraft on your Progressive boat policy.
• Safety course: You completed a North Carolina-approved safety course.
• Original owner: You're the original owner, entitling you to a discount.
• Multi-policy discount: You have another policy with Progressive, you can bundle and save on boat insurance.

See if you qualify for more boat insurance discounts.

How to get boat insurance in North Carolina