What Is Boat Insurance?

Boat insurance is a policy designed to protect your watercraft, your passengers, and yourself from financial losses related to boating. Whether you own a fishing boat, pontoon, sailboat, or yacht, FOCO Insurance Services' agents help you find coverage that matches how you use your vessel and where you take it on the water.

Your policy typically covers physical damage to your boat from accidents, weather, theft, and vandalism. It also provides liability protection if you're responsible for injuring someone or damaging another person's property while operating your boat. Many policies include coverage for your boat's engine, navigation equipment, fishing gear, and other onboard equipment.

Unlike auto insurance, boat insurance isn't always required by law in California. However, many marinas require proof of insurance before allowing you to dock, and lenders require it if you're financing your purchase. Even if it's not mandatory, boat insurance protects one of your most valuable recreational investments from unexpected losses that could cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace.

What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

Boat insurance policies offer several types of coverage to protect your watercraft and finances. Understanding what's included helps you choose the right protection for your boating lifestyle in the San Bernardino area and beyond.

Physical Damage Coverage

This covers repairs or replacement of your boat if it's damaged or destroyed. You can typically choose between agreed value coverage, which pays a predetermined amount you and your insurer agree on, or actual cash value coverage, which factors in depreciation. Physical damage protection covers:

• Collision damage from accidents with other boats, docks, or objects


• Weather-related damage from storms, lightning, or hail


• Theft of your boat or its components


• Vandalism and malicious mischief


• Fire and explosion damage


• Sinking while moored or in transit

Liability Protection

Liability coverage pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others while operating your boat. This is one of the most important parts of your policy because boating accidents can result in significant medical bills and legal expenses. Your liability coverage handles legal defense costs if you're sued and pays settlements or judgments up to your policy limits.

Medical Payments Coverage

This pays for medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured while on your boat, regardless of who's at fault. Medical payments coverage typically includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, and follow-up care. It provides immediate payment for medical bills without waiting for liability determinations.

Uninsured Boater Coverage

If another boater damages your vessel or injures you but doesn't have insurance to cover the losses, this coverage steps in. Given that boat insurance isn't required by law in California, this protection is valuable when dealing with uninsured or underinsured boaters.

Personal Property and Equipment

Your policy can cover fishing equipment, water skis, life jackets, navigation electronics, and other personal items kept on your boat. This coverage typically has sublimits, so high-value items may need additional coverage.

Towing and Assistance

Similar to roadside assistance for your car, this coverage pays for on-water towing if your boat breaks down or runs out of fuel. It's especially useful if you boat on larger lakes or in coastal waters where help isn't immediately available.

How Much Does Boat Insurance Cost?

The cost of insuring your boat depends on multiple factors that insurers evaluate to determine your risk level. Understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions when shopping for coverage in San Bernardino and throughout California.

Your boat's type, size, and value significantly impact your premium. A small fishing boat costs less to insure than a high-performance speedboat or yacht. The engine type and horsepower also matter—boats with powerful engines typically cost more to insure because they're capable of higher speeds and greater damage in accidents.

Where you use your boat affects pricing too. Boating in calm inland lakes presents different risks than operating in ocean waters. Your storage location matters as well—boats kept in secure covered storage typically cost less to insure than those stored outside or in areas prone to theft.

Your boating experience plays a role in determining rates. Insurers often offer better rates to experienced boaters who've completed safety courses. If you're new to boating, taking a boating safety course through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or similar organizations can potentially lower your premium.

The coverage type you choose impacts cost. Agreed value policies typically cost more than actual cash value policies because they don't factor in depreciation. Higher liability limits and lower deductibles increase premiums but provide more comprehensive protection.

Your claims history matters. If you've had previous boat insurance claims, you may pay higher rates. Similarly, violations like boating under the influence can significantly increase your premium.

Many insurers offer discounts that can reduce your costs. Bundling your boat insurance with your auto or home policy often qualifies you for a multi-policy discount. Safety equipment like fire extinguishers, EPIRBs, and automatic bilge pumps may earn you discounts. Some insurers also reward experienced boaters with claim-free discounts.

The best way to find competitive rates is to compare quotes from multiple carriers. FOCO Insurance Services shops various insurers to help you find quality coverage at the right price for your situation.

Do I Need Boat Insurance?

California doesn't require boat insurance by law, but that doesn't mean you should skip it. Several situations make boat insurance essential rather than optional.

If you financed your boat purchase, your lender requires insurance until the loan is paid off. They want to protect their financial interest in the vessel, and they'll specify minimum coverage requirements in your loan agreement.

Many marinas and yacht clubs require proof of insurance before allowing you to dock or store your boat at their facilities. They want to ensure you can cover damage to their property or other boats in case of an accident. Without insurance, you may have limited options for where you can keep your boat.

If your boat represents a significant financial investment, insurance protects you from having to pay out of pocket for repairs or replacement. Even minor damage from a collision or storm can cost thousands of dollars. Replacing a stolen boat or repairing fire damage could be financially devastating without insurance.

Liability exposure is another major reason to carry coverage. If you injure someone while operating your boat or damage someone else's property, you could face lawsuits seeking damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property repair costs. These claims can easily exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without insurance, you'd be personally responsible for these costs, potentially putting your savings, home, and other assets at risk.

Even if you own a smaller, less expensive boat, liability coverage protects you from financial ruin if a serious accident occurs. The relatively low cost of boat insurance compared to the potential financial exposure makes it a smart choice for most boat owners.

How to Get Boat Insurance in San Bernardino

Getting boat insurance in San Bernardino is straightforward when you work with an independent agency that understands California's waterways and insurance requirements. FOCO Insurance Services has helped boat owners throughout the Inland Empire protect their watercraft for over 19 years.

Start by gathering information about your boat, including the year, make, model, length, engine type, and current value. You'll also need to know where you plan to use it—whether that's Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Havasu, or coastal waters. Having your boat's hull identification number handy speeds up the quoting process.

Consider how you use your boat and what coverage you need. Do you take it out for leisurely cruises, or do you participate in water sports like wakeboarding and tubing? Do you carry expensive fishing or diving equipment? Understanding your usage helps you choose appropriate coverage limits.

Working with an independent agent gives you access to multiple insurance carriers, allowing you to compare coverage options and pricing. FOCO Insurance Services represents various insurers, so we can find a policy that matches your needs and budget without you having to contact multiple companies yourself.

California boaters should be aware of state-specific requirements. While boat insurance isn't mandatory, you must follow all boating laws, including registration requirements and safety equipment regulations. Having proper insurance demonstrates financial responsibility and protects you from the significant liability risks associated with boating.

Many boat owners benefit from bundling their boat insurance with their auto or home policy. This typically qualifies you for a multi-policy discount while simplifying your insurance management by keeping all your coverage with one agency.

Get Your Free Boat Insurance Quote

Ready to protect your boat and enjoy worry-free time on the water? FOCO Insurance Services makes getting covered simple and fast. Our team shops multiple carriers to find you the right protection at a competitive price.

Whether you're a first-time boat owner or looking to switch insurers, our experienced agents guide you through the process and answer all your questions. We explain coverage options in plain language and help you choose limits that make sense for your situation.

We've been serving San Bernardino and the Inland Empire since 2006, building our reputation on honest service and transparent pricing. Our customers appreciate our straightforward approach and our commitment to finding coverage that fits their needs and budget.

Getting started takes just minutes. Contact us today for your free boat insurance quote and discover how affordable it is to protect your watercraft. We're here to help you get back to what matters most—enjoying your time on the water with confidence.