Boat and Watercraft Insurance for Delaware and Maryland Waters
You bought the boat to enjoy the water — not to stress over whether your coverage actually holds up when something goes wrong.
Whether you're keeping a center console at Indian River Marina, cruising the Chesapeake, or pulling a pontoon out of Assawoman Bay, I can find the right watercraft policy from carriers that specialize in coastal and marine risks. As an independent agent, I'm not locked into one company's options — I shop multiple markets to match your boat, how you use it, and where you use it.
What a Watercraft Policy Can Cover
Boat insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. The right policy depends on the type of vessel, where it's kept, how it's used, and whether you're on the water year-round or seasonally. Here's what most watercraft policies can include:
- Physical damage to the hull, motor, and permanently attached equipment
- Liability coverage if you injure someone or damage another vessel
- Medical payments for you and your passengers
- Uninsured boater coverage
- Towing and emergency assistance on the water
- Personal property aboard the vessel
- Trailer coverage for transport to and from the water
Some policies also offer agreed value coverage — meaning if your boat is a total loss, you're paid the amount you insured it for, not a depreciated figure. That distinction matters a lot on higher-value vessels.
Types of Watercraft I Can Cover
I work with carriers that write a wide range of vessels, including:
- Motorboats and runabouts
- Center consoles and bay boats
- Pontoon and deck boats
- Sailboats
- Personal watercraft (Jet Ski, WaveRunner, Sea-Doo)
- Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards (often as an endorsement)
- Fishing boats and bass boats
- Yachts and larger cruisers
If you're not sure whether your vessel qualifies or what kind of policy fits it, just ask. That's what I'm here for.
Why Independent Matters for Marine Coverage
Captive agents write one company's policies. I work with multiple carriers — including specialty marine markets — which means I can compare options and find coverage that actually fits your situation rather than whatever fits the carrier's appetite.
That's especially relevant here in coastal Delaware and Maryland, where watercraft use is tied closely to saltwater exposure, marina storage, and seasonal patterns. Not every carrier prices or covers those conditions the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Insurance
I answer my own calls and texts — no call center, no voicemail maze. If you have a boat, a jet ski, or anything else on the water and want to know what coverage makes sense, reach out and we'll figure it out together.
Your Questions Answered
Does my homeowners insurance cover my boat?
Most homeowners policies offer very limited watercraft coverage — typically only for small vessels under a certain horsepower or value threshold. For anything beyond that, a separate boat policy is the right move. I can review what your current homeowners policy includes and fill in the gaps.Is boat insurance required in Delaware or Maryland?
Neither state currently mandates boat insurance the way auto insurance is required. However, many marinas require proof of liability coverage as a condition of slip rental, and lenders financing a boat purchase typically require physical damage coverage. Even without a mandate, the liability exposure alone makes coverage worth having.What happens if I use my boat in multiple states?
Most watercraft policies follow the vessel, so you're generally covered whether you're on Delaware Bay, the Chesapeake, or cruising down the Intracoastal. That said, policy language varies by carrier, so it's worth confirming your coverage territory before you head out. I'll make sure you understand exactly where you're covered.Can I get a lay-up discount for winter months?
Yes — many marine carriers offer a lay-up credit for months when the boat is out of the water and not in use. If you're seasonal, that can reduce your annual premium meaningfully. I'll ask about your usage pattern when we talk so we can take advantage of that where it's available.Do you cover personal watercraft like Jet Skis?
Yes. Personal watercraft can be written on a standalone policy or, in some cases, added to a boat policy depending on the carrier. Coverage typically includes liability, physical damage, and medical payments. Let me know what you have and I'll find the right fit.
Talk to Susan About Your Boat
I answer my own calls and texts — no call center, no voicemail maze. If you have a boat, a jet ski, or anything else on the water and want to know what coverage makes sense, reach out and we'll figure it out together.
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