Boating is a popular recreational activity in Georgia, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the state’s many lakes and rivers. Whether you own a personal watercraft or a speedboat, protecting your investment with the right insurance coverage is important. Here’s what you need to know about insuring a boat in Georgia.
Is Boat Insurance Required in Georgia?
Boat insurance is not required by law in Georgia. However, if you finance your boat, your lender will likely require you to carry insurance as a loan condition. Additionally, if you store your boat at a marina, the marina may require you to have liability insurance.
What Types of Boat Insurance Coverage Are Available? 
When shopping for boat insurance in Georgia, you’ll want to consider adding several types of coverage to your policy, including the following:
- Liability coverage—This type of coverage protects you if you cause damage to someone else’s property or injure someone while operating your boat.
- Collision coverage—This type of coverage helps pay for repairs to or replacement of your boat if it is damaged in a collision with another vessel or object.
- Comprehensive coverage—This type of coverage helps pay for replacing or repairing your boat following damages sustained in noncollision events, such as theft, fire or weather-related damage.
- Uninsured/underinsured boater coverage—This type of coverage helps protect you if you’re involved in an accident with a boater who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages.
- Personal property coverage—This type of coverage helps protects your personal belongings on the boat, such as fishing equipment, electronics and other gear.
When purchasing boat insurance, carefully review the coverage limits and deductibles. Higher limits and lower deductibles will generally result in a higher premium, so finding a balance that meets your needs and budget is important.
In addition to purchasing insurance, taking steps to prevent accidents and minimize risk while on the water is essential. This includes ensuring that you have the appropriate safety equipment on board, obeying all boating laws and regulations and completing a boater safety course.
How to Get Boat Insurance
To insure your boat in Georgia, you can work with an independent insurance agency like Peachstate Insurance, as we can help you find the right coverage at a competitive price. Call us today to learn more or get a free quote.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.