How to File a Boat Insurance Claim in 2026

Boating can be a relaxing or luxurious experience for many. Naturally, accidents, injuries, collisions, and other incidents may not be at the forefront of your mind when you take your watercraft out on the open seas. However, it's important to understand the boat insurance claims process in case a disaster occurs. Knowing how and when to file boat insurance claims can help you get the reimbursement you deserve ASAP.

Fortunately, a local independent insurance agent can help file marine insurance claims for you. They can also get you set up with the right boat insurance policy if you're in need of coverage. But first, here's a guide to the boat insurance claims process, including when and how to file.

What to Do Immediately After a Boating Accident

If you've been involved in a boating collision, first, you'll need to secure the scene. Move everyone to safety and call for medical help if anyone's been injured. Document evidence of any physical damage to your boat with photos to submit to your insurer. 

You might also be required to report the accident to local authorities if more than $2,000 worth of damage was caused, if there are any injuries, fatalities, or missing persons due to the accident, or if a boat was totaled or destroyed. You can also call your independent insurance agent to file a boat insurance claim, and they can help you navigate the next boating accident steps.

The 5 Most Common Boat Insurance Claims

Boat owners should be aware of some of the most common boat insurance claims filed by other boaters. This can help you prepare for common disasters that can occur both on and off the water to minimize your chances of facing an incident and having to file a claim. 

The U.S. Coast Guard reported $63 million in property damage caused by boating accidents in 2023 alone. Some of the most common factors contributing to these accidents were inattention, inexperience, and excessive speed. However, the following factors remain leading causes of boat insurance claims:

1. Storm and weather damage: Hurricanes, windy weather, and other natural disasters can cause extensive damage to boats and personal watercraft (PWC). Depending on the value of your boat or PWC, repairs can be expensive.
2. Sinking: Vessels can sink and become fully submerged underwater due to many different incidents, such as collisions with other watercraft, collisions with rocks or underwater objects, and collisions with the dock or marina. Retrieving a sunken vessel can be one of the most costly disasters if you lack the proper coverage.
3. Collisions with other boats: Just like cars, boats can and frequently do get into collisions. If you experience a boating collision, you might have to pay for the cost of repairs to your own boat or personal property and that of a third party, along with medical expenses for any injuries and potential liability costs if you're at fault.
4. Fire and explosions: Fire is one of the most common insurance claims, regardless of the insured object or vehicle. Fortunately, boat insurance coverage can pay for repairs to your boat after fire damage or explosions.
5. Equipment theft and vandalism: Unfortunately, many boaters experience incidents of equipment theft and vandalism to their vessels when they're left unattended. Luckily, most boat policies include coverage for equipment theft and vandalism to your vessel.

Understanding these common boat insurance claims can help you be aware of possible costly disasters that can occur. Taking proactive steps to protect your vessel and gear from these incidents can help you avoid the hassle of needing to file a claim.

What Boat Insurance Covers  — and What It Doesn't

Boat insurance policies can vary depending on the type of boat you own and how you use it. In general, boat insurance policies can include the following types of coverage:

• Hull coverage: This coverage can pay for damage to an insured boat's hull, equipment, and machinery. Coverage may be categorized as blue water (i.e., for ocean-traveling ships used for international shipping and trade) or brown water (i.e., for ships mainly used on or near coastal waterways).
• Pollution liability insurance: This coverage can pay for pollution cleanups after an accident that results in a spill. It can also cover property damage and bodily injury claims related to the incident.
• Marine liability insurance: This can pay for third-party claims of bodily injury or personal property damage caused by, on, or near your boat. It can reimburse injured third parties for medical expenses or property repairs and reimburse you for lawsuit expenses if you are sued.
• Uninsured boaters insurance: This covers you if you're involved in a collision with a boater who doesn't carry adequate insurance of their own.
• Towing and roadside assistance: This can pay for necessary towing services if your vessel becomes disabled on the water or if your vehicle breaks down while transporting your boat with a trailer.

Your independent insurance agent can help you build a complete boat insurance policy or determine if your existing policy is in need of any additional coverages. For a full breakdown of your options, check out a full list of boat insurance coverage types. You can also learn more about your coverage by visiting our boat insurance FAQ. 

It's also helpful to be aware of your boat insurance policy's exclusions before you try to file a claim. If your policy doesn't provide coverage for a certain incident, your claim is bound to get denied by your insurance company. 

Common boat insurance exclusions

The following are common reasons boat insurance claims get denied. Boat insurance policies typically don't provide coverage for:

As a watercraft insurance policyholder, be sure you're aware of your specific coverage exclusions. If you're unsure what's not covered by your boat insurance, ask your independent insurance agent to help you review your coverage with you.

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How to File a Boat Insurance Claim: Step-by-Step Guide

While filing watercraft insurance claims can be stressful, fortunately there's a simple step-by-step process you can follow to ensure they're handled efficiently. Remember these boat insurance claim steps:

1. Call for medical help: If anyone is injured in the accident, make sure to seek medical help right away. Getting medical assistance for anyone who was hurt should be priority number one after a collision.
2. Contact the authorities: You might be required to report a boat collision to the local authorities directly from the scene of the accident. In many cases, you must submit a police report for a boating accident if a boat was totaled or destroyed, if anyone involved is missing, injured, or passes away, or if more than $2,000 in damage is estimated.
3. Document the damage: Take photo and video evidence of any damage that occurred and note the contact information for all parties involved. If you're in a collision with another boater, be sure to get their insurance information as well. Document anything that may have been damaged, including other watercraft or surrounding property like a marina.
4. Contact your independent insurance agent: Your agent can file a boat insurance claim for you directly through your carrier and advocate on your behalf through the process. Present your agent with the information you documented from the accident. Once you call them, they'll initiate the boat insurance claims process for you and keep you updated through every step. They'll let you know if any additional information is needed and when you can expect to receive reimbursement.
5. Prevent further damage: When possible, move your watercraft out of harm's way and get all parties involved to safety. Take steps to prevent further damage, such as securing your boat in storage until the claim process is complete.
6. Schedule an adjuster visit: Your independent insurance agent or your insurance company will schedule a visit from an insurance adjuster to evaluate the damage, often in person. Your adjuster may provide you with an estimate for reimbursement during their visit, or you may be given this information later.
7. Schedule repairs: Your insurance company will provide you with a list of approved repair shops and/or contractors in your area to schedule your boat's service. Keep copies of any receipts to send to your insurance company once repairs have been completed.
8. Receive your claim settlement: The final step of the claims process is receiving your reimbursement. This amount will be determined by the coverage in your policy and your insurance company's official decision on the cause of the incident. You may receive your claim check in the mail or electronically, but the amount of reimbursement will be communicated to you ahead of time.

Keep in mind that when filing a boat insurance claim, you must pay your policy's deductible out of pocket before any reimbursement kicks in. This means that if your boat sustained $1,000 in damage but you had a $500 deductible, you would be entitled to up to $500 in reimbursement from your boat insurance company.

What Documentation Do You Need to File a Boat Insurance Claim?

After an incident, it's important to have documentation of the damage and other information on hand before filing your claim. Refer to this boat insurance claim documentation checklist, so you're prepared after an incident:

• Photos or videos of all damage
• Police report (if applicable)
• Contact and insurance information for other parties involved
• Maintenance records
• Repair estimates from licensed marine professionals
• Medical bills

Thorough documentation is the single biggest factor in avoiding a claim delay or denial from your insurance company. Your independent insurance agent can also assist you with what documents are needed for a boat insurance claim.

How Long Does a Boat Insurance Claim Take?

The process for a simple boat insurance property damage claim takes an average of two to four weeks to complete. More complex or total-loss boat insurance claims can take four to eight weeks or longer, on average. Certain factors can delay claims resolution, including incomplete documentation, contested liability, and adjuster backlogs after major storms, when many boaters file claims at once. 

Working with an independent insurance agent can accelerate the claims process by maintaining a direct line of communication between you and your insurance company. Your agent can also keep you updated on your personal boat insurance claim timeline, including when you can expect reimbursement.

What Happens If Your Boat Insurance Claim Is Denied?

If your boat insurance claim is denied by your insurer, you can dispute it. Common reasons boat insurance claims are denied include policy coverage exclusions (e.g., wear and tear or unauthorized use), missed reporting windows, inaccurate information on your policy application, and inadequate maintenance records. 

If you want to file a dispute with your insurer for a denied claim, follow these steps:

1. Request the denial with a formal reason in writing.
2. Review your boat insurance policy's coverage exclusions. 
3. File a formal appeal with your insurer.
4. Contact your independent insurance agent to advocate on your behalf.

Your independent insurance agent can also help you better understand how to dispute a boat insurance claim. If necessary, they can walk you through the entire appeals process.

Safety Tips to Help Prevent Future Claims

Preventing future boat insurance claims can help save you time, energy, and money. Follow these steps to help reduce your chances of needing to file a boat insurance claim:

• Keep your boat's maintenance up to date to prevent mechanical failures, breakdowns, and accidents. This also strengthens the chances of approval for your future claims by demonstrating proper upkeep to your insurer.
• Complete a boater safety education course to improve your boating skills and reduce your risk of collisions.
• Protect your personal items, gear, and equipment to reduce the risk of theft.
• Always secure your vessel at a marina or a garage to reduce the risk of vandalism.
• Keep fire extinguishers, flotation devices, first aid kits, and other safety equipment on your boat at all times.

These simple actions can help you minimize the risk of future boat insurance claims. Your independent insurance agent may also be able to offer further advice.

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FAQs About Boat Insurance Claims

How an Independent Insurance Agent Helps with Boat Insurance Claims

If you need to file a boat insurance claim, no one's better equipped to help than a local independent insurance agent. Your agent can contact your boat insurance company directly to initiate the claims process for you and advocate for you at every step of the process. Your agent can help review your policy's coverage before you file a claim and negotiate your claim settlement with the adjuster if necessary.

They'll make sure you get the reimbursement you're entitled to. And if you ever need to update your boat insurance policy, your agent can assist you with that, too.