Watercraft & Boat Insurance In South Carolina

The average cost of watercraft/boat insurance in South Carolina is $ 527 per year or $44 per month. However, this cost differs due to a number of factors, including:

• Amount of coverage - The type and amount of coverage you choose impacts the premium.
• Boat make and model - Some boats cost more to insure than others.
• Age of boat - Older boats typically have higher premiums since they are perceived to be at a greater risk for damage or liability claims.
• Location - Boats in coastal areas may cost more to insure due to the risk of storm damage.
• Usage - Boats used for commercial purposes cost more to insure than those used for recreational purposes.
• Deductible - The higher the deductible, the lower the premium.

It's essential to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance providers before making a decision. This will help you find the best coverage at the most affordable price.

To reduce boat insurance premiums in South Carolina, consider the following tips:

• Increase your deductible - Raising your deductible can significantly lower your premium.
• Bundle policies - Combining your watercraft/boat insurance policy with other types of insurance, such as homeowner’s or auto, can result in significant savings.
• Take safety courses - Completing safety courses may entitle you to discounts on your premium.
• Maintain a good credit score - Insurers consider credit scores when calculating premiums, so it pays to keep yours in good shape.
• Invest in anti-theft devices - Installing anti-theft and tracking devices can reduce your theft risk and help lower premiums.
• Avoid high-risk waters/activities - Staying away from areas prone to accidents or bad weather and engaging in safe boating practices can help you save money on premiums.
• Get an older boat - Older boats are typically much cheaper to insure than newer ones.
• Choose the right coverage - Ensure you understand what your policy covers and choose the right type and amount of coverage for your needs.
• Request discounts - Ask your insurer about discounts, such as loyalty or multi-boat discounts.
• Review policies annually - Your risk profile can change over time, so it’s important to review your policy every year to make sure you’re still getting the best rate.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you get the coverage you need at a price that fits within your budget.

At Southern Insurance Group, we understand the value of a boat and offer comprehensive South Carolina boat insurance policies that provide coverage for physical damage, liability, medical payments, and more. Our policies are customized to meet your specific needs and can be tailored to include additional coverages such as fuel leakage liability, on-water towing assistance, rental reimbursement, and fish finder/GPS coverage.

We work with some of the top insurers in South Carolina to bring you competitive rates on your boat insurance policy. Our experienced agents have the knowledge and expertise to help you find the right coverage for you and your budget.

At Southern Insurance Group, we’re committed to providing our clients with quality coverage and friendly service. Contact us today to get started on your boat insurance policy! We look forward to assisting you.

In South Carolina, boat insurance is mandatory for anyone who owns a watercraft or vessel. That includes:

• Recreational boaters – If you like to take your boat out for fishing trips, sightseeing excursions, or other recreational activities, it’s important to get the right coverage in case of an accident.
• Professional fishermen – Professionals who rely on their boats for their livelihood need to make sure they have enough coverage in case of an unexpected incident.
• Charter operators – Boat owners who rent out their vessels as part of a charter operation should carry the appropriate amount of boat insurance to protect themselves from liability and property damage claims.
• Specialty watercraft operators – Owners of jet skis, sailboats, and other specialty vessels should also consider getting boat insurance.
• Marina operators – Marinas, docks, and other waterfront businesses need to purchase the right liability coverage to protect themselves from lawsuits in case of an accident or injury on their premises.
• Boat enthusiasts – If you’re just a hobbyist who enjoys spending time on your vessel, it’s still important to make sure that your watercraft is properly insured.
• Commercial vessels – Boats used for commercial purposes like ferrying passengers or goods must have the right type of business insurance in place.

Getting the right boat/watercraft insurance can give you peace of mind and help ensure that you’re financially protected in case of an emergency.

General liability insurance is essential for any boat owner in South Carolina. It helps protect you financially if you are responsible for the injury or death of someone else or cause property damage while operating your vessel. Liability coverage may also provide legal defense and cover medical expenses if needed. 

Most states require a minimum amount of liability coverage, but it's important to purchase enough coverage to protect your assets.

South Carolina is one of the few states that requires vessels to purchase collision boat insurance in order to be registered. In addition to liability coverage, this policy will protect against any physical damage caused by a collision or other event while on the water. 



It can also help cover medical payments if someone is injured due to an accident involving your vessel. This coverage is required in order to operate a vessel in South Carolina legally. It's important to note that collision coverage does not provide liability coverage for any injuries or damages caused by your vessel.

Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect you financially from losses due to weather, theft, and other incidents not related to an accident. 



This type of policy can provide reimbursement for damage caused by fire, flooding, windstorms, vandalism, or other covered events. Comprehensive coverage typically covers the cost of repairs or replacement of your vessel if it's damaged due to an incident.

Wreckage cleanup insurance in South Carolina can help cover the costs of debris removal after a major incident involving your vessel. This type of policy is especially important if you're operating in an area with a lot of marine traffic or dangerous conditions. 



It's important to note that this coverage does not provide liability protection for any injuries or property damage caused by your vessel. Additionally, if you are found to be at fault for a major incident, the costs of debris removal may not be covered by your policy.

Towing coverage insurance is designed to provide reimbursement for the costs of towing your vessel if it becomes disabled due to a covered event. This type of policy can help cover the cost of towing, labor, and any other related expenses. In addition, some policies may also provide coverage for emergency fuel delivery or on-water assistance.

Personal items/boat content coverage can protect your possessions that may be stored inside or on the outside of your vessel. This type of policy will typically cover items such as fishing gear, electronic equipment, furniture, and other personal belongings. 



Notably, this coverage does not include liability protection for any injuries or property damage caused by your vessel. Additionally, you may need to purchase additional coverage for valuable items or expensive electronics.

Depending on your needs, there may be a variety of additional coverage options available for your vessel. These can include coverage for property damage caused by fire or theft, loss of use coverage if your vessel is out of commission due to an accident or mechanical issues, and emergency expenses such as hotel rooms in the event you are stranded at sea. 



Additionally, some policies may even provide coverage for medical payments if someone is injured while on board your vessel.

Southern Insurance Group makes it easy to compare boat/watercraft insurance quotes in South Carolina. Our experienced agents can provide customized coverage options tailored to meet your needs at a competitive rate. We will also review any existing policies with you to help ensure you have the best possible protection in place. 

Contact us today to get a free quote and start protecting your vessel with the right insurance policy. We look forward to helping you find the best boat/watercraft insurance policy in South Carolina.