Staff Answer
Jun 26, 2026 - 07:28 AM
In most cases, no. You do not need to purchase your own insurance before renting a boat, but you should understand what the rental company requires. Most companies include basic liability coverage as part of the rental and will have you sign a rental agreement that explains your responsibilities if the boat is damaged. Many also offer an optional damage protection plan for an additional fee (usually around $50-$100 and covers up to $1,000 in damage). In certain states like Florida, you may be presented with the option of supplementary renters policy through services like Vquip and Buoy that provides additional protection. This ranges from $100-$200 and sometimes more. You also might expect to pay a security deposit on top of all that, but in most cases if you purchase insurance or damage protection, they will waive the security deposit. If you have rented boats before and feel confident behind the wheel, you may decide to skip it. If it is your first time operating a boat or you are worried about accidentally bumping a dock or another vessel, the extra protection can provide some peace of mind. I recommend asking what the damage protection actually covers because every company is a little different. Be advised that you shouldn't assume your personal auto insurance or homeowners policy will cover a rental boat because that is often not the case. Spend a couple of minutes asking questions before you leave the dock so you know exactly what is covered.
