Staff Answer
Jun 26, 2026 - 09:28 AM
In most cases, no. You do not need to go out and purchase your own renters insurance before booking a bareboat charter in Destin. The boat itself is typically covered under the owner's marine insurance policy, but that does not mean you are protected from every possible expense if something goes wrong. Most bareboat companies will explain your financial responsibility before you leave the dock (this is done through the charter agreement), and many offer an optional damage protection plan that can reduce what you would owe if the boat is accidentally damaged during your rental (usually about 10% of the rental and covers a specific amount of damage). I always recommend asking exactly what is covered because every company handles it a little differently. Some plans cover accidental damage, while others act more like traditional insurance and have a deductible and covers bodily injury. If you plan to hire a captain, remember that the captain should carry their own professional insurance as well, since they are operating independently under a true bareboat charter. One thing I would not do is assume your homeowners or auto insurance automatically covers a bareboat rental because that is often not the case. Spending a few minutes asking about insurance, damage protection, and your responsibilities before your trip can save you a lot of confusion later. In my experience, most people find that the optional protection is worth considering, especially if it is their first time renting a larger boat or navigating busy areas like Crab Island and the Destin Harbor.
