Does Boat Insurance Cover Towing? What to Know

Boat owners frequently encounter unexpected situations on the water, prompting concerns about how their insurance policies might respond. A common question arises regarding whether standard boat insurance covers towing costs. The answer often depends on the specific policy’s provisions and any additional coverage elected by the boat owner.

General Scope of Towing Coverage

Towing coverage is not always included in basic boat insurance policies. It is often an optional endorsement or rider available for an additional premium. This coverage typically addresses expenses for transporting a disabled vessel to a repair facility or safe harbor.

Policies commonly limit towing coverage by maximum distance from shore or a designated port, often 10 to 50 miles. Dollar limits per incident or policy period usually range from $500 to $1,500. While some comprehensive policies may include basic towing, supplemental coverage is often advisable for broader protection.

Specific Towing Scenarios

Towing coverage applies to situations that can leave a boat stranded. Frequent reasons include mechanical breakdown, such as engine failure, electrical malfunctions, or propulsion system issues. Running aground also often requires towing to free the vessel from shallow water or submerged obstacles.

Some policies may cover non-emergency situations like running out of fuel or needing a battery jump-start, though these are more common with marine assistance memberships. Towing after a collision or other covered accident is generally included under the towing endorsement for vessel movement to repairs.

It is important to distinguish standard towing from “salvage” operations, as towing coverage typically does not include refloating a sunken boat or recovering a heavily damaged vessel. Salvage operations, involving specialized equipment and effort to prevent further loss, are usually addressed under the “hull” or “all-risk” portion of a boat insurance policy, often with a separate deductible.

Enhancing Towing Protection

Boat owners can secure more comprehensive towing assistance beyond basic insurance. One approach is to purchase specific endorsements or riders from their insurance provider. These endorsements can increase dollar limits for towing, extend geographical range, or broaden the scope of covered incidents.

Another option for enhanced protection is subscribing to marine assistance memberships, such as Sea Tow or TowBoatUS. These membership services, not insurance, typically provide unlimited towing for a flat annual fee, ranging from $150 to $250. These services often cover non-emergency situations like battery jumps, fuel delivery, and soft ungroundings, offering direct assistance without an insurance claim or deductible. Marine assistance memberships offer peace of mind, providing prompt, on-water help and often bypassing administrative steps.

Initiating a Towing Claim

When a boat requires towing, first contact the insurance provider or marine assistance program to confirm coverage and obtain authorization before engaging a tow service. This proactive communication can help streamline the process and prevent potential coverage disputes. Be prepared to provide essential information: the boat’s location, the problem, vessel details, and your policy or membership number.

After the tow, if relying on insurance, submit receipts and any required documentation to the insurer for reimbursement. For marine assistance memberships, the process is simpler, as the service is covered by the annual fee, requiring only confirmation. Insurance claims for towing may be subject to a deductible, which will reduce the reimbursement.