Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Insurance in Maryland & Delaware

Do I need boat insurance in Maryland?

Maryland does not legally require boat insurance for every vessel, but many marinas in Annapolis, Baltimore, Kent Island, Rock Hall, and other Chesapeake Bay locations require proof of liability insurance before allowing you to dock. Even when it’s not required by law, boat insurance protects you from costly accidents, storm damage, and liability claims.

Northern Chesapeake Insurance helps Maryland boat owners secure coverage that meets marina and yacht club requirements.

Is boat insurance required in Delaware?

Delaware does not mandate boat insurance statewide, but most marinas in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and along Delaware’s inland bays require liability coverage. If you finance your boat, your lender will almost always require insurance.

Having proper boaters insurance in Delaware protects you from liability, hurricane damage, and unexpected repair costs.

What does boaters insurance cover in the Chesapeake Bay?

A typical Chesapeake Bay boat insurance policy can include:

• Physical damage to your boat

• Collision coverage

• Liability protection

• Medical payments for passengers

• Fuel spill liability

• Protection for onboard equipment

• Storm and hurricane-related damage

Because boating in Maryland and Delaware involves tidal waters and coastal weather risks, policies should be tailored to local conditions.

Northern Chesapeake Insurance specializes in customizing boat coverage for the Chesapeake Bay region.

How much boat insurance do I need in Maryland or Delaware?

The amount of boat insurance you need depends on:

• The value of your boat

• Whether it is financed

• Where it is docked

• Your marina’s requirements

• Your personal assets

Many boat owners choose at least $300,000 in liability coverage, but higher limits are often recommended — especially when boating in busy areas like Annapolis Harbor or Ocean City.

An umbrella policy can provide additional protection above your boat policy limits.

What is an umbrella insurance policy and how does it protect boat owners?

An umbrella insurance policy provides extra liability coverage beyond your boat, home, and auto policies.

For example, if your boat liability limit is $300,000 and you are found responsible for $800,000 in damages after a serious boating accident, your umbrella policy can help cover the remaining amount.

For Maryland and Delaware boaters with significant assets, umbrella insurance is one of the smartest ways to protect against large liability claims.

Does homeowners insurance cover my boat?

Homeowners insurance typically provides very limited coverage for small boats and usually does not cover:

• Larger vessels

• High-speed boats

• Offshore use

• Liability while operating the boat

If you boat on the Chesapeake Bay or Delaware coastal waters, you likely need a separate boat owners insurance policy.

Northern Chesapeake Insurance can review your homeowners policy to identify any gaps.

Does boat insurance cover hurricanes in Maryland and Delaware?

Most boat insurance policies cover storm damage, but hurricane coverage may involve:

• Named storm deductibles

• Haul-out reimbursement requirements

• Specific preparation conditions

Because the Chesapeake Bay region is exposed to Atlantic hurricane activity, it’s important to review your storm coverage carefully before hurricane season.

Our team at Northern Chesapeake Insurance helps boaters understand exactly what their storm coverage includes.

Why work with a local Chesapeake Bay insurance agency?

Boating in Maryland and Delaware is unique. Local knowledge matters.

Northern Chesapeake Insurance understands:

• Chesapeake Bay tidal conditions

• Popular marinas and yacht club requirements

• Seasonal lay-up periods

• Hurricane and coastal risks

• Busy boating traffic patterns

Working with a local agency means your policy is designed specifically for how and where you boat.

How can I get a boat insurance quote in Maryland or Delaware?

Getting a boat insurance quote is simple. Northern Chesapeake Insurance provides customized quotes for boat owners throughout:

• Annapolis

• Baltimore

• Kent Island

• Rock Hall

• Havre de Grace

• Ocean City

• Lewes

• Rehoboth Beach

• And surrounding Chesapeake Bay communities

Contact our team today to review your current coverage or request a new quote tailored to your boat and marina location.