South Dakota Boat Insurance

Find the Best Boat Insurance Rates & Companies in South Dakota 

Whether you enjoy fishing on Lake Oahe or cruising the Missouri River for pleasure, South Dakota offers many destinations for boating enthusiasts. However, the increasing popularity of boating in South Dakota also increases the risk of accidents and injuries. That's why having adequate South Dakota boat insurance is imperative in case of an incident.

Fortunately, a South Dakota independent insurance agent can help you get set up with the right boat insurance. Your agent will consider your specific watercraft and personal needs when selecting your policy. Until then, here's a closer look at South Dakota boat insurance requirements, costs, and more.

Best Boat Insurance Companies in South Dakota

While you could find a boat insurance policy from many different carriers in South Dakota, you're looking for the best around. That's why we've included a couple of our top recommendations for the best boat insurance companies in South Dakota for you. Start by comparing the coverage offered by these outstanding insurers. 

1. Progressive: This insurer sells boat insurance and many other kinds of personal and business insurance. Progressive provides year-round, 24/7/365 customer service and has an excellent AM Best rating for financial strength.
2. Travelers: This insurer sells boat insurance and several other kinds of personal and business insurance. Travelers has great AM Best and Better Business Bureau ratings and offers many discounts.
3. Foremost: This insurer sells boat insurance and many other kinds of personal insurance. Foremost has excellent AM Best and Better Business Bureau ratings and offers 24/7 claims reporting.

A South Dakota independent insurance agent can provide you with boat insurance quotes from these carriers and others that offer top-rated boat insurance in your area.

What Boat Insurance in South Dakota Can Cover

You can customize your boat insurance policy according to your needs. However, you can expect to find these coverage options offered by most South Dakota boat insurance companies:

• Collision insurance: Pays for damage to your boat from a collision with another object, regardless of fault.
• Uninsured/underinsured boater insurance: Covers expenses related to property damage and medical treatments in case of a collision with a boater who doesn't carry adequate insurance to reimburse you.
• Comprehensive insurance: Pays for damage to your boat due to a non-collision event such as a flood or theft. 
• Towing insurance: Covers towing expenses if your boat becomes disabled on the water due to mechanical failure, etc.
• Boating liability insurance: Covers lawsuit expenses related to third-party claims of bodily injury or personal property damage.
• Fuel spill/wreckage cleanup insurance: Covers expenses related to wreckage and pollutant clean-up if you cause a collision on the water.
• Equipment insurance: Covers costs related to repairs or replacements for equipment or accessories not originally installed by the manufacturer, such as GPS units, boat hoists, and more, that get damaged, lost, stolen, or destroyed.
• Medical payments insurance: Covers medical treatment expenses for yourself or your passengers after a boating collision, regardless of fault.
• Personal effects insurance: Covers the cost of repairs or replacements for personal items like scuba gear, fishing gear, and water skis that get damaged, lost, stolen, or destroyed.

A South Dakota independent insurance agent can help you select the right boat insurance coverage options for you.

Is Boat Insurance Required in South Dakota?

As in many other areas, boat insurance isn't required by state law in South Dakota. However, many boaters understand that having boat insurance can mean the difference in being able to afford the cost of lawsuits or repairs or replacements for their watercraft, equipment, etc., after collisions and other disasters. Because of this, many people still choose to get coverage for their:

While boat insurance isn't required by law, you may still encounter situations in which you're required to have a policy. For example, if you choose to dock your boat at a marina, you'll likely need to have coverage. Further, if you finance your watercraft, your lender will most likely require you to have boat insurance.

What Boat Insurance in South Dakota Will Not Cover

Though boat insurance covers many different hazards in South Dakota, it excludes certain things. Look for the following coverage exclusions in your boat insurance policy:

• Boat trailer damage, loss, or destruction
• Intentional or malicious acts against third parties
• Incidents caused by faulty or defective machinery (without an endorsement)
• Boat damage due to marine life, insects, animals, or mold
• Normal boat wear and tear damage

It's critical to understand the difference between what your boat insurance covers and what it excludes before a disaster ever occurs.

Average Cost of Boat Insurance in South Dakota

Boat insurance tends to be highly affordable for many boaters in South Dakota at an average annual rate of just $263. However, the cost of your specific policy may vary depending on:

• Your prior boat insurance claims
• Your exact location
• Your personal boating history
• Where your watercraft is stored while not in use
• The types and amounts of coverage you select
• The specs of your watercraft, including its make and model
• The engine size and length of your watercraft

A history of boat insurance claims, owning a more valuable boat, and living in an area with a higher statistical rate of boat theft are all factors that can lead to more expensive boat insurance premiums. 

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What Boat Insurance Discounts Are Available in South Dakota?

Most South Dakota boat insurance companies offer various discounts to help you save money. Look for the following discount options offered by most insurers in the state:

• Loyalty discounts: Keeping your coverage through the same boat insurance company for a set number of years can earn you a discount over time.
• Boater safety course discounts: Completing a state-approved boater safety course can earn you a discount.
• Security discounts: Taking measures to guard your watercraft against theft or vandalism with security devices can earn you a discount.
• Affiliation discounts: Having an affiliation with certain groups and organizations can earn you a discount.
• Lay-up discounts: Using your boat only in the summer can earn you a boat insurance discount.
• Bundling discounts: Bundling your boat insurance with another policy like home insurance, auto insurance, etc., through the same insurer can earn you discounts on each one.

Your South Dakota independent insurance agent will apply any boat insurance discounts you've earned to your policy to reduce your premiums as much as possible.

Popular Questions about South Dakota Boat Insurance