South Carolina's waterways are some of the most beautiful in the country. From the Intracoastal Waterway winding through Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand to the Atlantic just offshore, boating is a way of life here. Whether you own a fishing boat, a pontoon, a jet ski, or a larger cruiser, protecting your watercraft with the right insurance coverage is a smart move — and in many situations, it's required. Moore & Associates Insurance helps boat owners across the Grand Strand find the right coverage at competitive rates.

South Carolina does not have a statewide law requiring all boat owners to carry insurance. However, that doesn't mean coverage is optional in practice. If you have a loan or lease on your boat, your lender will almost certainly require you to carry physical damage coverage. If you keep your boat at a marina, the marina may require proof of liability coverage as a condition of using their slips or storage facilities.

Beyond lender and marina requirements, the practical reality is that boating accidents happen — and the costs can be significant. A collision on the Intracoastal, a capsizing, or an injury to a passenger or another boater can result in repair bills and liability claims that run into tens of thousands of dollars. Without boat and watercraft insurance, you'd be covering those costs out of pocket.

A standard boat insurance policy includes several types of coverage. Hull coverage — also called physical damage coverage — pays to repair or replace your boat if it's damaged in an accident, fire, theft, or weather event. This is the coverage that protects your investment in the vessel itself.

Liability coverage is equally important. If you're involved in an accident that injures another person or damages another boat, your liability coverage pays for their medical bills, property repairs, and legal defense costs if they sue you. On a busy waterway like the Intracoastal during peak season, the risk of an accident with another vessel is real.

Medical payments coverage pays for medical treatment for you and your passengers if you're injured in a boating accident, regardless of fault. Uninsured boater coverage protects you if you're hit by another boater who carries no insurance — a more common situation than most people expect. Towing and assistance coverage pays for on-water towing if your boat breaks down, which can be expensive without coverage.

Boating on and around Myrtle Beach comes with some specific considerations that affect your coverage needs. If you navigate offshore in the Atlantic, make sure your policy extends to blue-water coverage — some policies limit coverage to inland waterways only. If you trailer your boat to different launch points, confirm that your policy covers it while it's on the trailer and in transit.

Hurricane season is a major consideration for coastal boat owners. If a storm is approaching, you'll need to know your policy's requirements for hauling out or securing your vessel. Some policies offer agreed value coverage, which pays the full insured value of your boat in a total loss — rather than actual cash value, which factors in depreciation and could leave you short.

Personal property coverage for gear, fishing equipment, electronics, and other items stored on the boat is another element worth reviewing. Many boat owners are surprised to find that their policy has low limits for onboard personal property. If you've invested in quality electronics, tackle, or other equipment, make sure those items are properly covered.

Several factors determine what you'll pay for boat insurance. The type, size, age, and value of your watercraft play a significant role — a 30-foot cruiser will cost more to insure than a 16-foot fishing boat. Your boating experience and whether you've completed a safety course can affect your rate, with discounts often available for certified boaters.

Where and how you use the boat matters too. Offshore navigation carries higher risk than inshore or inland waterway use. Whether you store the boat in the water year-round, haul it for the off-season, or keep it in a covered storage facility also factors into pricing. And like all insurance, your claims history is a key driver of your premium.

Moore & Associates Insurance is an independent agency serving boaters across the Grand Strand since 1979. We work with multiple watercraft insurance carriers to compare coverage options and rates, so you can get on the water with confidence. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation boat insurance quote — and let us make sure your vessel is protected the right way.