Boat Insurance in Spain – 2026 Guide for Expats, Sailors & Yacht Owners
Owning a boat in Spain is a dream for many expats – long summers, beautiful marinas and year-round sailing. But one serious incident without proper boat insurance can quickly turn that dream into a very expensive problem. This guide explains how boat insurance works and what you need.
Quick Summary
Boat insurance in Spain protects you against damage to your vessel, injury or damage to third parties, and additional risks like theft, towing and legal defence. Many marinas require at least liability cover.
- Third-party liability is often mandatory and required by marinas
- Hull & machinery covers physical damage to your own boat
- Theft, vandalism and personal accident cover available as add-ons
- Towing and salvage assistance can be vital for breakdowns at sea
- Costs depend on boat type, size, value and navigation area
What Is Boat Insurance in Spain?
Boat insurance in Spain (seguro de embarcaciones) protects you against:
- Damage to your own vessel (sailing boat, motorboat, yacht, RIB, jet ski)
- Injury or damage to third parties caused by your boat
- Additional risks like theft, towing, legal defence or personal accident
Policies are usually flexible: you select the type of boat, navigation area (coastal, offshore, inland waters), mooring situation and the level of cover you want.
For many owners, the minimum they need is third-party liability insurance, but in practice most choose a more complete policy that also protects the value of the boat itself.
Who Needs Boat Insurance in Spain?
You should consider boat or yacht insurance in Spain if:
Sailing Boat or Yacht Owner
Moored in a Spanish marina or harbour
Motorboat or RIB Owner
On trailer or in Spanish waters
Jet Ski User
Personal watercraft requiring liability cover
Charter Operators
Renting out boats or allowing others to use them
Even if your boat is small, you can still cause serious injury or property damage. On top of that, many:
- Marinas and ports require proof of liability insurance
- Financing contracts require comprehensive cover
- Sailing clubs ask members for a valid policy
Main Types of Boat Insurance Cover in Spain
1. Third-Party Liability (Responsabilidad Civil)
This is usually the core of any boat insurance and in many cases a minimum requirement.
It protects you if:
- You collide with another boat and cause damage
- Your wake or manoeuvre damages other vessels or the marina
- A person in the water or on another boat is injured
- You damage port or harbour infrastructure
Liability limits are usually shown per claim (for example, up to a certain amount in euros). Higher limits mean better protection but also higher premiums.
2. Hull & Machinery (Daños Propios / Cascos)
This covers physical damage to your own vessel, including:
- Grounding, collision or sinking
- Storm or lightning damage
- Fire or explosion
- Vandalism and some types of accidental damage
You typically insure the boat at an agreed value or market value, including equipment like engine(s), electronics and navigation equipment, fixed sails, masts and rigging. For newer or higher-value boats in Spain, hull insurance is strongly recommended.
3. Theft & Vandalism
Some hull policies already include this, others treat it as an optional add-on. It can cover:
- Theft of the entire boat
- Theft of equipment (outboard engine, electronics, dinghy)
- Damage caused by attempted theft or vandalism
Insurers may require secure mooring or dry storage, anti-theft devices for engines and trailers, and an updated inventory of high-value items on board.
4. Personal Accident & Medical Cover
This cover looks after you and your passengers rather than the boat. It can include:
- Compensation for accidental death or disability
- Medical expenses after an accident on board or while boarding
- In some cases, search and rescue costs
For families and people taking guests on board, this is a useful addition.
5. Legal Defence & Assistance
Disputes on the water can quickly become legal. Legal cover can help with:
- Defence costs if someone brings a claim against you
- Legal advice after an accident
- Certain administrative procedures and fines (depending on the policy)
6. Towing, Salvage & Assistance at Sea
Breaking down at sea is stressful and can be extremely expensive. This optional cover can include:
- Towing to the nearest marina
- Salvage operations after an accident
- Emergency fuel delivery or technical assistance
Always check where assistance is available (distance from coast, specific regions).
Vessel Size Requirements & Insurance Obligations
Insurance requirements in Spain vary significantly based on your vessel's length and engine power. Here's what you need to know:
| Vessel Category | Length | Insurance Required | Typical Cost/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet Ski / PWC | N/A | Third-party liability mandatory | €80 – €200 |
| Small Motorboat | Under 6m | Liability required if motorized | €150 – €350 |
| RIB / Day Boat | 6m – 8m | Liability mandatory + hull recommended | €300 – €600 |
| Sailing Boat | 8m – 12m | Comprehensive recommended | €500 – €1,200 |
| Motor Yacht | 12m – 15m | Comprehensive required by marinas | €1,200 – €3,000 |
| Large Yacht | Over 15m | Full comprehensive + crew cover | €3,000 – €10,000+ |
Important: Costs shown are estimates for basic to mid-range cover. High-value vessels, wide navigation areas, or boats with powerful engines will cost significantly more. Always get personalized quotes.
Coverage Comparison: Basic vs. Standard vs. Comprehensive
Spanish boat insurance comes in several tiers. Choose based on your boat's value, how you use it, and marina requirements:
Third-Party Only
From €80/year
- Third-party liability
- Legal defence
- No hull cover
- No theft protection
- No towing assistance
Best for: Low-value boats, jet skis, dinghies
Standard Cover
From €300/year
- Third-party liability
- Hull & machinery cover
- Theft protection
- Towing & salvage
- Limited personal accident
Best for: Most recreational boat owners
Comprehensive
From €800/year
- All Standard features
- Personal accident cover
- Equipment & effects cover
- Racing cover (optional)
- Higher liability limits
Best for: Valuable yachts, frequent sailors
Marina Requirements by Region
Spanish marinas have varying insurance requirements. Here's what to expect in popular boating regions:
| Region | Minimum Liability | Hull Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balearic Islands | €300,000+ | Often yes | Premium marinas, high standards |
| Costa Brava | €150,000+ | Recommended | Many expat-friendly marinas |
| Costa del Sol | €150,000+ | Varies | Puerto Banús requires comprehensive |
| Valencia / Alicante | €150,000+ | Recommended | Popular sailing destinations |
| Canary Islands | €150,000+ | Varies | Atlantic sailing hub, wider navigation areas |
| Galicia / North Coast | €150,000+ | Recommended | Rougher conditions, storm cover important |
What Marinas Check
- • Valid liability insurance certificate
- • Policy in Spanish or with translation
- • Coverage dates matching your berth contract
- • Minimum liability limits met
Documents to Provide
- • Insurance certificate (certificado)
- • Boat registration (matrícula)
- • Technical inspection (ITB) if required
- • Owner ID (passport/NIE)
Claims Process for Boat Insurance in Spain
If you need to make a claim on your boat insurance, follow these steps to ensure smooth processing:
Report Immediately
Contact your insurer or broker within 24-48 hours. For theft or criminal damage, file a police report (denuncia) immediately. Keep the incident number.
Document Everything
Take photos and videos of all damage from multiple angles. Note the date, time, weather conditions, and any witnesses. Document the boat's condition before attempting repairs.
Complete Claim Form
Fill out the official claim form (parte de siniestro) with all details. Include the police report number if applicable, and attach all photos and documentation.
Wait for Assessment
For significant claims, a marine surveyor (perito) may inspect the damage. Don't start repairs until the insurer approves, except emergency work to prevent further damage.
Receive Settlement
Once approved, repairs can proceed. Payment is typically made directly to the yard or reimbursed to you. Keep all invoices and receipts for your records.
Common Claim Mistakes to Avoid
- • Waiting too long to report the incident
- • Starting repairs before insurer approval
- • Not documenting damage thoroughly
- • Failing to file a police report for theft/vandalism
Requirements & Local Practice in Spain
Rules can change and depend on the type of boat, engine power and navigation area, but in practice:
Many boats must have liability insurance, especially motorboats and larger sailing boats
Most marinas in Spain require at least a valid third-party liability policy to accept you as a client
If you finance or lease your boat, the bank often requires comprehensive cover (hull + liability)
Because the details can be technical, it's wise to confirm with your marina, harbour authority or charter company what cover they require, and use a broker who understands expats to explain conditions and handle documents.
Common Mistakes Expats Make with Boat Insurance
Avoid these pitfalls that can lead to claim rejections or inadequate cover:
Underinsuring the Boat
Declaring a lower value to save on premiums can leave you undercompensated after a total loss. Use realistic market or agreed values.
Wrong Navigation Area
Sailing outside your declared zone voids cover. If you plan offshore trips, ensure your policy reflects this.
Not Disclosing Charter Use
Renting out your boat even once without charter cover can invalidate your entire policy.
Ignoring Lay-Up Periods
Some policies offer discounts for winter lay-up but require specific storage conditions. Failing to meet these can affect claims.
Outdated Equipment Lists
Not updating your policy when you add expensive electronics, safety gear, or equipment leaves new items uninsured.
Using Foreign Insurance
Continuing with your home country policy may not meet Spanish requirements and can complicate claims.
How Much Does Boat Insurance in Spain Cost?
There is no single "standard price" for boat insurance Spain, but premiums depend on factors like:
- • Type of boat: sailing boat, motorboat, yacht, RIB, jet ski
- • Length and engine power
- • Age and value of the vessel
- • Where the boat is moored (marina, dry stack, trailer)
- • Navigation area (inland waters, coastal, offshore, international)
- • Your boating experience and claims history
- • Chosen covers and deductibles
In general:
- Small boats with basic liability only are relatively inexpensive
- Larger yachts with comprehensive cover and higher navigation limits pay more
The only reliable way to know your cost is to request tailored quotes with full boat details.
Boat Insurance in Spain for Expats
If you're an expat boat owner, some extra points apply:
Policies and conditions are mostly in Spanish
Not all insurers accept foreign registration or boats bought abroad
You may need to update registration, flag or technical inspections (ITB)
Wrong information about engine power, length or navigation area can cause claim problems
Helpful tips for expat boat owners:
Clarify the boat's legal situation
Flag, registration country, Spanish paperwork, inspections
Check marina and club requirements
Many want to see an up-to-date liability policy before confirming a berth
Provide honest details in the proposal
Wrong information about engine power, length or navigation area can create problems at claim time
Use a broker experienced with expats
They can translate key terms and help you during claims
How to Choose the Right Boat Insurance in Spain
1. Decide what you want to protect
- Only your liability, or also the value of the boat?
- Do you need personal accident cover for family and guests?
2. Check mandatory and contractual requirements
- Legal minimums for your boat
- Marina or mooring contract conditions
- Requirements from financing or charter agreements
3. Compare cover, not just price
- What is included and excluded
- Maximum limits per claim and per year
- Deductibles for hull damage, theft or total loss
- Assistance limits and contact options in English
4. Review your policy every year
- Value changes, equipment upgrades, new navigation areas
- Any claims or incidents during the year
Final Thoughts
Whether you own a small motorboat, a sailing yacht or a jet ski, the right boat insurance in Spain protects your investment, your passengers and your peace of mind.
Take time to understand which risks you want to cover, what your marina and Spanish law require, and which insurer or broker can support you in English.
With a solid policy in place, you can enjoy Spanish waters with confidence and focus on what really matters: safe and relaxed time on the sea.
Expert reviewed
Written and reviewed by licensed insurance agents Maya Kallio and Marco Elsinger, who have helped over 15,000 expats in Spain since 2012.
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent
Since 2012
Marco Elsinger
Licensed Insurance Agent
10+ years
Languages: English, Finnish, Spanish, German, Swedish
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Check these answers or get in touch.
Is boat insurance mandatory in Spain?
For many types of motorboats and certain sizes of vessels, liability insurance is required, and marinas often demand proof of cover. Requirements depend on length, engine power and navigation area, so you should always check your specific situation.
Can I use foreign boat insurance in Spain?
Sometimes, but not always. Many marinas and authorities prefer or require a policy issued under Spanish conditions. Using local boat insurance in Spain usually makes claims handling and communication easier.
Does boat insurance cover charter or rental?
Standard private policies often exclude commercial use, including charter or paid trips. If you charter or rent out your boat, you need specific charter insurance – make sure you disclose this clearly.
Can I insure a boat kept on a trailer?
Yes, many insurers cover boats on trailers, but they may require certain security measures. Damage or theft of the trailer itself may need separate or additional cover.
What navigation areas can I cover with Spanish boat insurance?
Most policies offer tiered navigation zones: Zone 1 (2nm from coast), Zone 2 (10nm), Zone 3 (25nm), Zone 4 (60nm), Zone 5 (150nm), and unlimited ocean navigation. Your premium increases with wider navigation areas.
How does the claims process work for boat insurance in Spain?
Report incidents immediately to your insurer (within 24-48 hours for theft). Document damage with photos and videos, obtain a police report if applicable, and keep all receipts. Your broker can assist with Spanish paperwork and communication.
Are jet skis and personal watercraft covered under boat insurance?
Jet skis (motos de agua) require specific personal watercraft insurance in Spain. Standard boat policies don't cover them. Third-party liability is mandatory, and most marinas require proof of insurance before allowing jet ski use.
What documents do I need to insure a boat in Spain?
You'll typically need: boat registration documents (matrícula), technical inspection certificate (ITB) if applicable, proof of ownership, your NIE or passport, and details of mooring location. Foreign-flagged boats may need additional documentation.
Can I get boat insurance in Spain without an NIE?
Yes, some insurers accept passport-only applications for EU citizens and tourists. However, if you're a resident or keep your boat in Spain long-term, you'll likely need an NIE for the policy and marina contracts.
Does boat insurance cover diving equipment and water sports gear?
Standard policies typically have limited cover for personal effects and equipment. For valuable diving gear, fishing equipment, or water sports accessories, you may need to declare items separately or add specific cover.
What happens if my boat sinks or is a total loss?
With hull insurance, you receive the agreed or market value minus any deductible. The insurer may also cover salvage and wreck removal costs. Without hull cover, you're responsible for all costs including environmental clean-up if required.
Can I insure a wooden or classic boat in Spain?
Yes, but insurers may require recent surveys, photos, and maintenance records. Premiums for wooden and classic boats are typically higher, and agreed-value policies are common to protect their special character.
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