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).
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.
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
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