Jet Ski Insurance in Spain (2026): What's Mandatory, What's Worth Adding, and How Expats Get Covered
If you own a jet ski (moto náutica) in Spain, insurance is not optional. The legal minimum is third-party liability, and ports and marinas often ask to see proof before they let you operate or keep your watercraft. Beyond the legal requirement, the right policy comes down to how (and where) you ride: coastal use, storage, value, theft risk, and whether you want protection for your own jet ski as well.
Key Takeaways
Liability Required
Liability insurance is required for jet skis in Spain, under the same compulsory framework as recreational boats.
Third-Party Only
The mandatory policy protects other people and property — not your own jet ski.
Optional Add-ons
Many owners add damage + theft + storm cover to avoid paying out of pocket after a bad day on the water.
Price Factors
Pricing depends on type/value, mooring/storage, and navigation area.
Is Jet Ski Insurance Mandatory in Spain?
Yes — liability insurance is mandatory
Spain's jet ski rules state that jet skis must be insured under the compulsory civil liability insurance rules for recreational and sports boats. The requirement is referenced directly in the jet ski safety regulation, which links jet skis to the compulsory liability insurance regulation for recreational craft.
For owners, this typically means you need a valid liability policy that covers damages you may cause to third parties. If you rent a jet ski, there is an additional layer: the regulation also calls for accident cover for rental operations (separate from the liability requirement).
What the Compulsory Policy Covers (and What It Doesn't)
The compulsory cover is about third-party liability. In plain terms: if you injure someone, damage another boat, hit a dock, or cause losses to port facilities, the mandatory insurance is meant to respond within its limits. It also applies not only to the owner, but to authorized users operating the craft.
What's Typically Included
- Injury to third parties (other people in the water, on docks, etc.)
- Damage to another boat or watercraft
- Damage to port facilities and marina infrastructure
- Legal defence costs linked to covered claims
- Coverage for authorized users (not just the owner)
What It Usually Doesn't Cover
- Damage to your own jet ski from a collision you caused
- Grounding damage to your watercraft
- Vandalism and theft of your jet ski
- Storm and weather damage to your craft
That's where optional cover matters. The law itself allows policies to include additional cover beyond the compulsory minimum, if agreed in the contract.
Optional Cover That's Often Worth It
Jet skis are small, fast, and often stored seasonally, which makes "minimum-only" cover feel cheap until something happens. Many owners prefer a structure similar to boat insurance tiers: liability-only, then partial damage, then broader comprehensive protection.
Own Damage
Covers accidental damage, collision, some weather events — protecting your investment.
Theft Cover
Often tied to security/storage conditions. Essential if stored in less secure locations.
Storm & Weather
Protection against storm damage — important on Spain's coasts where weather can change quickly.
Equipment Cover
Selected accessories covered, depending on policy terms and declared value.
Personal Accident
Optional cover for owner and guests in case of injury during use.
Higher Liability Limits
Increase limits if a marina/port requires it or for extra peace of mind.
If you want a reference point for costs, basic third-party cover for a small leisure boat starts from around €20/month, with final price depending on the vessel type/value, mooring, and navigation area. Jet ski pricing can vary, but the same rating factors typically apply.
What Affects Jet Ski Insurance Price in Spain?
Insurers price watercraft risk based on how likely you are to cause third-party damage, and how exposed the craft is to theft or damage. Expect these factors to matter most:
Value and Type
The market value and type of jet ski affect premiums. Higher-value craft = higher premiums.
Storage Location
Marina, dry dock, private mooring, or secured storage all affect risk and price differently.
Navigation Area
Local coastal use vs. wider cruising areas changes the risk profile and premium.
Claims History
Previous insurance claims/history (if available) can affect pricing significantly.
What You'll Usually Need to Arrange Cover
To get insured quickly, it helps to prepare the details up front. A broker can often place cover within 24–72 hours after quote acceptance and document approval, depending on insurer/inspection needs.
Typical information requested:
- ID/passport and NIE or residency details
- Registration documents and proof of ownership
- Mooring/storage details
- Navigation certificate (if required)
- Previous insurance details (if available)
If you want to request a quote through an English-speaking broker used to expat paperwork, see our Boat Insurance page for watercraft cover options.
Common Mistakes Expats Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Minimum Cover Only
Buying minimum cover without checking marina requirements. Many ports want proof of liability cover (and sometimes higher limits).
Wrong Navigation Area
Declaring the wrong usage or navigation area. If you ride outside the agreed area/season without approval, that can cause problems at claim time.
Missing Paperwork
Jet ski rules tie insurance to proper registration/identification requirements, and insurers will want consistent documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help with Jet Ski Insurance?
If you're unsure what you need for your situation, our team can help explain your options in plain English and arrange cover that fits your needs.