Boat insurance in Spain for expats
Licensed Broker
DGSFP Registered
Whether you keep a small motorboat in a Spanish marina or sail a larger yacht along the coast, the right boat insurance is essential. We help expats in Spain insure their boats with clear cover for liability, damage, theft and storms – explained in English. You get support with local rules, marinas and paperwork, so you can focus on enjoying the water.
Example for basic third-party cover on a small leisure boat. Final price depends on boat type, value, mooring and navigation area.
Who is it for?
Expats, residents and second-home owners in Spain who keep a sailing boat, motorboat or yacht in a marina, dry dock or private mooring and need clear, compliant insurance.
Activation time
Once the quote is accepted and documents are approved, cover can usually start within 24–72 hours, depending on the insurer and any inspection requirements.
Documents needed
ID or passport, NIE or residency details, boat registration documents, proof of ownership, mooring or marina details, navigation certificate (if required), and previous insurance details if available.
Languages available
We handle everything in English and Spanish. Some insurers also provide policy documentation in other languages.
Boat insurance plans in Spain
Choose the level of marine cover that matches your vessel and how you use it
Third-party Liability – Essential
BEST FOR:
- • Smaller leisure boats with modest value
- • Owners mainly concerned with legal and marina liability requirements
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:
- • High-value yachts or performance boats
- • Owners worried about damage to their own boat
Liability + Partial Damage – Plus
BEST FOR:
- • Motorboats and sailing boats kept in exposed marinas
- • Owners who want more than minimum liability but still watch budget
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:
- • Very high-value or new boats needing full comprehensive cover
Comprehensive Yacht & Boat – Premium
BEST FOR:
- • New or high-value boats and yachts
- • Owners who cruise regularly along the Spanish coast or further
- • Boats under finance, or with high marina requirements
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:
- • Very small or low-value boats used rarely
What affects boat insurance costs?
Understanding what influences your premium helps you find the right balance between cover and cost.
Key factors that affect your premium
- Boat type: Sailing boats, motorboats and yachts have different risk profiles
- Boat value: Higher-value boats cost more to insure
- Mooring location: Marina security and exposure affect pricing
- Navigation area: Wider cruising areas may increase premiums
- Boat age: Older boats may have higher rates or limitations
- Engine power: More powerful engines can affect risk and price
Example profiles
Get a personalised quote based on your boat and usage
How it works
Getting boat insurance in Spain is straightforward with our expert guidance
Tell us about your boat and mooring
Share basic details about your boat (type, length, value, age), where it's kept (marina, dry dock, private mooring) and how you use it. We keep the questions clear and in plain English.
We compare insurers in Spain
We approach suitable insurers for your type of boat and navigation area, then present the options side-by-side so you can see differences in cover, limits and price.
Choose your level of cover
Decide between essential liability, partial damage cover or fully comprehensive protection. We walk through what's included and excluded so there are no surprises later.
Finalise your policy and sail with confidence
When you're happy with the offer, we complete the paperwork, confirm the start date and send your policy documents. If you ever need to claim, we're here to support you.
Sail with confidence in Spanish waters
From marina weekends to Mediterranean cruising, we've got your cover sorted
Documents needed for boat insurance
Have these ready when requesting a quote to speed up the process
We help with Spanish boat paperwork
Document checklist
Importing a boat?
If you're bringing a boat from another country and registering it in Spain, we can help you find temporary cover while you complete the process.
What's covered by boat insurance?
Understand what's included, what's optional, and what's not covered
Included
- Third-party liability for damage or injury caused to others
- Liability required by marinas and port authorities
- Legal defence and claim handling
- Wreck removal liabilities (within policy limits)
- Fire damage (on relevant tiers)
- Storm and weather damage (on partial damage/comprehensive tiers)
- Theft of the boat or outboard (subject to security conditions and tier)
- Navigation in agreed areas (e.g. Spanish coastal waters, specified zones)
Optional add-ons
- Extended navigation area (wider Mediterranean, cross-border sailing)
- Higher liability limits (for larger boats or specific marina demands)
- Personal accident cover for owner and guests
- Cover for onboard equipment (electronics, sails, instruments, dinghies)
- Trailer and transport cover (if boat is moved by road)
- Racing or regatta cover (where accepted by insurer)
- Winter or lay-up cover with specific conditions
- Protection and indemnity (P&I) style enhancements for larger vessels
Not covered
- Use for commercial charter or hire (unless specifically insured as commercial)
- Professional racing or high-risk events not approved by the insurer
- Normal wear and tear, corrosion or gradual deterioration
- Poor maintenance or known defects not repaired
- Navigation outside the agreed area or season without insurer approval
- Use while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Misrepresentation of boat value or incorrect usage declared
"Many first-time boat owners underinsure their equipment. Make sure you properly value electronics, dinghies and outboards – they're often worth more than you think, and basic policies may not cover them."
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent, DGSFP
Can you get boat insurance in Spain?
We help boat owners in various situations find the right cover
Non-resident boat owners
You can insure a boat in Spain as a non-resident if it's properly registered. We work with insurers who understand seasonal owners and second-home buyers.
Read our non-resident guideEU-flagged boats
Boats registered in other EU countries can often be insured in Spain. Requirements vary by insurer, so we help you find the right fit.
Learn about requirementsImporting a boat
Bringing a boat from another country? You'll need to register it in Spain. We can arrange temporary cover while you complete the matriculation process.
Boat registration guideCover for every type of boat
Sailing boats, motorboats, yachts – we match cover to your vessel
Why choose us?
Here's why thousands trust us with their insurance
We understand expat boat owners on the Spanish coast
From small weekend boats to larger yachts, we work with expats who keep their boats in Spanish marinas and moorings – and we help them navigate the local rules and insurance expectations.
Access to specialist marine insurers
We work with insurers experienced in boat and yacht risks in Spain, not just generic policies. That means better-fit cover for marinas, navigation areas and storm exposure.
Clear explanations before you commit
Boat insurance language can be technical. We explain what is and isn't covered – liability, hull damage, theft, storm risks – in clear English so you can make confident decisions.
Support with valuations and equipment lists
We help you prepare realistic boat and equipment values so you're not over- or under-insured, and so claims are smoother if something happens.
Help when something goes wrong
If there's an incident in the marina or at sea, you're not on your own. We guide you through the claim process and communication with the insurer.
Flexible options as your situation changes
Whether you upgrade your boat, change marina, extend navigation areas or plan longer trips, we help adjust your policy so it keeps pace with how you actually use your boat.
Understanding excess (franquicia) on boat claims
Voluntary excess
- You choose to pay more towards claims (e.g. €300–€1,000)
- Reduces your annual premium
- Good option for experienced boat owners
- Can often be adjusted at renewal
Zero/low excess
- Pay nothing or minimal amount when claiming
- Higher premium cost
- Good for boat owners who want certainty
- May be required for financed boats
The right excess level depends on your budget and boat value. We explain the trade-offs clearly.
What to do after an incident at sea or in the marina
Ensure safety first – assist anyone in danger
Call maritime emergency services if needed (900 202 202)
Take photos of damage to all boats involved
Get details from other parties (name, boat, insurer)
Report to harbour master if required
Contact us for claims guidance and support
Report incidents to your insurer as soon as possible.
Where does your boat insurance cover you?
Spanish waters
Full coverage in Spanish territorial waters and coastal areas. Most policies cover all Spanish coasts.
Mediterranean
Many policies extend to wider Mediterranean navigation. Check limits for Balearics, France, Italy and beyond.
Atlantic & beyond
Extended cruising to Portugal, Canaries or further requires specific policy extensions. Always check before sailing.
Navigation limits vary by policy. We help ensure your cover matches your cruising plans.
Key boat insurance terms in Spanish
Understanding these terms helps when reading your policy or dealing with insurers
"Claims handling at sea can be complex. We liaise with Spanish marine insurers on your behalf, coordinate with marinas, and ensure you're not left waiting. That peace of mind is worth it."
Marco Elsinger
Licensed Insurance Agent, DGSFP
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
Is boat insurance mandatory in Spain?
For many types of boats and engines, liability insurance is effectively mandatory, especially if you use marinas, ports or certain navigation areas. Even where it's not strictly required by law, marinas often require proof of cover. We help you understand the rules for your specific boat.
Can I insure my boat in Spain if I'm an expat?
Yes. As long as your boat is registered correctly and you can provide the required documents, most marine insurers can cover expat owners. Your residency status and where the boat is kept will influence the options available.
What information do insurers need about my boat?
Typically: boat type, brand, model, year, length, engine details, value, where it is kept, navigation area and how you use it (purely leisure, longer trips, occasional racing, etc.). We give you a clear checklist.
Does boat insurance cover sailing outside Spain?
Many policies cover specified navigation areas, which may include parts of the Mediterranean beyond Spain. It's important to check the exact limits. If you plan longer trips, tell us and we'll help you choose a policy with suitable navigation limits.
Is my equipment and electronics covered?
Basic policies may offer limited cover. For more expensive electronics, dinghies or additional equipment, you often need to specify them and agree values with the insurer. We can help you list and value your key equipment correctly.
Does boat insurance cover storms and bad weather?
On partial damage and comprehensive policies, storm damage is usually included, subject to conditions (e.g. how the boat is moored and maintained). There may be special rules during named storms or severe weather. We'll highlight these before you buy.
Can I insure my boat if it's on a trailer or in dry dock?
Yes, many policies can cover boats in dry storage or on trailers, though conditions and risks differ from being in the water. Let us know how and where the boat is stored so we can match the policy to reality.
What affects the price of boat insurance in Spain?
The type and value of the boat, age, engine power, where it's kept, navigation zone, your boating experience, claim history and the chosen cover level all influence the premium. We help you see what matters most.
Does boat insurance include personal accident cover for people on board?
Not always by default. Some policies include basic personal accident benefits; others require an add-on. If you often have family or friends on board, tell us so we can recommend options that include this.
Can I use my boat for charter or paid trips?
Standard leisure boat policies do not cover commercial use or paid charters. If you plan to charter or take paying guests, you'll need a specific commercial policy. Let us know and we can explore options.
What should I do after an incident with my boat?
First ensure everyone is safe and follow local maritime rules. Then collect details, take photos if possible and contact us or your insurer as soon as you can. We'll help you understand the next steps and what documents are needed for a claim.
How quickly can boat insurance start?
If all information and documents are complete and the insurer accepts the risk, cover can often start within a few days. For higher-value boats, there may be extra checks or requirements. We will always confirm the start date before you rely on the cover.
Related guides
Learn more about insurance in Spain
Boat Insurance in Spain – 2026 Guide for Expats & Yacht Owners
Complete guide to boat insurance: liability, hull cover, theft, towing and marina requirements
Third-Party Boat Insurance in Spain – 2026 Guide
Everything you need to know about third-party liability for boats in Spain
Jet Ski Insurance in Spain – 2026 Guide
Complete guide to insuring your jet ski or personal watercraft in Spain
Customer Reviews
Based on 287+ reviews from expats across Spain
We bought a small motorboat for weekends and had no idea about Spanish marina requirements. They helped us choose the right cover and explained everything in English.
Sarah & Mark
Costa del Sol
Jul 2024
Needed insurance for my sailing boat with a wider navigation area. They compared several insurers and found a comprehensive policy that matched my cruising plans.
Peter H.
Alicante
Jun 2024
Very professional service. They understood the marina's demands and helped get everything in place before the season started.
Johan L.
Mallorca
Sept 2024