You have insurance for your boat. Great. But… do you know exactly what it covers? If you hesitated for a second, don’t worry: it happens to most recreational boat owners. We renew the same policy year after year, almost on autopilot, without checking whether it still makes sense for how—and where—we sail today.
In this guide, we explain what the law requires in Spain, what mandatory boat insurance covers (and what it doesn’t), which types of coverage make a difference when the unexpected happens, and how to choose a boat insurance policy that truly fits your boat. And, finally, How to do it without paperwork using PortView.
Is insurance mandatory for recreational boats in Spain?
Yes. Liability insurance for recreational boats is mandatory in Spain, as established by the Royal Decree 607/1999 and the Law 27/1992 on State Ports and the Merchant Marine. This requirement applies to:
- All motorized recreational watercraft, including personal watercraft, regardless of size.
- Non-motorized (sailing) vessels with a length exceeding 6 meters.
- Foreign vessels sailing in Spanish territorial waters that enter or leave a Spanish port.
Sailing without this insurance is no minor matter: it is considered a serious offense under Law 27/1992 and can result in fines and even the impoundment of the vessel. In other words, without valid liability insurance, you cannot legally sail.
What the Mandatory Insurance Covers (and What It Does NOT Cover)
Here’s the nuance that almost no one understands. Mandatory insurance covers civil liability toward third parties—that is, damage your boat causes to other people or property. Specifically:
- Death or bodily injury to third parties.
- Property damage to third parties.
- Economic losses resulting directly from such damage.
- Damage to other vessels caused by collision or grounding.
And now for the important part—what most people discover too late: mandatory insurance does NOT cover your own boat. The following, among others, are excluded:
- Damage to your own boat.
- The theft or robbery of your boat.
- Damage sustained on land or while being towed.
- Damage to the vessel itself or to its occupants.
In other words: if you only have the minimum legal coverage and a stormy night damages your hull while it's moored, or your onboard electronics are stolen, you'll have to cover the full cost out of your own pocket.
Not sure what your current policy covers? Request a free, no-obligation consultation and we'll check it for you.
Beyond the Minimum Requirements: What “Comprehensive” Coverage Includes”
This is where comprehensive boat insurance protects what really matters to you: your boat. The most common optional coverages are:
- Damage to your own property: to your boat's hull, engine, and equipment.
- Total or partial theft, including accessories and electronics.
- Fire and explosion.
- Assistance and towing at sea when you need it most.
- Grounding and total loss due to sinking.
- Employer Liability and Accidents Involving Employees.
- Legal protection in the event of litigation.
- Personal belongings and specialized equipment (sails, rigging, electronics).
The 5 Factors That Determine the Price of Your Boat Insurance
The cost of boat insurance isn't a matter of chance: it depends on specific factors. Knowing these factors helps you understand your premium and, above all, adjust it:
- Length and Value of the Vessel. The larger the size and the higher the value, the greater the insured amount.
- Engine power. More power usually means more risk and a higher premium.
- Navigation Area. Many basic policies cover only territorial waters (12 miles). If you're sailing to the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, or international waters, you'll need to expand the geographic coverage.
- Use: recreational or charter. Renting out your boat completely changes the risk profile; a recreational insurance policy does not cover you if you charter your boat.
- The age of the boat and the deductible you choose.
Insure your boat with no paperwork, through PortView
This is where PortView comes in. Since your nautical charts are already synced in the app, You don't have to gather or scan anything. Just let us know when your current policy expires, and our partner brokerage will review your situation to provide you with an offer tailored to your boat in less than 24 hours.
- No paperwork: Your data is already part of the PortView ecosystem.
- Coverage Tailored to Your Needs: Your length, your area, your use.
- Expert advice: They explain it to you in plain language, without jargon.
- No obligation: You decide once you see the offer.
We'll take care of the paperwork. Request your free consultation and browse with peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Insurance
Is insurance required for all recreational boats?
It is mandatory for all motorboats (including personal watercraft) and for non-motorized vessels longer than 6 meters, in accordance with Royal Decree 607/1999.
What happens if I drive without mandatory insurance?
Boating without the required liability insurance is considered a serious offense under Law 27/1992 and may result in fines and the impoundment of the vessel.
Does mandatory insurance cover damage to my own boat?
No. Mandatory liability insurance only covers damage to third parties. To protect your own boat (damage to the boat itself, theft, fire, sinking), you need comprehensive insurance.
Does my policy cover me if I sail outside of Spain?
Not always. Many basic policies cover only Spanish territorial waters. To sail farther, you must expand the geographic coverage in your policy.
How much does boat insurance cost?
It depends on the boat's length, engine power, sailing area, intended use, and age, as well as the deductible you choose. The best approach is to seek personalized advice.
How do I purchase or review my insurance with PortView?
Request a free consultation, just tell us when your policy expires, and you'll receive a personalized quote in less than 24 hours—no paperwork required.