Boat Insurance in Charleston, SC

Coverage that fits the Lowcountry lifestyle.

Charleston is a boater’s paradise, and whether you’re an avid angler or spend your weekends on the water with the family, your boat needs coverage that fits the way you use it, and that is crafted to meet your specific needs and risks.

At The Ferguson Insurance Team, we’ve been helping Charleston-area boaters protect their vessels and much more for over 40 years.

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Do I Need Boat Insurance in South Carolina?

South Carolina does not require boat insurance by law, but that doesn’t mean you can safely go without it.

If your boat is financed, your lender will typically require comprehensive hull coverage until the loan is paid off. And if you’re operating a boat, especially in the busy waters in and around Charleston, liability coverage is vital to protect you from lawsuits or costly damages if you cause injury or property damage.

Bottom line: Even if it’s not required, boat insurance is the smart and affordable choice.

What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

A boat insurance policy can include multiple layers of protection. Here’s a breakdown:

Hull & Equipment Coverage

Covers physical damage to your boat, including:

The hull
Motor(s)
Electronics
Trailers
Attached equipment and gear

You can typically choose agreed value (you’re paid a set amount if the boat is totaled) or actual cash value (depreciated value). We’ll help you understand what makes the most sense based on your boat and how you use it.

Liability Coverage

Protects you if you’re found legally responsible for:

Injuries to others
Property damage (such as hitting another boat or dock)
Legal expenses

We strongly recommend limits higher than the minimum, especially if you have significant assets to protect. We can also help you consider personal umbrella coverage for additional liability protection beyond your boat policy.

Medical Payments

Covers medical expenses for you or your passengers if you’re injured on the water, regardless of who was at fault.

Uninsured/Underinsured Boater

If you’re hit by someone without boat insurance (or not enough of it), this coverage helps pay for injuries and damages. It’s a smart layer of protection, especially with the amount of boat traffic in Charleston.

Additional Optional Coverages

We also offer:

On-water towing and assistance
Fuel spill liability
Wreck removal
Fishing gear or personal effects
Hurricane haul-out coverage, before the storm is here, to prevent loss before it happens.
Travel trailer or boat lift coverage

Let’s talk about how you use your boat and we’ll tailor the coverage to fit.

We Know Charleston Boaters

At The Ferguson Insurance Team, we’re locals who enjoy time on the water just like you. We’ll match you with boat coverage that fits your vessel, your lifestyle, and your budget.

You’ll benefit from:

Access to top national and regional marine insurance carriers
Affordable, customized quotes
A dedicated local team that speaks your language
Support that’s there when you need it—especially after a claim

Get a Boat Insurance Quote Today

Stay protected on and off the water with affordable boat insurance. Get your quote today.

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Reviews From Our Customers

Frequently Asked Questions

How much life insurance do I need?

Some financial experts recommend coverage worth 10-12 times your annual income. However, your actual needs depend on several factors: outstanding debts (mortgage, car loans, student loans), number of dependents, future expenses like college tuition, and your spouse’s income, if married. A good rule of thumb is to calculate what your family would need to maintain their lifestyle, pay off debts, and cover major future expenses if you weren’t there to provide for them.

Can I get life insurance if I have health problems?

For applicants with certain health conditions, your options and rates will vary based on your specific diagnosis or situation. Many people with managed diabetes, high blood pressure, or past cancer diagnoses can still qualify for coverage, though premiums may be higher. Some insurers specialize in high-risk cases. If traditional policies decline you, guaranteed issue policies are available without medical exams, though they’re more expensive and offer lower coverage amounts. It’s worth shopping around, as different insurers rate health conditions differently. Our experienced agents work with applicants of many ages and health conditions to help them provide for their family’s future.

How much does life insurance cost?

Life Insurance premiums are based on many factors, such as age, tobacco usage, medical history, and even your hobbies. Of course, the amount of coverage, and the type of insurance (whole vs. term) are also major factors. It is difficult to offer a useful number because of this. However, our agents can provide you with quotes quickly, and without too many questions up front, for you to consider.

Should I choose term life or whole life insurance?

For most people, term life insurance is the better choice because it’s affordable and covers you during the years when your family depends on your income most. If you’re looking to replace income, pay off a mortgage, or protect your family while raising children, term life gives you high coverage at a low cost. Whole life makes sense in specific situations: if you have lifelong dependents (like a special needs child), want to leave a guaranteed inheritance, need coverage for estate tax planning, or have maxed out other retirement savings and want an additional tax-advantaged vehicle. The key question is whether you need temporary protection (term) or permanent coverage with a savings component (whole life).

Can senior citizens get life insurance?

Yes, senior citizens can get life insurance, though it costs more than it does for younger applicants. Many insurers offer policies specifically for people aged 50-85. Term life is available, but more expensive at older ages. Final expense insurance (a smaller whole life policy covering funeral and end-of-life costs) is a popular, affordable option for seniors. You have three main types: policies with medical exams (cheapest if you’re healthy), simplified issue policies with health questions but no exam, and guaranteed issue policies that accept anyone in the age range with no health questions (most expensive, with waiting periods). If you’re in good health, it’s worth shopping around using an independent agent, as rates can vary significantly.

I have life insurance through my job. Is that enough?

Employer life insurance is a great benefit, but it’s often not enough on its own. Most workplace policies provide only a few times your annual salary. The bigger issue though, is portability. Your coverage usually ends if you change jobs, get laid off, or retire, and by then you may be older or have health issues that make getting affordable coverage difficult or impossible. It’s wise to secure your own individual policy now while you’re insurable, using your employer coverage as a supplement rather than your only protection.

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