Frequently asked questions

Yup. Multiple units can be added to your Markel Specialty boat insurance policy provided both boats are in the same state. If your boats are in two different states, two policies may be required. Please give a marine insurance specialist a call at +1.800.236.2453 to learn more.

Yes, here at Markel Specialty, we are always looking for ways to save you money. We offer a variety of boat insurance discounts, saving you up to 35%!

• Experience boater discount (for boaters with 5+ years of experience)
• Multiple units discount for all units on the same policy
• Outboard propulsion discount
• Older operator discount (for those of us 40 or over)
• Diesel engine discount

Plus, we offer a diminishing deductible program! For each consecutive accident-free year, your deductible will decrease by 25%, all the way to zero after 4 years! A savings of more than $1,000!

Whether your boat is a brand-new 2018 model, or your grandpa’s old 1960 model, all ages of boats fall into our boat insurance program. If you are still unsure if your boat will qualify for our boat insurance coverage, give one of our boat insurance specialists a call at +1.800.236.2453 to discuss the best coverage for you and your boat.

Most insurance policies will not cover normal wear and tear and deterioration or the resulting damage. However, if your boat is damaged from fire, explosion, sinking, collision or stranding, you will be protected under our consequential damage coverage.

Also, if you purchase our optional ultimate drive coverage, your boat will be protected in the event of a mechanical breakdown due to wear and tear or defect of the outboard or sterndrive.

Absolutely! Markel Specialty's boat insurance policy will cover corporately titled boats, for both personal use and client entertainment. We do require all corporately titled boats designate a designee of the watercraft.

Yes, $500 of coverage is automatically included our base policy, with the option to purchase up to $7,500 worth of coverage. We will cover your boat trailer if it is damaged while transporting the insured watercraft.

Yes, watersport liability is automatically included with our watercraft liability on most boat types that are able to participate in watersport activities (i.e. coverage is not included for boats that cannot engage in watersport activities like airboats, hovercrafts, homemade/kit boats, inflatable boats or high performance cat and vee boats). Our watersport liability coverage provides protection to those individuals participating in most watersport activities on the insured boat. Note, the coverage is available for personal boating activities, and does not apply to any competitive watersport activities.

Most insurance carriers will not cover damage caused by ice and/or freezing. Luckily for you, We offer an ice and freezing protection you can add to your policy to help protect you. If you contracted with a commercial marine or repair facility for necessary winterization maintenance, and your boat sustains damage from the chilly winter conditions while being “winterized,” the damages to your boat will be covered!

No way! We know that is one of the main reasons people buy boats, so we're certainly not going to charge you extra for it.

Yes, we do! Get your pontoon insurance boat quote right now! We are marine insurance specialists, so we offer coverage for all kinds of unique boats that other insurers may shy away from, including: high performance boats, airboats, hovercraft, etc. Not sure if your watercraft will be covered? Give us a call at +1.800.236.2453 to speak with one of our marine insurance specialists.

Your rods, reels, and tackle are automatically covered under your personal effects coverage, up to the limit purchased. If that coverage isn't sufficient, our fishing equipment coverage provides protection at replacement cost. Please contact one of our marine insurance specialists at +1.800.236.2453 to find out more.

We understand the lure of the water because we’re boaters just like you. What’s more, we’ve been boat insurance specialists for over 35 years. Needless to say, we know a thing or two about boats and, of course, boat insurance. And that means a whole lot of peace of mind for you.

It may seem that since you don't use your boat in the winter you don't need to insure it. This is a risky way of looking at insurance, and one that we have seen cost far too many people far too much money. Your boat is at risk for damages at all times of the year, not only when it's on the water. For example, if your boat is placed in storage for the winter and it is damaged, you will not have any assistance is paying for those repairs without an active insurance policy.

We make filing a claim as easy and quick as possible. You can report your boat insurance claim by calling our office at +1.800.236.2453 or submit your claim online.

We are committed to investigating, evaluating, and resolving marine insurance claims in a timely manner, and typically handle most claims within 14 business days. We even send out checks for claim settlements as soon as both parties (Markel Specialty and the claimant) agree to the same terms.

Yes! You can help streamline the claims and settlement process and avoid delays by providing the following information when you file your claim:

• Policy number
• Date, time, and location of loss or damage
• Description of loss or damage
• Digital photos (if possible)
• Phone number to reach you