Do I need watercraft insurance in Mexico?

If you bring a boat or jet ski into Mexican waters, yes — your US marine policy doesn't apply, and Mexican marinas often require proof of coverage. Liability is the legal minimum; full coverage is recommended for any boat worth more than a few thousand dollars.

Does this cover rented boats or jet skis?

Generally no — rentals are insured by the rental operator. This policy is for watercraft you own and bring with you.

Can I customize my policy?

Yes. You can adjust liability limits, choose actual-cash-value vs agreed-value, and add or remove the trailer-coverage rider during the quote process.

Is hull damage covered?

Standard and premium plans cover hull and equipment damage. Liability-only plans do not. If your boat is worth more than its trailer, choose standard or premium.

Boat & Watercraft Insurance

Mexican waters need their own boat policy

Liability and physical-damage coverage for boats, jet skis, and personal watercraft used in Mexican waters.

Read FAQs ↓

Mexican watercraft insurance is a dedicated marine policy that covers your boat or jet ski while it's used in Mexican waters — your US marine policy almost certainly doesn't extend across the border. If you're trailering a boat down or storing one in a marina in Mexico, you need a local policy. This page covers what's included, what's not, and how to insure your watercraft online.

What boat & watercraft insurance covers

Liability for damage to other boats, persons, and property
Physical damage to your hull and equipment
Theft of the boat or trailered watercraft
Coverage while moored, trailered, or in transit
Bilingual claims support

What's not covered

Use outside Mexican waters
Racing or commercial charter operations
Wear and tear, gradual deterioration

Coverage levels

	Liability only	Standard	Premium
Third-party liability	Up to $300,000	Up to $500,000	Up to $1M
Hull / physical damage	—	Actual cash value	Agreed value
Theft	—	Included	Included
Trailer coverage	—	Included	Included

Third-party liability

Liability only: Up to $300,000
Standard: Up to $500,000
Premium: Up to $1M

Hull / physical damage

Liability only: —
Standard: Actual cash value
Premium: Agreed value

Theft

Liability only: —
Standard: Included
Premium: Included

Trailer coverage

Liability only: —
Standard: Included
Premium: Included

How to get covered

1Enter the boat's value, length, and your trip dates.
2Pick a liability-only or full-coverage plan.
3Pay online and bring the policy with you to the marina.

Take your boat south of the border, covered.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need watercraft insurance in Mexico?
If you bring a boat or jet ski into Mexican waters, yes — your US marine policy doesn't apply, and Mexican marinas often require proof of coverage. Liability is the legal minimum; full coverage is recommended for any boat worth more than a few thousand dollars.
Does this cover rented boats or jet skis?
Generally no — rentals are insured by the rental operator. This policy is for watercraft you own and bring with you.
Can I customize my policy?
Yes. You can adjust liability limits, choose actual-cash-value vs agreed-value, and add or remove the trailer-coverage rider during the quote process.
Is hull damage covered?
Standard and premium plans cover hull and equipment damage. Liability-only plans do not. If your boat is worth more than its trailer, choose standard or premium.

What customers say

“I have a new car and I wanted to make sure it was protected. I loved how the site lets you customize options to suit what is best for my personal needs.”

— Josh

“My experience purchasing temporary Mexican auto insurance through SmartGringo was great. I liked that I can customize the policy to my needs and there were several options to choose from. It has become my go-to site to purchase car insurance when I am going across the border to play in Rosarito!”

— Jacob

“SmartGringo was fast and easy and within about 5 minutes I was printing out my temporary insurance policy to take with me to Mexico. Thank you!”

— Lori