Boat Insurance

Boat Towing Insurance Services

May 4, 2026By GEICO Team5 min readEditorial Guidelines
A boat towing another boat through the water.

Key Takeaways

On-Water Towing Can Cost $300+ Per Hour Without Coverage
Boat towing coverage is a low-cost endorsement you can add to your GEICO boat insurance policy. It covers towing for engine trouble, running aground, fuel issues, and mechanical breakdowns through the TowBoatUS network. There are no upfront payments or reimbursement delays. Just show your policy card and towing is billed directly.

You Have Two Options: Policy Endorsement or BoatUS Membership
The towing endorsement on your GEICO policy covers your insured boat with direct billing and 24/7 access to TowBoatUS. If you own multiple boats or use rented and chartered vessels, a separate BoatUS Unlimited Towing Membership covers all of them and adds perks like fuel discounts, repair savings, and a magazine subscription.

No boater wants to be stranded on the water due to a mechanical failure or unexpected issue. That's why GEICO Marine Insurance Company has partnered with TowBoatUS, the nation's largest on-water towing fleet, to offer boat towing insurance that ensures you get the assistance you need, when and where you need it.

TowBoatUS Towing Services Include:

  • 24/7 towing assistance by industry professionals
  • Fuel delivery services
  • Jump starts for a dead engine
  • Tows for mechanical breakdowns
  • Easy access to towing services through the BoatUS app

Benefits of Adding Towing Coverage to Your Policy

Even the most experienced boaters can run into trouble on the water. Towing coverage helps protect you from costly surprises and ensures help is just a call away when you need it most. Boat insurance with towing offers:

  • Cost Savings: Avoid pricey out-of-pocket towing fees, which can average $300 per hour or more.
  • Hassle-Free Service: No upfront payments or reimbursement delays—just show your policy card for direct billing.
  • 24/7 Assistance: Access emergency towing and on-water support anytime, anywhere with the TowBoatUS network.
  • Peace of Mind: Whether you're stuck due to engine trouble, fuel issues, or running aground, help is always within reach.

Comparing Towing Coverage Options

GEICO's towing coverage endorsement offers affordable, straightforward protection for your insured boat, including direct billing with no upfront costs. For boaters looking for more flexibility, a BoatUS Unlimited Towing Membership may be a better fit—it covers multiple vessels and includes added perks like covering all boats that are owned, rented or chartered. If you frequently travel outside standard coverage areas or own more than one boat, upgrading to a BoatUS Membership could offer greater peace of mind.

Add Boat Towing Coverage to Your Insurance Policy

For added peace of mind, you can include boat towing insurance as a low-cost optional endorsement on your boat insurance policy. With this coverage:

  • You won't have to pay out of pocket or wait for reimbursement—simply show your policy card.
  • You'll receive prompt and professional towing services to bring your boat back to shore.
  • Assistance is available in coastal and inland waterways across the US.

Or purchase a separate BoatUS Membership with Unlimited towing.

If you own more than one watercraft or choose not to insure your boat with us, you may want to consider buying a BoatUS Unlimited Towing Membership, which includes:

  • Freshwater and Saltwater Unlimited Towing options
  • Service provided by TowBoatUS
  • Assistance with breakdowns, jump starts, and fuel delivery
  • Subscriptions to BoatUS Magazine filled with boating tips and info
  • Discounts on fuel, repairs, overnight slips, and more
  • 25+ benefits and services to help make your boating experience better

What about breakdowns on land?

We've got you covered. Roadside assistance for your tow vehicle or boat trailer is included when you purchase boat trailer insurance. Alternatively, you can opt for a BoatUS Trailer Assist Membership for just $15 per year. Whether you're on the road or the water, our comprehensive towing insurance ensures you'll never be left stranded.

Visit BoatUS.com/towing to learn more.

Call to talk to an agent about these great coverages today.

(877) 581-2628

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Boat Towing Insurance FAQs

Towing is typically covered under a boat insurance policy when you add an optional towing and assistance endorsement. This coverage helps pay for emergency on-water towing, fuel delivery, and other related services.

The average daytime hourly rate for a boat towing company is approximately $300. Higher rates may apply during nighttime or adverse weather conditions.

Towing coverage is available as a low-cost optional endorsement that can be added to your GEICO boat insurance policy. This ensures you won't pay out of pocket or wait for reimbursement—simply show your policy card for payment.

GEICO's TowBoatUS Towing Coverage Endorsement applies only to the insured watercraft. If you own multiple boats, you will need a policy for each.

You can request towing assistance by using the BoatUS App, calling the 24-hour dispatch center at (800) 391-4869, or hailing TowBoatUS on VHF Channel 16.

Note: Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. The TowBoatU.S. Towing Coverage Endorsement is offered by GEICO Marine Insurance Company, with towing services provided by the BoatU.S. Towing Program. Towing coverage only applies to the insured watercraft. This endorsement is not available in all locations and is subject to certain restrictions. Towing coverage is subject to availability and service may be restricted based on the location of the insured watercraft or trailer. Please speak to an agent to discuss details of towing services, limits, exclusions and coverage availability.