TL;DR

Emergency towing and salvage coverage is essential boat insurance protection that covers on-water breakdowns, mechanical failures, and emergency assistance when you're stranded. Professional marine towing services can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars per incident, while this coverage typically costs $30-$175 annually. It includes services like engine jump-starts, fuel delivery, soft ungroundings, and towing to the nearest safe harbour. Without it, you're gambling with both your safety and wallet every time you head out on the water. Smart boaters know that peace of mind on the water isn't optional—it's essential.

What Is Emergency Towing and Salvage Coverage for Boats?

Emergency towing and salvage coverage is specialized boat insurance that pays for assistance when your vessel breaks down, runs aground, or needs rescue services on the water.

Think of it as roadside assistance for your boat. When your engine dies in the middle of the lake or you run aground on a sandbar, this coverage ensures you're not stuck with a massive bill for professional marine assistance. Most boat insurance policies provide coverage for towing and emergency services, including delivery of fuel, oil, parts, battery, and emergency labour while away from a safe harbor.

The coverage typically includes:

• On-water towing to the nearest marina or safe harbour
• An engine jump-starts when your battery dies
• Fuel delivery when your gauge lies to you
• Soft ungroundings from sandbars and shallow water
• Basic mechanical assistance for minor repairs

Smart boaters know that having comprehensive protection goes beyond just basic towing coverage. At Roamly, we understand the unique needs of recreational boat owners, offering specialized coverage that includes emergency assistance features designed specifically for the boating lifestyle.

What separates emergency towing from salvage is the level of risk involved. Low-risk services performed by marine towers may involve mechanical breakdown, towing to a safe port, fuel deliveries, jump starts, line disentanglements, de-anchoring, and soft ungroundings, while high peril situations include hard groundings, sinkings, collisions, and vessels stranded in surf lines.

How Much Does Emergency Towing Coverage Cost?

Annual emergency towing coverage typically costs between $30-$175, depending on your location and coverage level—a fraction of what you'd pay for a single emergency tow.

Here's the real-world math that makes this coverage a no-brainer:

• Without coverage, Professional marine towing can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per incident
• With coverage: $0 out-of-pocket for covered services
• Annual membership costs: Emergency towing coverage typically ranges from $30-$175 annually, depending on your location and coverage level

Professional marine towers charge hourly rates plus additional fees for specialized services like ungroundings. Even a simple tow can quickly become expensive without coverage, making annual coverage a smart investment.

Whether you're exploring with a comprehensive recreational insurance plan that covers boats, RVs, and other adventure vehicles, or focusing specifically on boat coverage, emergency towing should be a cornerstone of your protection strategy.

The cost varies based on:

• Geographic location (saltwater vs. freshwater)
• Boat size and type
• Coverage limits (unlimited vs. capped services)
• Service area (distance from shore)

Why Do I Need Emergency Towing and Salvage Coverage?

Because boat breakdowns happen to everyone, and being stranded on the water without help isn't just expensive—it's potentially dangerous.

Let's talk reality: Mechanical breakdowns, running aground, battery failures, and fuel problems are common issues that boaters face. These aren't rare occurrences—they're part of boating life, and they can happen to experienced captains just as easily as weekend warriors.

Here's why this coverage matters:

Financial Protection: A single emergency tow can cost more than several years of coverage. Complex salvage operations can run into thousands of dollars.

Safety First: When your engine quits miles from shore, professional marine assistance gets you and your passengers back safely. The weather can change quickly on the water.

Peace of Mind: Knowing help is a phone call away lets you enjoy your time on the water instead of worrying about "what if" scenarios.

24/7 Availability: Professional towing services operate 24-hour dispatch centers, 365 days a year, so help is available even during night emergencies or bad weather.

Expertise Matters: Professional marine towers know how to safely handle disabled vessels without causing additional damage to your boat or other watercraft.

What Services Are Included in Emergency Coverage?

Emergency towing coverage typically includes on-water towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, soft ungroundings, and basic mechanical assistance—everything you need to get back to shore safely.

Most comprehensive emergency coverage includes:

Towing Services:

• Assisting a disabled boat from the site of disablement to the nearest point of repair or removal
• Transport to your preferred marina (within coverage area)
• Emergency towing to the nearest safe harbour

On-Water Assistance:

• Jump starts when the battery is dead or too weak to start the engine
• Basic troubleshooting and minor repairs
• Line disentanglement from props or fishing gear

Emergency Deliveries:

• Fuel delivery of gasoline, oil, or other fluids (you pay for fuel cost only)
• Emergency battery delivery and installation
• Essential parts delivery for minor repairs

Soft Ungrounding:

• Professional ungrounding services for boats stuck on sandbars
• Specialized equipment to prevent hull damage during recovery

What's Usually NOT Included:

• The cost of parts, batteries, fuel, or oil is not included (labour is covered, materials aren't)
• Complex salvage operations (separate coverage needed)
• Commercial fishing or charter boat operations
• Racing or competitive events

How Does This Differ from Regular Boat Insurance?

Regular boat insurance covers damage to your vessel, while emergency towing coverage pays for services to get you unstuck, refueled, or safely back to shore when things go wrong.

Think of it this way: your regular boat insurance is like health insurance for your boat—it pays to fix damage after an accident. Emergency towing is like calling an ambulance—it gets you help when you need immediate assistance.

Regular Boat Insurance Covers:

• Collision damage to your hull
• Fire, theft, and vandalism
• Liability for damage you cause to others
• Medical payments for passenger injuries

Emergency Towing Coverage Handles:

• Getting you unstuck from mechanical problems
• Towing when your engine dies
• On-water assistance for minor issues
• Emergency fuel or battery delivery

Many boaters make the mistake of thinking their regular boat insurance includes comprehensive towing coverage. Insurance policies typically severely limit the amount of reimbursement they provide for towing assistance. That basic coverage might give you $500 toward a tow that actually costs $1,000+.

The smart move? Add dedicated emergency towing coverage to your policy or purchase it separately through a marine assistance provider.

How to Choose the Right Emergency Towing Coverage?

The best emergency towing coverage matches your boating habits, location, and budget while providing unlimited services within your typical cruising area.

Consider these factors when shopping for coverage:

Geographic Coverage:

• Many TowBoatUS companies offer unlimited service areas of at least 25 miles from the responding port
• Choose coverage that matches where you actually boat
• Saltwater vs. freshwater pricing differences

Service Limits:

• Unlimited towing vs. annual dollar caps
• Unlimited tows with no deductible offer the best value
• Per-incident reimbursement limits if you arrange your own service

Provider Network:

• Number of towing operators in your area
• Response time commitments
• 24/7 dispatch availability

Additional Services:

• Trailer assist service for land-based breakdowns (typically $15/year additional)
• Dock-to-dock towing for repair transport
• Weather emergency haul-out services

Integration Options:

• Coverage through your boat insurance carrier
• Standalone marine assistance memberships
• Club memberships that include towing benefits

Compare the total annual cost against the peace of mind and potential savings. Even if you never use it, the coverage pays for itself in reduced stress and increased confidence on the water.

What Should I Do If I Need Emergency Assistance?

When you need help on the water, stay calm, ensure everyone's safety, and contact your emergency towing provider immediately using their dedicated dispatch number or mobile app.

Here's your step-by-step emergency response plan:

Immediate Safety:

1. Secure your vessel - Drop anchor if possible to prevent drifting
2. Account for all passengers - Ensure everyone is wearing life jackets
3. Assess the situation - Is anyone injured? Is the boat taking on water?
4. Signal for help - Use VHF radio Channel 16 for emergencies, or your cell phone

Following U.S. Coast Guard safety protocols ensures you're taking the right steps to protect everyone aboard while waiting for professional assistance.

Contact Your Provider:

• Use your provider's mobile app for the fastest response, or call their dispatch center
• Have your policy number and boat details ready
• Provide your exact location (GPS coordinates if available)
• Describe the problem and the number of people aboard

While Waiting for Help:

• Stay with your vessel unless it's clearly unsafe
• Continue monitoring the VHF radio
• Keep signaling devices ready (flares, mirror, whistle)
• Document the situation with photos for insurance purposes

Professional Tip: Download your provider's mobile app before you need it—many services offer a one-button emergency contact that automatically sends your GPS location.

Remember: If you arrange service without going through your dispatch center, reimbursement may be limited to $250/per hour or $3,000/per disablement. Always contact your provider first when possible.

Get Protected Before Your Next Adventure

The water is calling, and you should answer with confidence. Emergency towing and salvage coverage isn't just another insurance add-on—it's your lifeline when things go sideways on the water.

Ready to protect your next adventure? Get a free quote today and make sure you're fully protected with emergency towing and salvage coverage. Don't wait for that first breakdown to wish you'd gotten covered. Smart boaters plan, and the smartest ones never leave the dock without proper protection.