# Requirements to rent a boat

> In order to operate a boat that is under the    GEICO BoatUS insurance policy    provided by Boatsetter you must fulfill the following criteria in addition to

Source: https://support.boatsetter.com/en_us/requirements-to-rent-a-boat-HkXZL1inj

Last updated: 2026-04-08T11:23:53.305Z

In order to rent a vessel that is under [Buoy's Peer-to-Peer Insurance Policy](https://support.boatsetter.com/en_us/buoy-peer-to-peer-insurance-HJJP3Pobll) provided through Boatsetter, you must fulfill the following criteria:

*   Be at least 18 years of age.
*   Have a [verified Boatsetter account](https://support.boatsetter.com/en_us/account-verification-ByR7IJshi).
*   Not have had any at-fault automobile or boat accidents, DUI, or reckless driving citation in the past 3 years.
*   Not have any criminal convictions on your record in the last 10 years.
*   Not have a felony conviction on your record.
*   Not have any bankruptcies on your record in the last 5 years.

Vessels under the owner's [commercial insurance policy](https://support.boatsetter.com/en_us/using-commercial-insurance-S1QNLJohs) require you to fulfill the following criteria:

*   Be at least 18 years of age (some commercial operators have additional age requirements; check with the vessel owner if you’re unsure).
*   Have a [verified Boatsetter account](https://support.boatsetter.com/en_us/account-verification-ByR7IJshi).

## **Boating license requirements**

Boating license requirements vary from state to state. Both the renter and owner are responsible for following the [local state's boating license requirements](https://www.boatus.org/free#state) and verifying that the renter has the correct licensing prior to the rental.

If you have questions about what license is needed, please reach out to the boat owner directly. As it is a statutory document, a failure to adhere to it at any point may result in a financial penalty. If the state requires you to obtain a license and/or safety certification, you may visit [BoatUS online](https://www.boatus.org/) for more information on safety courses.