Personal Insurance

Boat & Watercraft Insurance — Protection on Every Body of Water

Your homeowners policy provides very limited coverage for watercraft. A dedicated boat policy protects your vessel, your passengers, and your liability with coverage designed specifically for how you use your boat.

Get a Boat Insurance Quote Talk to an Advisor

What Boat Insurance Covers

Hull Coverage

Covers physical damage to your boat, motor, and trailer from collision, fire, theft, sinking, windstorm, and other covered perils. Written on agreed value or ACV basis.

Watercraft Liability

Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others while operating your boat. Essential given the severity of potential boating accidents.

Medical Payments

Pays medical expenses for you and your passengers after a covered accident, regardless of fault.

Uninsured Watercraft

Protects you if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured boater — similar to uninsured motorist coverage on auto.

On-Water Towing

Covers emergency towing and assistance if your boat becomes disabled on the water.

Personal Property

Covers fishing equipment, safety gear, electronics, and other property on your vessel.

Watercraft expertise across boat types

We write boat insurance for everything from fishing boats to pontoons, sailboats, and high-performance vessels — with access to specialty marine carriers.

Types of watercraft we cover

  • Fishing and bass boats
  • Ski and wakeboard boats
  • Pontoon and deck boats
  • Sailboats
  • Personal watercraft (jet skis)
  • High-performance and speed boats
  • Canoes, kayaks, and paddle craft

Key Coverage Decisions for Boat Owners

Key Decision

Agreed Value vs. ACV

Agreed value pays the full insured amount at total loss — no depreciation. ACV deducts for age and wear. For most boat owners, agreed value is the better choice.

  • Agreed value = no depreciation
  • ACV = depreciated value
  • More important as boat ages
  • Ask about replacement cost options
Key Decision

Navigation Territory

Boat policies specify where coverage applies — inland, coastal, offshore, or blue water. Operating outside your territory can void coverage.

  • Inland lakes and rivers
  • Coastal waters (within X miles)
  • Offshore and blue water
  • Confirm before offshore trips

Lay-Up Period

Many policies offer a discount for vessels stored out of the water during winter. The lay-up period restricts coverage during that time.

  • Seasonal discount for stored vessels
  • Fire and theft typically still covered
  • Notify carrier of storage location
  • Confirm your storage period matches

Liability Limits

State laws rarely mandate boat liability, but the financial exposure from a serious boating accident is significant. We recommend at least $300,000.

  • Bodily injury to others
  • Property damage to docks and other boats
  • Fuel spill liability
  • Add umbrella for higher limits

Fishing Equipment

Standard policies have limited coverage for fishing equipment. If you carry significant gear, ask about a fishing equipment endorsement.

  • Rods, reels, and tackle
  • Fish finders and electronics
  • Downriggers and trolling motors
  • Coverage typically $500–$5,000+

Racing and Tournaments

Most standard policies exclude racing. Disclose if you participate in organized boat racing or tournaments.

  • Racing exclusion on standard policies
  • Tournament fishing may be excluded
  • Specialty marine markets available
  • Disclose at application

Common Questions

  • Very limited — typically only small boats and only up to $1,000–$2,000 for the boat itself. Any vessel of meaningful value needs a dedicated watercraft policy.

  • Most states don't require it by law, though marinas often require liability insurance to dock, and lenders require physical damage coverage if you finance.

  • Agreed value pays the full insured amount at total loss — no depreciation. ACV deducts for age and wear, which can result in a significantly lower payout. Most boat owners prefer agreed value.

  • Boat policies have navigation territory limits. Most cover inland lakes and rivers. Coastal and offshore coverage requires expanded territory endorsements. Always confirm your territory matches where you actually boat.

  • Yes — PWC like jet skis can be covered under a dedicated watercraft policy and are typically excluded from homeowners policies.

Get the right coverage for your time on the water.

We write boat insurance for every type of watercraft — from fishing boats to performance vessels.

Get a Boat Quote Talk to an Advisor