Watercraft coverage
Boat insurance for how you actually use the water
Boats, personal watercraft and trailers need their own coverage. Your homeowners policy covers far less than most people expect.
What we check
- Navigation area
- Agreed value
- Lay-up period
- Hurricane plan
What it covers
Hull and machinery
The boat, engine and permanent equipment, at agreed or actual cash value.
Liability
Injuries and damage you cause on the water, including wake damage.
Wreck removal
Raising and removing the boat if it sinks, often required by law.
Fuel spill liability
Cleanup costs and fines after a fuel or oil spill.
Uninsured boater
Your injuries if another boater can’t pay.
Trailer and gear
Your trailer, fishing gear and electronics you carry aboard.
Interactive guide
Does my homeowners policy cover my boat?
Usually only a little, and only for small, slow boats. Pick what you own to see what’s typical.
Usually covered, with low limits
Many homeowners policies cover small non-motorized boats for theft and damage, often around $1,000–$1,500, plus liability.
- Check the watercraft limit on your policy
- Usually fine without a separate policy
General information, not insurance or financial advice. A licensed broker can recommend coverage for your situation.
What affects your price
- 01
Boat type and speed
Faster, more powerful boats cost more to insure.
- 02
Value and age
Agreed value on newer boats; survey on older ones.
- 03
Where you boat
Coastal and offshore areas cost more than lakes.
- 04
Storage
Marina, lift, trailer or dry stack.
- 05
Experience
Boating safety courses can earn discounts.
- 06
Hurricane exposure
Named-storm deductibles in coastal states.
How it fits with your other policies
Gaps usually hide between policies. Your household dashboard checks how they line up.
Umbrella
Boat liability must meet the umbrella’s minimum.
Auto
Your tow vehicle’s policy handles towing liability.
Home
Covers little for boats kept at home.
Watercraft insurance questions
What is agreed value?
You and the insurer agree on the boat’s value up front. A total loss pays that amount without depreciation.
What is a navigation area?
The waters where coverage applies, such as inland lakes or coastal waters within a set distance of shore. Take the boat outside it and coverage may not apply.
What is a lay-up period?
Months when the boat is out of the water or out of use, usually winter. Policies with a lay-up period may not cover the boat if it’s used then.
Do I need a hurricane plan?
In hurricane states, many insurers ask for a written plan for moving or securing the boat before a named storm, and some pay part of the cost of hauling it out.
Is my boat covered while I tow it?
Damage to the boat on the road usually falls to your boat policy. Liability for an accident while towing usually comes from your auto policy.
Get watercraft coverage that fits the rest of your policies
Find a licensed broker who writes home, auto, watercraft and umbrella together.