Insurance Options for Boat Owners + Theft Prevention Tips

If you’re a boat owner, you wait all year for boating season. Whether you take your boat out for a joy ride, take it out every weekend with friends or enjoy fishing trip, boats bring a lot of joy.

If you are a new boat owner, you may be wondering what insurance coverage you may need for your boat.

It’s also important to note that people who have owned a boat for years should still review their insurance policy every few years. Our agency can help determine if your coverage is still sufficient for your needs or if you need to make any changes to your existing policy. An insurance review is free, so work with your agent to ensure you are still properly protected.

Boat insurance isn’t required in every state, but we still feel it is important to have it as there are risks to being a boat owner. Boat insurance is affordable, so we feel it is imperative to have the extra layer of protection. Your home insurance policy may provide you with some coverage if you add it there, but it will be limited in comparison to a boat insurance policy.

Liability insurance:

All boat insurance polices include liability coverage. Liability coverage protects you if you cause damage to something or someone while driving your boat up to your policy limits. We can explain your options for policy limits.

Comprehensive insurance: if you are worried about your boat ever being stolen or vandalized, you will want to add comprehensive insurance to your boat insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage may also pay for damage to your boat from weather related storms or vandalism. If you are financing your boat, you most likely will need this coverage.

Precautions to Take to Avoid Your Boat from Being Stolen

• Like any vehicle you own, you will want to ensure your boat is being stored in a secured location.
• Invest in an alarm system. Motion detector spotlights can also scare off a thief.
• Install a GPS tracking device. If your boat is stolen, this can help track it down.
• Always lock everything valuable up or remove them from your boat while it is docked.
• Keep a lock on your trailer. Trailers are insurable too, but require being added.

Uninsured or underinsured coverage: if you get into an accident with another boater who doesn’t have insurance, this coverage can help pay for your passengers injuries or damages to your boat.

Collision insurance: offers coverage for your own boat if you hit another boat or object.

Does boat insurance cover maintenance? Not typically. You are responsible for maintaining your boat.

Equipment – if you use special equipment on your boat, talk to us about insurance coverage. This could include fishing gear or other property. This is not generally included automatically.

Save money on your boat insurance policy

Our agents can help you find insurance discounts for your boat insurance policy. We always shop for all discounts available to you as well as explain your coverage details. Contact us for a free boat insurance quote.