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Boat insurance with an agent
Choosing insurance for your boat or other personal watercraft can be complex. Our local, licensed insurance agents can help. Call us today! 800-835-0894
We can help you find the best boat insurance
Comparion's local, licensed agents know the insurance world inside and out. They will guide you through the complex process of finding the right boat, jet ski, and other personal watercraft (PWC) insurance coverage - and help you save money, too!
Quote with an insurance agent
Do I need boat insurance?
While boat insurance isn't legally required in most states, it's generally recommended to protect yourself and your investment. Keep in mind that some states and marinas do require boat insurance, and you will likely be required to get insurance if you are financing your boat with a loan.
On the other hand, insuring your jet ski is not currently legally required in any state, but can be a smart financial decision to help protect you from liability, damage, vandalism, and more.
Regardless of legal requirements, you should be insured if you think you'd experience a financial burden from an accident, theft, or damage to your boat. If you use your vessel in hurricane-prone areas, busy waterways, or in other situations that may present increased risk, insurance for your personal watercraft is advisable.
How do I start working with an agent?
Getting a boat, jet ski, or other personal watercraft insurance quote with an agent is quick and easy. Start a quote with just your name, address, email, and phone number, and an insurance agent near you will give you a call to finish the process.
Want to have a conversation first? Find an agent near you and schedule time to talk. We have agents all over the country who are ready to work with you and recommend coverage options that best protect you and your watercraft.
Start a quoteWhat does boat insurance cover?
Property damage
Coverage for damage to your boat caused by accidents, collisions, or other events on your policy.
Liability
Protects you if you're at fault in a covered accident, helping pay for damage to other boats or property, as well as injury to others. This coverage may cover fuel spill cleanup and wreckage recovery if your boat sinks from a covered event.
Comprehensive & collision
Like car insurance, these coverages help protect against events like theft, fire, falling trees (comprehensive), and collisions with other boats or objects (collision).
Medical payments
Helps pay for medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured while on the boat during a covered incident.
Uninsured/underinsured boater (UB or UIB)
Steps in for accidents with a boater who has little or no insurance.
Personal property coverage
Most boat insurance will offer some form of protection for your personal belongings. Specialty or expensive items like electronics or navigation equipment may not be fully covered, so you may have to add optional coverage for more protection.
You may opt for additional policy coverage, which could include:
- New boat replacement
- Emergency towing
- Fishing equipment and other sporting or specialty items
- Extended geographical locations
- And more - talk to your local Comparion agent for a policy that fits your needs
Jet ski or other types of personal watercraft coverage may be a different type of policy than boat insurance, depending on insurance carrier. Be sure to ask our agents about your options.
How much is boat insurance?
The cost of boat insurance varies widely based on several factors. We recommend getting multiple quotes from different insurance companies to understand your options when it comes to coverage and cost. Our local agents will do this for you, saving time and money.
Do I need specific coverage if I live on my boat?
If you live on your boat, it's important to let your insurance company know. Otherwise, you may be denied a claim. Some insurers offer specific coverage called “liveaboard” coverage to address additional risks associated with full-time residency on a boat.
A local insurance agent can also help you understand other coverages you may want to consider if you live aboard your boat.
What questions should I ask a boat insurance agent?
Boat or other personal watercraft insurance can be more complex and nuanced than buying an auto insurance policy. Boats have different uses, occupancy, maximum speeds, locations, storage, and more that should be considered when selecting coverages.
Here are five questions to ask about boat insurance:
What geographical restrictions apply, if any?
It's not uncommon for policies to exclude certain regions during hurricane or other storm seasons. Your agent can help understand geographical limitations or help customize a policy if necessary.
What is consequential damage coverage, and should I have it?
This coverage is less common but should be considered for older boats. It offers protection against losses due to wear and tear and corrosion rather than accidents. It typically applies to significant or total losses.
Should I get a boat insurance policy with agreed value (AV) coverage or actual cash value coverage (ACV)?
In the event of a total loss, an agreed value (AV) policy ensures that you will get the pre-determined agreed-upon value of your boat as written in your policy, minimizing depreciation concerns. On the other hand, an actual cash value (ACV) policy is generally cheaper but will pay out the current market value of the boat (depreciated) in the event of a total loss. Boat owners should talk with their agent to weigh the financial implications of each option.
Is all my stuff and equipment on my boat covered?
A standard boat insurance policy should cover some of your personal belongings, but there are likely limitations. An agent can help you understand what exactly is covered, up to how much, and what additional coverages you may need to fully cover your assets.
How can I lower my boat insurance premium?
Ask your agent about savings you may qualify for such as multi-policy discounts or being claims-free. They can also show you how your premium will be impacted if you lower your deductible.