If you are the owner of a small boat, you will be glad to know that you can add limited liability boat coverage to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to cover small watercraft like canoes, kayaks, and other small boats with no larger than an 25HP motor. This coverage is usually automatic for most home/renters insurance policy owners. (Size of boat, motor and even the availability of any automatic coverage varies between carriers. Please check with your agent for more information.)

If you own a larger boat or a personal watercraft like a jet ski, you will likely need to either endorse the watercraft to your homeowners insurance policy or purchase a separate boat insurance policy. To provide a quote, your agent needs to know information pertaining to the size, type and value of your boat, as well as how you typically use the boat and in what type of water it is used. (Note: it is sometimes more expensive to have a boat added to your homeowners than it would be to have a separate boat policy.)

Separate boat insurance policies typically have broader protection than that provided by the average homeowners’ policy. Boat Owner Coverage can include liability coverage and coverage for physical loss, including damage to the boat, motor, hull, prop and other permanently attached equipment. Coverage can also be added for an outboard motor, a boat trailer and for items like water sports equipment and fishing equipment.

Be insurance smart, don’t assume your homeowners policy covers your type of boat. Call your agent and request a review. If you would like to discuss coverage for your watercraft, don’t hesitate to call us at (937) 962-2123.