Insurance
Boat Insurance: What It Costs and What to Check
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated September 26, 2026
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The short answer
Home insurance gives only a little coverage for small, slow boats, like canoes and small sailboats. It usually doesn't include liability. Bigger or faster boats and jet skis need their own policy.
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What affects your boat insurance price
Price range
Prices vary a lot by boat, so we don't list one average. Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the insurance company.
What moves the number
- Type and size of boat. Bigger and faster boats cost more to cover.
- What it's worth.
- Where you use it. Lakes, rivers and the ocean carry different risks.
- Your experience. A boating safety course can earn a discount.
- Where you store it.
What a boat policy covers
- Damage to your boat, its motor and its trailer
- Theft
- Liability if you hurt someone or damage their property
- Medical costs for you and your passengers
What to ask before you choose
- "Does my home policy cover my boat at all?" Check the limit. It's usually small.
- "Is liability included?" Home policies usually don't include it for boats.
- "Is this 'agreed value' or 'actual cash value'?" Agreed value pays a set amount if the boat is lost. Actual cash value pays what it's worth used.
- "Are the trailer and gear covered?"
- "Is towing or on-water help included?"
The catch: jet skis and fast boats almost never fall under home insurance. If you rent or borrow a boat, check coverage before you go out. And ask what your policy covers during a hurricane or while the boat is stored.
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