Boating Insurance

Andy Whitcomb

Boat insurance is similar to automobile in­surance; it helps cover damages caused by an accident. It seems that not all states require boat insurance, but if you plan on docking in any marina, you’d better have it. Coverages of policies range greatly and thus, so do the prices. To learn about the current average boat insurance cost, do your homework and investigate insurance options that best fit your circumstances, perhaps starting online. Estimat­ing the average cost of boat insurance will then require a little math from the figures you collect.

One way the average cost of boat insurance can be influenced is by location. One company shared that the average boat insurance cost in northern states is lower simply be­cause of the shorter boating season. Bigger, more expensive boats tend to be found along coastal states, thus the increase in the average insurance cost for a boat in those states.

If you are on a quest for a specific figure for the average monthly cost of boat insurance, try not to go overboard. There are so many continually changing variables such as what you want covered, the boat’s age, the deduct­ible amount, or type of boat that I won’t even try to float any exact cost figures.

For example, I read where one company considered fishing to be a simple, laid back activity and implied that these boats had a lower insurance rate than say, “power boats.” They might need to create a new category for the 70 mph fishing tournament boat that I’m saving for.

Researching this topic, I contacted my in­surance company. Towing the trusty, old boat is covered by my truck policy and there is even modest coverage from my homeowner’s policy. However, someday there will be a serious upgrade in my watercraft. For peace of mind, covering potential damages, and protecting this new investment, after registering my future fishing boat, I’ll certainly be shopping for an updated average cost of boat insurance that helps me maintain an even keel.