FAQ: Do I need Boating Insurance?

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Open

9 Models • 21' → 40'

Built for families who want serious offshore capability, premium comfort and the freedom to fish, cruise or entertain.

Sportsman 402 center console boat with tower, white hull, and outboard engine in side profile view

Open 402

White center console fishing boat with hard-top canopy and outboard engine shown in side profile

Open 352

Blue and white Sportsman center console boat with hard-top, tan seating, and outboard engine shown in profile view

Open 322

Sportsman 302 center console boat with hard-top and outboard engine in gray and white hull

Open 302

Sportsman center console boat with hard-top, tan seating, and Yamaha outboard engine shown from starboard side

Open 282

Light blue Sportsman center console boat with hard-top, tan seating, and Yamaha outboard engine

Open 262

Sportsman 252 center console boat with turquoise hull, hard-top, and outboard engine in profile view

Open 252

Sportsman open center console boat with hard-top, outboard engine, and tan seating in blue and white hull design

Open 232

Blue and white Sportsman center console boat with hard-top, side profile view against white background

Open 212

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Heritage

4 Models • 23' → 32'

A refined crossover lineup designed for coastal cruising, ample seating, family days and some fishing when the moment calls for it.

Turquoise and white center console boat with hard-top and outboard motor, shown in side profile

Heritage 321

Turquoise and white center console fishing boat with hard-top, Yamaha engine, and tan seating viewed from the side

Heritage 261

Blue and white Sportsman center console boat with hard-top and outboard engine shown in profile view

Heritage 251

Sportsman Heritage 231 center console boat with hard-top, outboard engine, and tan seating in light blue and white

Heritage 231

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Masters

6 Models • 22' → 28'

Shallow-water performance, fishing-focused layouts and everyday comfort built for family life and fishing.

Side profile of a blue and white center console boat with hard-top and outboard engine

Masters 287

Blue and white Sportsman bay boat with Yamaha outboard engine and T-top against white background

Masters 267

Blue and white Sportsman center console fishing boat with Yamaha outboard motor and T-top shade structure

Masters 267OE

SportCraft Masters 247 bay boat with hard-top, Yamaha outboard engine, and tan seating viewed from the side

Masters 247

Sportsman center console bay boat with hard-top, Yamaha outboard engine, and tan seating viewed from the side

Masters 247OE

Sportsman 227 bay boat in turquoise and white with T-top, center console helm, and outboard motor in side profile view

Masters 227

 
Blog > FAQ: Do I need Boating Insurance?

A common question for many new or experienced boaters is - "Do I need boat insurance?" Well, we're here to give you a little insight and tips to help you make the right decision for yourself and your boating experience.

March 18, 2024
Cover image for the post FAQ: Do I need Boating Insurance?
Bryan Greenwood
Regional Sales Manager - Northeast, Mid-West
  • Insurance is essential to protect your boat and your investment, even if state law doesn’t require it.
  • Your insurance needs may be shaped by marina, storage facility or lender requirements, and most policies cover collision, liability and bodily injury with add-ons like tow coverage or emergency service for offshore use.
  • Costs depend on boat type and usage; shop around and look for discounts by bundling with auto or home policies or taking a boating safety class.

Having the opportunity to work boat shows and dealer events around the country allows me to speak with many customers. Some of these customers have had multiple boats and are experienced captains. Others are looking to purchase a boat for the first time. One of the most common questions I get asked from new boat buyers is regarding boat insurance. All licensed car drivers are aware that car insurance is required but it’s a little less black and white when it comes to boat insurance. Depending on the state, insurance on your vessel may or may not be required. Regardless of state laws, my feedback to these customers is that insurance is a must have on your boat. With proper coverage you can cover your expenses and protect your investment in the event of an incident.

While state law may be the legal requirement you need to abide by there are other factors you must consider as well. If you keep your boat in a marina, they most likely will require you to have insurance. The same goes for storage facilities and homeowner associations. If you have financed your purchase, then most likely your lending institution will also require insurance. Most boat insurance will cover items like collision damage, liability, and bodily injury to both you and your passengers. Insurance companies will usually also offer additional coverage that you can tailor to your specific usage. If you are an offshore boater, it may make sense to add tow coverage and emergency service.

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The cost of boat insurance is usually less expensive than you may think but it will depend on several factors. Type and size of the boat along with how and where you plan to use it are the key items that insurance companies will base your coverage cost on. Just like with other types of insurance the selected coverage and deductible amounts are factors that will help dictate your premium. While I encourage you to shop around, you also need to speak with your current car or home insurance provider as they may offer a discount based on packaging multiple insurance needs together. Some insurance companies may also offer discounts based on taking a boating safety class or having a clean driving record.

Having an insured boat will give you the peace of mind that in the event of a mishap you have one less thing to worry about.

See you on the water!