Why a boat policy is more than auto coverage on the water
A boat is exposed to risks a car never sees — submersion, dock damage, fuel-spill liability, on-water rescue, and wreck removal among them. A homeowners endorsement might cover a small boat at low limits, but anything beyond a basic recreational craft needs a dedicated marine policy. We write across the full range, from kayaks and PWCs to offshore fishing boats and pleasure yachts.
Core watercraft coverages
- Hull (physical damage) — covers your boat against collision, sinking, fire, theft, and weather; available on actual-cash-value or agreed-value basis.
- Liability — protects you against injury or property damage you cause to others, including dock or other boats.
- Personal effects — fishing tackle, electronics, water toys, and personal property aboard.
- Medical payments — no-fault medical for you and your guests injured aboard.
- Uninsured / underinsured boater — protects against the underinsured operator who hits you.
- On-water towing and emergency assistance — towing, fuel delivery, jump-starts.
- Wreck removal and fuel-spill liability — federal and state law require both; we make sure your policy covers them.
- Trailer coverage — protects the trailer that gets you to and from the water.
What we insure
- Bass and recreational fishing boats
- Pontoons and deck boats
- Ski boats, wake boats, and tow boats
- Personal watercraft (jet skis, WaveRunners, Sea-Doos)
- Sailboats — day-sailers to cruising yachts
- Offshore fishing boats and center consoles
- Pleasure yachts and motor cruisers
- Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards
Add-ons worth considering
- Agreed value — pays a pre-agreed amount at total loss, regardless of depreciation.
- Tournament fishing coverage — for serious anglers, including tackle limits at tournament scale.
- Charter or rental endorsements — if you occasionally charter or rent the boat to others.
- Hurricane haul-out reimbursement — covers the cost of moving the boat ahead of a named storm.
- Mechanical breakdown — for outboard engines and major systems beyond manufacturer warranty.
Seasonal storage and off-water coverage
Even when stored on a trailer or in dry storage, watercraft remain exposed to weather, theft, and vandalism. We structure policies that maintain appropriate coverage year-round while reducing premium during months you're not on the water.
Frequently asked questions
Does my homeowners policy cover my boat?
Most homeowners policies extend limited coverage to very small boats (typically under 25 hp or 26 feet) with very low limits. For anything larger or more valuable, you need a standalone watercraft policy.
Is Texas boat insurance required by law?
Texas does not legally require boat insurance, but marinas, lenders, and many lake associations do. Even where not required, liability coverage is strongly recommended — a single on-water collision can be financially devastating.
What about coverage for fishing tournaments?
Standard policies often have low personal effects limits that won't cover serious tournament tackle. We add a tournament fishing endorsement that schedules your gear at full value and removes per-item limits.
Does coverage follow my boat outside Texas?
Most policies cover U.S. inland and coastal waters, Bahamas, and parts of the Caribbean. If you plan to cross into Mexican waters or undertake longer offshore passages, we'll add the specific cruising-area endorsements you need.
Are jet skis insured under a boat policy?
Personal watercraft are typically written under specialized PWC policies rather than under a recreational boat policy. We compare both structures for clients with multiple craft.