A homeowners policy gives a boat very little, and almost nothing once it grows past a small outboard. We write dedicated watercraft policies for powerboats, jet skis and yachts on New York waters: physical damage, liability and on-water towing in one policy. Tell us where you keep it and how you run it, and we'll shop the rest.
New York doesn't require boat insurance, but marinas, yacht clubs and lenders usually do. Here's what each piece buys you, in plain English.
Accidental damage to your boat, motor and trailer: collisions, sinking, fire, theft, and weather like storms and hail.
Pays for bodily injury and property damage you cause to others while operating your vessel. Essential on New York's busy waterways.
Medical expenses for you and your passengers after a boating accident, regardless of fault.
On-water towing if your boat breaks down, runs aground or runs out of fuel. Think roadside assistance, moved onto the water.
Pays to clean up accidental fuel spills. Cleanup is a legal requirement in New York, so this piece matters more than it sounds.
Optional coverage for rods, reels, tackle and other fishing gear stored on the boat.
Answered the way we'd answer them on the phone.
Most homeowners policies offer very limited boat coverage — typically only for small vessels under 25 HP. Anything larger, faster, or more valuable needs a dedicated watercraft policy.
Most policies cover New York state waters and inland lakes. Offshore and coastal navigation limits vary by policy. If you plan to take your vessel beyond NY waters, make sure your policy reflects that.
NY doesn't legally require boat insurance, but marinas, yacht clubs, and lenders often require it. Given the liability exposure on the water, it's strongly recommended.
Type and value of vessel, engine horsepower, your boating experience, where you navigate, how you store the boat (on water vs. dry storage), and your claims history.
Send the year, make, length and where you keep it through the quote form, and a licensed agent will shop it across 30+ carriers. Spring quotes go out fast, so it pays to start before launch day.