Everything you need to know about insurance basics, like coverage types, limits, cost and more.
What Is Covered Under Boat Insurance?
A boat insurance policy typically includes coverage for physical damage, liability, watercraft equipment, medical expenses and fuel or oil spill cleanup. At American Family Insurance, we offer coverage for most types of boats, including:
Whether you’re out on the water or on the road headed home with your boat, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about boat insurance. So whatever it is you worry about, you can keep fearless and know we’ve got your back if you face the unexpected.
FAQs
Does Boat Insurance Cover Sinking?
Your boat insurance will cover damage if it sank due to a covered event, like a storm, and you have physical damage coverage on your policy. Like all coverage, you’ll be covered up to your policy limit.
Does Boat Insurance Cover Lower Units?
We offer protection for damage to the lower unit of your boat as long as the damage was caused by a covered event, such as colliding with another object. Keep in mind, normal wear and tear isn’t covered, so make sure you’re properly maintaining your boat each year.
Does Boat Insurance Cover the Motor?
Typically, your boat motor is covered by your policy, but again, it has to be a covered event. For instance, if your boat collides with another boat and takes out your engine, you’ll likely be covered. But it doesn’t cover you if you simply don’t maintain your motor and it breaks down. Your agent can help you better understand the specifics on how your coverage protects your boat from the unexpected.
Is a Boat Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?
Your homeowners policy typically includes some coverage for your watercraft, including their trailers, motors, equipment, parts and accessories. But the coverage for watercraft included on your home insurance policy isn't meant for all types of boats. And just like a home or vehicle, boats come in all shapes and sizes with different equipment, enhancements and anything else you do to make it uniquely yours. So creating a customized boat insurance policy is key to keeping it protected from unexpected events.
How to File an Insurance Claim for Boat Damage
To help get your life back on track quickly and as stress-free as possible, we try to make the claims process uncomplicated. If you need to file an insurance claim for boat damage, you have options:
1. File your claim with your agent, online, through My Account or give us a call at 1-800-MYAMFAM (1-800-692-6326)
2. You’ll want to have this information on hand:
- The date and time of the event.
- A brief description of what happened.
- Photos of damage done.
3. After you file a boat insurance claim, our on-call team of experts will be on site as quickly as possible, inspecting the damage and making sure you have everything you need to keep your life moving forward.
What Coverage Do I Need?
Personal Effects & Fishing Equipment Coverage
This coverage protects you against the loss of those extra items you may use on your boat, such as fishing equipment, diving equipment and clothing.*
Repair Cost Coverage
If you suffer property damage resulting in a partial loss, this coverage allows you to repair your boat, motor or boating equipment, without a deduction for depreciation, up to the policy limits.* This coverage is required in Minnesota.
Agreed Value Hull Coverage
With this coverage, we’ll pay the agreed value limit you select for your insured watercraft in the event of a covered total loss. The coverage automatically includes repair cost coverage for partial losses. Talk to your agent to learn more about adding this coverage to your policy.
What Else Do You Worry About? We’ll Help.
What Is Boat Liability Insurance? >
How to Safely Operate & Dock a Boat >
Take Control of What You Pay
Diminishing Deductible Coverage
We’ll credit your deductible immediately.
Our Diminishing Deductible for boats is a new optional policy feature you can purchase to help save for surprise expenses. With this coverage, we’ll credit (lower) your deductible to help you better prepare for the out-of-pocket costs when you have a claim.
Boat Insurance Discounts
Looking to save on your boat insurance?
Earning a discount for you boat is easier than you think. From brushing up on boating smarts to outfitting your boat with extra safety features, your agent can help you discover ways to save with our boat insurance discounts.
Simplify and Save by Bundling
Combine multiple policies and save on your premium.
Bundling insurance is one of the easiest ways for you to save on your insurance. Bundle your boat, home and auto policy today. The more policies you bundle, the more you save!
Looking for a Boat Insurance Quote?
We’ll build you a boat policy designed to keep you fearless.
More Common Concerns We Can Help With
Are you covered for water or flood damage? Learn more about what types of insurance coverage in a homeowners policy from American Family can keep you protected.
What types of storm damage does insurance cover and what’s protected? Learn about storm insurance coverage to find the best option for your home and property.
The importance of having auto insurance is no secret, but what exactly does it cover? Let’s take a deeper dive into car insurance coverage and see.
*These add-ons may be subject to limitations.