Boat and personal watercraft coverage
Boat insurance and jet ski insurance for days on the water
Whether you fish from a bass boat, cruise a lake on a pontoon, or ride a jet ski, Kaufman Insurance Group helps you find coverage for your boat, your gear, and the people on board. We compare options from multiple companies so you can choose with confidence.
- Coverage for boats, pontoons, sailboats, and jet skis
- Protection on the water, on the trailer, and in storage
- Liability help if someone is hurt or property is damaged
Personal & Commercial · Quick Quotes – Good Rates · Great Companies
As an independent agency, we compare boat and personal watercraft insurance from the companies we work with. The companies that can quote you depend on what you want to insure, where you live, and each company’s own rules.
These logos show some of the insurance companies Kaufman Insurance Group may be able to quote as an independent agency. Showing a logo does not mean the company endorses us. Which companies can offer you coverage depends on the type of insurance, where you live, and each company’s own rules.
The basics
What boat and personal watercraft insurance is
Boat insurance is a policy that protects your boat and helps pay if you are responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property while you are on the water. Personal watercraft insurance, often called jet ski insurance, works the same way for smaller craft that you ride rather than sit in.
Many people assume their homeowners policy covers their boat. A homeowners policy may offer very limited coverage for a small boat, but it usually does not extend to larger boats, higher speeds, or liability on the water. A dedicated policy gives you clearer protection.
A good boat policy can also cover the trailer you use to haul it, the equipment you keep aboard, and help if you break down on the water. We will walk you through which pieces matter for the way you boat.
Boats
Fishing boats, bass boats, pontoons, deck boats, ski and wake boats, cabin cruisers, and sailboats.
Personal watercraft
Jet skis, WaveRunners, Sea-Doos, and similar craft that riders sit or stand on.
Know what you are choosing
What a boat policy typically includes
The options available depend on the company, the boat, and where you use it. These are the coverages we review most often.
Liability
Helps pay for injuries to others or damage to their property, such as another boat or a dock, when you are at fault.
Physical damage
Helps repair or replace your boat after a covered accident, fire, theft, storm, or vandalism.
Trailer coverage
Helps with damage to the trailer you use to tow and launch your boat, when added to the policy.
Equipment and gear
Helps replace items such as fishing equipment, electronics, and water sports gear, depending on the policy.
Towing and on-water help
Helps pay for a tow back to shore or a jump start if your boat breaks down on the water.
Uninsured boater coverage
Helps if you or your passengers are hurt by another boater who has little or no insurance.
Is it right for you
Who needs boat insurance
Rules about boat insurance vary by state and by lake or marina, but many marinas and lenders require it. Even when it is optional, one accident can be expensive without it.
Anglers and weekend boaters
You head to the lake to fish or relax and want your boat and gear protected.
Families with young riders
Kids and guests may drive the jet ski or ride on a tube. Liability coverage matters when others are on board.
Owners with a boat loan
If you financed your boat, the lender will usually require physical damage coverage until the loan is paid off.
Marina and dock renters
Many marinas ask for proof of liability coverage before you can rent a slip.
Getting your boat ready for the season? Ask an agent to review your coverage first.
How Kaufman helps
How we help you insure your boat
We are an independent agency, so we are not limited to one company’s boat policy. We compare options and explain them in plain words.
Tell us about your boat
Share the type, year, make, length, engine, value, and where you use and store it.
We compare coverage
An agent reviews boat and watercraft options from the companies we work with.
Choose and get on the water
Pick the limits and deductible that fit you. We can also check how your boat fits with your home, auto, and umbrella policies.
Kaufman Insurance Group is based in Twinsburg, Ohio, near many of the lakes northeast Ohio boaters love. We focus on Ohio and North Carolina, and we can also help boaters in most other states.
Common questions
Boat and jet ski insurance questions
Does my homeowners insurance cover my boat?
Sometimes a homeowners policy offers limited coverage for a small, slow boat, but it usually does not cover larger boats, jet skis, or liability on the water. A separate boat policy is the usual way to get clear protection.
Is boat insurance required in Ohio?
Ohio does not generally require boat insurance by law, but marinas, storage facilities, and lenders often require it. Rules can differ in other states, so ask us about where you boat.
Does boat insurance cover my trailer?
Trailer coverage is often available, but it is not always included automatically. We can check whether your trailer is covered and add it if needed.
Is my boat covered while it is stored for the winter?
Many policies continue to cover your boat in storage against things like theft, fire, and storm damage. Some companies offer seasonal options. We can explain what applies.
What affects the price of boat insurance?
The type, size, value, and speed of the boat, where you use and store it, your boating experience, and the coverage and deductible you choose all affect the price.
Related coverage
Coverage that pairs well with boat insurance
RV insurance
Heading to the campground with the boat in tow? Protect your RV, too.
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Coverage for your other recreational rides, on the road or on the trail.
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Extra liability protection above your boat, home, and auto policies.
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See every type of personal coverage we can help you with, from your home and cars to your toys and valuables.
Explore personal lines insuranceReady to protect your boat?
Start a boat or jet ski insurance quote online, or contact us with questions. An agent will help you compare your options.
Prefer to talk? Call (330) 486-8404.