Boat and watercraft insurance for Hudson Valley boaters

New York law doesn't require boat insurance. In practice, though, most marinas and yacht clubs require proof of liability coverage, and lenders require physical damage coverage on a financed boat. Without it, you'd personally pay for damage to your boat, injuries to others and costly cleanup.

• Hull and physical damage: your boat, motor and permanently attached equipment, against collision, sinking, fire, theft and storms.
• Liability: injuries to others and damage to their boats, docks or property.
• Medical payments: injuries to you and your passengers.
• Uninsured boaters: your injuries caused by a boater with no or too little insurance.
• On-water towing and assistance: if you break down or run aground.
• Fuel spill and wreck removal: cleanup and removal costs, which can be required by law.
• Trailer and personal effects: your trailer, fishing gear and other equipment.

Homeowners policies typically cover only small boats with low horsepower, with low property limits and limited or no liability on the water. Jet skis, larger outboards and inboards usually need their own policy.

Under Brianna's Law, every operator of a motorized vessel on New York waters must hold a New York State boating safety certificate as of January 1, 2025, regardless of age or experience. Personal watercraft operators must be at least 14 and certified. Some insurers also offer discounts for completing an approved boating safety course.

An agreed value policy pays the value you and the insurer set when the policy starts, if the boat is a total loss. An actual cash value policy pays the boat's depreciated value at the time of loss. Agreed value usually costs more but avoids surprises.

Boat coverage varies widely by carrier: navigation limits, lay-up periods and how storms are handled all differ. We compare policies for your boat, where you keep it and where you take it.