As a bass fisherman myself, I know how much time and effort goes into getting the right gear, boat, and equipment to maximize your success out on the water. But what happens if something goes wrong? Having the right bass boat insurance in place can make all the difference.
Agreed Value Coverage
When it comes to insuring your bass boat, I always recommend agreed value coverage. This type of coverage ensures that if something happens to your boat—like a total loss—you’ll receive the value we agreed upon when the policy was written, not a depreciated amount. Boats, like cars, lose value over time, but with agreed value coverage, you lock in that value so you’re not left short if the worst happens.
Electronics and Fishing Equipment
Bass fishing often requires specialized equipment, and that can add up quickly. Modern bass boats are loaded with electronics—depth finders, fish finders, GPS units—and these aren’t cheap. Fortunately, many bass boat insurance policies provide coverage for your electronics, making sure you’re protected if they’re stolen or damaged.
Fishing gear is another area where proper insurance can come in handy. You might have a collection of rods, reels, and tackle that’s worth several thousand dollars. Many policies offer fishing equipment coverage, so you won’t be out of pocket if your gear is lost or damaged.
Cost of Bass Boat Insurance
The cost of bass boat insurance can vary depending on several factors, with the horsepower of your outboard being one of the most significant. For example, a bass boat with a 250-horsepower outboard will generally cost more to insure than one with a 150-horsepower engine, even if everything else is the same.
In general, you can expect to pay around 1% of the hull value annually for bass boat insurance. So, if your boat is worth $40,000, you might pay around $400 per year for insurance. Of course, this varies depending on coverage options, location, and other factors.
Common Claims – Damage to the Lower Unit
One of the most common claims I see from bass boat owners is damage to the lower unit of the outboard. Whether it’s from hitting something submerged or a mechanical failure, the cost to replace a lower unit can be steep. On average, you’re looking at about $3,500 to $5,000 for a replacement, depending on the make and model of your motor. Add in labor costs, and the total repair can easily climb higher. Fortunately, with the right bass boat insurance in place, this kind of damage is often covered, saving you from an unexpected financial hit.
Boat Crashes Happen Fast: Wear Your Kill Lanyard
Safety should always be paramount when you’re on the water. It can happen to anyone at any time. Professional fisherman Wes Logan recently had an incident where he hit a submerged dock. Fortunately, he was wearing his kill lanyard, but you can see how quickly it happens. If you haven’t seen this video yet, check it out below:
Although I do not know who Wes has his boat insurance with, I can say most policies include coverage for medical payments as well. This will give you some medical coverage for injuries in case of an incident like this. Most of the policies we write include at least $5,000-$10,000 in medical coverage, with higher limits available if needed.
Tournament Coverage: A Safety Net for Competitions
If you’re like me and enjoy competing in the occasional bass tournament, there’s another type of coverage you should be aware of: tournament coverage. This coverage won’t protect your prize money, but it can reimburse you for the tournament entry fee if something happens to your boat and you can’t finish the competition. For serious anglers who travel and invest in tournaments, this add on is a no brainer.
Where You Can Navigate: Coverage Limits
Another important thing to think about is where you’ll be using your boat. Some bass boat insurance policies will cover you anywhere in the U.S., while others might limit your coverage to your home state or specific regions. If you’re someone who likes to travel across state lines for different lakes or tournaments, make sure your policy covers those areas. Otherwise, you could find yourself without coverage when you need it most.
Let’s Go Fishing!
As a bass fisherman, I understand how important it is to protect not just your boat, but everything that goes along with it. Whether it’s your electronics, your fishing gear, or ensuring you’re covered in case of an accident, having the right coverage in place can make a world of difference. And remember, the cost of insurance will vary based on factors like your boat’s horsepower and where you’re navigating, so it’s always good to have a chat with someone who knows the ropes.
If you have any questions about the right coverage for your bass boat, feel free to reach out—I’m always here to help!
As always, remember to wear your life jacket and enjoy the water!
Written by Eric Fisher
Agency President at On The Water Marine Insurance.
Recent Posts
Share This Article
Related Articles
If you run a small fishing charter in states like Ohio, Indiana, or Kentucky, having the right insurance is crucial. Whether you're offering bass, walleye, crappie, or catfishing charters, a personal boat policy with a charter fishing guide endorsement can provide the coverage you need—without breaking the bank. In this post, we’ll explore real-world rate examples and why our policies stand out, including no forced winter layup periods and matching uninsured boater coverage to your liability limits.
When it comes to insuring your boat or yacht, understanding the difference between admitted and surplus lines insurance is crucial. Admitted carriers offer state-backed protections and often more comprehensive coverage, while surplus lines step in for higher-risk situations, but with more restrictive rules and higher costs. In this post, I’ll share a recent experience with a client who nearly switched to surplus lines, even though they qualified for admitted coverage—and why it’s important to know the difference when protecting your investment.
