Is Boat Insurance Required?
Categories: Boating, Insurance|Published On: March 17, 2023|1.5 min read|

Hey there, fellow boat enthusiasts!

If you’re a boat owner or planning to buy a boat, you might have wondered if getting boat insurance is required. The answer is, it depends on where you live and how you plan to use your boat.

State Laws

Depending on where you live, your state might require you to have boat insurance. Some states have specific requirements, such as liability insurance or proof of financial responsibility, while others have no requirements at all. It’s important to check with your state’s boating laws to see if you need boat insurance. In Ohio, where our agency is, the state does not require you carry insurance.

Marina or Lender Requirements

If you plan to store your boat in a marina or take out a loan to buy your boat, the marina or lender might require you to have boat insurance. This is to protect their property or investment in case of any damages or losses.

Peace of Mind

Even if boat insurance isn’t required in your state or by a marina or lender, we recommend carrying boat insurance 100% of the time! Let’s face it, accidents can happen, and the costs of repairs or medical bills can quickly add up. Having boat insurance can give you peace of mind knowing that you’re financially protected.

So, before you hit the water, make sure to check with your state’s boating laws, marina or lender requirements, and consider getting boat insurance from Outdoor AdvINSURE. We offer customizable boat insurance policies to fit your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more and get a quote.

As always, remember to wear your life jackets and enjoy the water!

Eric Fisher

Written by Eric Fisher

Owner and Principal Agent of Outdoor AdvINSURE, an insurance agency that specializes in recreational outdoor insurance.

Related Articles

  • Fishing Guide Insurance
    Published On: October 10, 2024

    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.

  • Bass Boat Insurance: What You Need to Know as a Bass Fisherman
    Published On: September 19, 2024

    Whether you’re a seasoned bass fisherman or just getting started, having the right bass boat insurance is crucial. This blog covers the essentials, from agreed value coverage to protect your boat’s full value, to insurance for electronics and fishing equipment. We also explore common claims like lower unit damage, the importance of tournament coverage, and medical payments protection.

  • Admitted vs. Surplus Lines Boat Insurance
    Published On: September 18, 2024

    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.