Boat insurance guide · Since 1984

Boat insurance,
from the experts.

Get the best rates in North America — from America's marine insurance specialists since 1984. Start a free quote in 5 minutes, no login required.

Get a free quote Call 1-800-248-3512

Why a broker

Not all boat insurance is created equal.

Unlike car or home insurance — where coverage between companies is often nearly identical — marine insurance varies dramatically from carrier to carrier.

Pricing, coverage terms, navigation limits, deductible structures, and claim settlements all differ based on the carrier's experience, specialty, and appetite for risk. That's exactly why a marine insurance broker matters. NBOA works with multiple A-rated marine carriers so we can compare coverage and price across the entire market — not just one company's options.

Our job is to find the right policy for your specific vessel, your boating waters, and your budget.

Boat insurance 101

Two core coverages in every policy.

Physical Damage (Hull Coverage). Covers accidental loss or damage to your boat's hull, motor, and onboard equipment. At NBOA, we strongly recommend Agreed Value coverage — if your boat is declared a total loss, you receive the agreed value at policy inception, with no depreciation deducted.

Liability (Protection & Indemnity). Covers your legal obligations to third parties — bodily injury, death, or property damage resulting from your boat's operation. P&I also covers your legal defense if you're sued for a covered liability.

Coverage options

Everything you can add through NBOA.

Liability protection from $100,000 to $1,000,000 and above
Agreed Value or Actual Cash Value hull coverage
Personal property and onboard equipment coverage
Towing and on-water assistance
Uninsured boater protection
Fuel spill and pollution liability
Trailer coverage
Navigation extensions — including Bahamas and Caribbean coverage

What we insure

Every kind of watercraft.

Power boats, speed boats, and center consoles
Sailboats and catamarans
Cabin cruisers and liveaboard vessels
Fishing boats and tournament vessels
Yachts (27 feet and over)
Personal watercraft — Jet Ski, Sea-Doo, WaveRunner
Pontoon boats and deck boats
Houseboats

Frequently asked

Questions & answers

How much does boat insurance cost?

Most recreational boaters pay between $300 and $600 per year for standard coverage. Florida and coastal policies run higher due to hurricane risk. A simple rule of thumb: budget about 1.5% of your boat's value annually. Start a free quote — it takes about 5 minutes — and an NBOA agent comes back with real numbers for your boat.

Do I need boat insurance?

Florida, Arkansas, Utah, and Hawaii have mandatory requirements. Most marinas require proof of liability insurance to dock. If you have a boat loan, your lender will require coverage. And practically speaking — the cost of a single accident without coverage can exceed your boat's entire value.

What is agreed value coverage?

Agreed value means you and NBOA agree on your boat's value when you buy the policy. If there's a total loss, you receive that agreed amount — no depreciation deducted. We strongly recommend agreed value over actual cash value for most boat owners.

How fast can I get coverage?

Most standard recreational policies can be quoted, reviewed, and bound within hours. The online form takes about 5 minutes; from there a licensed NBOA agent shops your profile across our A-rated carriers and follows up with the comparison.

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