Ohio Boat Insurance
Whether your watercraft is a fishing boat, pontoon, speedboat, or sailboat, boat insurance safeguards from the unexpected both on and off the water.
Hit the Water with confidence
Affordable Ohio Watercraft Insurance from just $100/year!
Comprehensive boat insurance keeps your vessel protected from the unexpected, like theft, fire, stormy seas, or dockside damage.
Collision coverage kicks in if you hit something (yes, even the dock). Together, they help you stay afloat.
Similar to auto liability, you can choose from various watercraft liability coverage limits. While it doesn’t cover damage to your own boat, having adequate liability coverage is essential if you’re responsible for damage to another boat or injury to someone else.
Types of watercraft covered
Ways to Save More on Boat Insurance
Ohio boaters can save on boat insurance by bundling their policies with OSSA. You may qualify for a multi-policy discount when you combine your boat coverage with auto, homeowners, renters, RV, or motorcycle insurance.
Completion of a state-approved boater safety course discount
Original Owner discount
FAQs
Do you need boat insurance in Ohio?
Boat insurance is not legally required in Ohio; however, certain marinas might require liability coverage.
If you lease or finance your boat, the lender may mandate comprehensive and collision coverage to help cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your watercraft is damaged or stolen.
Even if you fully own your boat and aren't obligated to carry liability coverage, it's still wise for Ohio boaters to protect both their watercraft investment and their personal assets in case they’re responsible for an accident on the water.
What happens if you don't have boat insurance?
If you're at fault in a boating accident and don’t have insurance, you could be held personally responsible for injuries, property damage, and repairs to others and their boat. Medical expenses, legal fees, and other costs can accumulate rapidly and put significant strain on your finances.
Does homeowners insurance cover boats?
Homeowners insurance usually doesn't cover damage to your boat.
However, depending on your policy and the circumstances, it may provide personal liability coverage for injuries that happen on your watercraft if you're found responsible.
Does boat insurance cover the boat trailer too?
Boat trailer damage is generally covered when you include the trailer in your boat insurance policy. Coverage applies even if the trailer is damaged while the boat isn’t on it.
If a covered event damages your boat trailer while it's on your property, your homeowners insurance might cover the loss.
Additionally, if your trailer causes injury or damages another vehicle while you're towing it, whether or not your boat is on it. Auto liability insurance can cover injuries or damages you cause while towing your boat trailer, but it typically does not cover damage to the trailer itself and there are policy limits.
Find out more about your coverage vs risk exposure by giving us a call.
Are carry-on items and gear covered by boat insurance?
Boat insurance offers limited coverage for personal belongings you bring on board, including fishing gear, if they’re lost or stolen. This can also include items like laptops, smartphones, and scuba equipment, up to the limits of your policy.
Does boat insurance cover theft?
Comprehensive coverage will cover the current value of your watercraft if it's stolen, minus your policy’s deductible.
Ohio Boating Rules
According to Ohio law, boaters born on or after January 1, 1982, are required to complete a boating course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators or pass an exam approved by the Ohio Division of Watercraft.
Additionally, Ohio regulations prohibit anyone under 12 years old from operating powerboats with more than 10 horsepower unless they are supervised on board by someone aged 18 or older.
All recreational boats in Ohio - including powerboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and inflatable boats - must be registered.
For complete rules, visit the Ohio Department of Watercraft
A few quick tips for getting a boat insurance quote:
⚓ Know your boat's basics: Year, Make, Model, Length, and motor details; Inboard/Outboard, Horsepower and top MPH are key. No hull ID? No worries, you can still get a solid quote with basic info.
🧭 Add all skippers: If family or friends regularly take the helm, include them in your quote so everyone's covered.
🔍 Locate your Hull ID: You can get a quote without it, but you'll need your Hull Identification Number (HIN) to set sail with a policy.
