Choosing the best insurance for your boat

Choosing the right boat insurance isn’t just about protecting your investment; it’s about ensuring peace of mind every time you hit the water. Whether you own a pontoon for leisurely cruises, a wakeboard boat for high-speed thrills, or a fishing boat loaded with gear, each vessel comes with its own unique risks and coverage needs. In addition to the important coverages outlined in our Boat Insurance 101, we break down the key considerations for various types of boats to help you find coverage that fits your lifestyle on the water.

Pontoon boat insurance

When shopping for pontoon boat insurance, consider coverage options that specifically address the unique design and use of pontoons. For example, storm damage and vermin protection may be more important for pontoons than for other boat types.

• Storm damage: Pontoons ride higher in the water; they’re lighter and have large tops. This makes them vulnerable to high winds and waves. We can include storm damage in your policy so you can rest easy when the clouds roll in.
• Vermin protection: There is nothing raccoons love more than cozy upholstery, and your pontoon boat is full of it. Pontoon boats are often used for entertaining, and any leftover crumbs can attract mice and other unwanted visitors. There are marine policies out there that exclude vermin damage. At Orbit, we know that your average critter can cause a lot of damage, and we have you covered. 

Ski/wakeboard boat insurance

Wakeboard and ski boats have come a long way. They are powerful machines, fine-tuned for performance. These boats are a significant investment, and certain boat insurance coverages are very important. Here are a few things to consider:

• Watersports liability: Did you know that not all marine insurance policies automatically include it, and that you have to request it? Wakeboard and Ski boats are designed specifically for this purpose, so you’ll want to make sure you have a high liability limit to protect you if someone is injured while water skiing, wakeboarding, or other watersports activities. We can include up to $3 million in watersports coverage in your policy. 
• Personal effects: You have personal items on the boat, including wakeboards, water skis, life vests, and other watersports equipment. Having the right coverage in place protects you against any loss of personal items listed in your policy. 

Cruiser insurance

You shopped long and hard and decided on the boat that offers you the lifestyle you choose, whether it's entertaining family, cruising to the Bahamas, or spending time with your friends at the marina. Because your investment is significant, you deserve coverage tailored to your needs. Whether you want protection for onboard entertainment, extended cruising, or marina stays, we offer coverage options tailored to your boating lifestyle.

• Personal effects: As the boat size grows, the contents increase. 
• Emergency towing: With a bigger boat comes the ability to venture further offshore. Should something happen and you radio in for a tow, the cost can catch you off guard. A marine policy that includes emergency towing at no additional cost does two things. First, it saves you from having to purchase on-water assistance separately, and second, it ensures you’re not left footing the bill for a costly tow.
• Navigation extensions: If you like to travel and are planning a winter escape South, we have navigation extension options that are quick, easy, and affordable! 

Personal watercraft (PWC) insurance

If you’re the proud owner of a PWC, you’re part of a growing trend, and the marine insurance industry has been sitting up and taking notice. Where once boat insurance companies approached PWC insurance with caution, they are now embracing these vessels and designing coverages specifically for them. Here are some important coverages to consider as you’re looking for the right policy for you.

• Ingestion coverage: Jet drives work by sucking up water and turning it back out, but that water isn’t always free of debris. Personal watercrafts are renowned for sucking up weeds or even their own ropes, causing extensive engine damage. 
• Theft: With popularity comes risk. Personal watercrafts are highly sought after and, unfortunately, easier to steal than larger vessels. When considering a marine policy, be sure to ask whether there are any restrictions on theft coverage.
• Watersports: At Orbit, we can include watersports liability for Personal Watercraft (three or more seats) in your policy.

Fishing boat insurance

The aluminum fishing boat has come a long way! These are no longer small boats with small engines; they are a significant investment in equipment, including higher-horsepower engines, trolling motors, rods, and tackle. Here are a few things to think about as you consider a marine insurance policy for your fishing boat:

• Trailering: Anglers tend to be mobile, seeking out that perfect spot. The ability to trailer your boat worry-free is extremely important. Before settling on a marine or boat insurance policy, be sure to ask if trailering is included and what restrictions apply. 
• Equipment: The average angler carries a lot of equipment, from rods and tackle to fish finders and downriggers. Make sure you have the right coverage and aren’t left short if there’s a loss. Ask your Orbit broker about including coverage for personal effects, such as rods and tackle, plus coverage for equipment secured to the hull (downriggers, fish finders). As your equipment inventory grows, so too can your personal effects limit, giving you the protection you need for all the equipment you may have.

Runabout/bowrider insurance

The runabout is the ultimate family boat, from bowriders to deck boats, sterndrives to outboard engines. What kind of coverage is important for the average runabout owner?

• Watersports liability: Runabout boats are ideal for family activities like tubing, and water skiing. To stay protected from accidents on the water, consider a high liability insurance policy. Contact your Orbit marine insurance broker for coverage details.

Ready to get on the water? 

Start by choosing the ideal insurance policy for your boat. Take action now to make sure you're covered before your next trip on the water. For a complimentary, tailored quote, simply reach out to an Orbit marine insurance broker today. We're here to help you find the best insurance for your boat so you can feel confident and relaxed while on the water. Boat insurance, it’s what we do!

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