Boat insurance isn't required by Massachusetts law.

If you financed your boat, your lender will almost certainly require it as well.

Even when it's not required, the cost of a serious accident or liability claim without coverage can be devastating.

We strongly recommend it for any watercraft owner regardless of size or value.

It depends on the size and value of your vessel. Many homeowners policies include limited coverage for small watercraft kept on the premises, typically up to $1,500 for small boats like canoes or kayaks.

Anything with a motor, significant horsepower, or higher value almost certainly needs its own dedicated policy.

Don't assume you're covered. Check your policy or reach out to us.

Yes. Massachusetts boating is highly seasonal, and many boat owners reduce or suspend certain coverages during the off-season to lower their premium.

When your boat is stored for the winter, you can typically reduce or remove collision and liability coverages since there's no on-water risk.

We always recommend keeping comprehensive coverage active year-round since your boat is still exposed to theft, fire, vandalism, and storm damage while in storage.

Reach out before your season ends and we'll walk you through your options.

Agreed value means your carrier pays the full insured amount if your boat is totaled, with no depreciation applied.

Actual cash value means the payout reflects the boat's depreciated value at the time of the loss. You should insure your boat or other watercraft for its agreed value, which is the amount it would actually take to replace it.

For newer or higher-value boats, agreed value coverage is almost always the better choice.

Generally yes for most standard policies.

Progressive, for example, lets you navigate ocean waters within 75 miles of the coast.

Coverage territory varies by carrier and policy, so if you regularly take your boat to other states or offshore, ask us about your policy's geographic limits when you get a quote.

It depends on your policy and carrier.

A standard boat insurance policy can cover jet skis, WaveRunners, and Sea-Doos, but not all providers cover personal watercraft, and coverage details can differ from a standard boat policy.

Make sure your specific watercraft is listed on your policy. If you own both a boat and a jet ski, ask us about covering them together.

Most boat insurance policies allow anyone to operate your boat as long as you've given them permission.

However, the operator may need to meet certain requirements, like the new Massachusetts boater safety certification, and coverage can vary depending on the situation.

Ask us about the specifics of your policy before handing over the keys.

Standard boat policies generally don't cover personal property like fishing gear, electronics, or clothing brought on board.

However, some carriers offer optional fishing equipment coverage or personal effects add-ons that can cover items like fishing gear, scuba gear, phones, and other carry-on items up to certain limits.

Ask us about adding this if you regularly bring equipment on the water.

Towing and assistance coverage pays for emergency towing if your boat breaks down on the water, including fuel delivery, jump starts, and on-water assistance.

Given Massachusetts coastal waters and the unpredictability of New England weather, getting stranded without it can be expensive and dangerous. Some carriers include it automatically while others offer it as an add-on.

Ask us whether it's included in your policy or worth adding.