Arkansas Boat Insurance

Find the Best Boat Insurance Rates & Companies in Arkansas

Thousands of people flock to pristine lakes and rivers in Arkansas every year. Whether your fishing boat is docked on the banks of the Mississippi River or you enjoy taking your speed boat out to Lake Ouachita, Arkansas has plenty to offer boaters of all kinds. However, before boating in Arkansas, finding the right boat insurance policy is a must, especially considering coverage is required by law here, unlike in most states.

Luckily, an Arkansas independent insurance agent can help you find the right boat insurance policy. They'll get you matched to the ideal amount of coverage at the best price available. But first, here's a deep dive into boat insurance requirements in Arkansas and more.

Best Boat Insurance Companies in Arkansas

When you're looking for the best boat insurance in Arkansas, it's helpful to know which carriers provide quality coverage. We've included just a few of our top picks for the best boat insurance carriers in Arkansas for your convenience. If you're ready to get the coverage you deserve, start here.

1. Safeco: This carrier offers boat insurance and many other types of personal insurance. Safeco is highly rated by both AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and provides 24/7 claims reporting. 
2. Progressive: This carrier offers boat insurance and many other types of personal and business insurance. Progressive has an excellent AM Best rating and offers 24/7/365 customer service.
3. Travelers: This carrier offers boat insurance and many other kinds of personal and business insurance. Travelers also has excellent AM Best and BBB ratings and offers many discounts.

An independent insurance agent in Arkansas can help you get set up with the right boat insurance for your unique vessel.

What Boat Insurance in Arkansas Can Cover

Each individual's boat insurance policy will likely be unique, depending on the specific types of coverage they choose. Arkansas boat insurance companies can offer you a variety of coverage options to choose from as you build your boat insurance policy, including:

• Boating liability insurance: This covers third-party bodily injuries and property damage if you're at fault for a collision on the water.
• Medical payments insurance: This covers medical treatment for injuries to you and your passengers if you get hurt in a boating collision, regardless of fault.
• Fuel spill/wreckage cleanup: This covers expenses related to the professional removal of your vessel from the water after a collision and remediation costs if the accident involved a chemical spill.
• Equipment insurance: This covers the cost of losses or damage to boating gear or equipment like water skis, towables, or fishing gear stored on your boat.
• Collision insurance: Pays for damage to your boat from a collision with another object, regardless of fault. 
• Comprehensive insurance: Pays for damage to your boat due to a non-collision event such as a flood or theft. 
• Underinsured/uninsured boaters insurance: This covers damage to your boat and medical treatment for injuries to you and your passengers after an accident caused by a boater who doesn't carry any or enough boat insurance to pay for their portion of the damage.

An Arkansas independent insurance agent can help you build a comprehensive boat insurance policy that includes each type of protection you desire.

Save on Boat Insurance

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Request a quote

Is Boat Insurance Required in Arkansas?

Like many others, you may have been wondering, "Do you have to have boat insurance in Arkansas?" Actually, the answer is yes. Arkansas is one of just two states in the nation to require boat insurance by law. In Arkansas, you're required to have boat insurance for any motorboats with engines that have 50 HP or more and for any personal watercraft. Your boat insurance policy must provide at least $50,000 of boating liability coverage per incident.

So, the answer to "Do you need insurance on a boat in Arkansas?" is a firm yes. In fact, law enforcement in Arkansas may demand that you provide proof of boat insurance at any time when you're operating your vessel on public waters. Also, keep in mind that boats propelled by a sail or motor, including trolling motors, must also be registered with the state before they can operate on public waters. 

What Boat Insurance in Arkansas Won't Cover

Boat insurance in Arkansas provides compensation for many possible incidents, but there are a few it just won't cover. Be aware that Arkansas boat insurance is likely to exclude the following:

• General wear and tear damage to boats
• Damage or destruction to boats caused by animals or marine life
• Mold damage to boats
• Gradual deterioration or weathering damage to boats
• Insect damage or destruction to boats

When you understand your specific boat insurance policy's coverage exclusions, you can be better prepared for various incidents that may require additional protection or planning in another form. 

Average Cost of Boat Insurance in Arkansas

It costs an average of $263 annually to insure a boat in Arkansas. However, the cost of your boat insurance policy may vary based on the following factors:

• The type, size, and age of your boat 
• The size of the motor and how it's powered
• Where and how often your boat is operated
• The coverage options you choose and the deductible amount
• Your boat insurance claims history

Working with an Arkansas independent insurance agent is the best way to get set up with affordable boat insurance near you.

Save on Boat Insurance

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Request a quote

What Boat Insurance Discounts Are Available in Arkansas?

There are many boat insurance discounts available in Arkansas that can help you save money on your coverage. These can vary by carrier, but often include:

• Lay-up discounts: This discount is typically available if you only use your boat during summer.
• Boater safety course discounts: Completing an approved boater safety course can often earn you big discounts on boat insurance.
• Bundling discounts: If you bundle your boat insurance with other coverage, like home insurance or auto insurance, through the same carrier, you can often score a discount on each type of coverage.
• Affiliation discounts: You can earn boat insurance discounts thanks to an affiliation with the company you work for or groups or memberships you participate in.
• Loyalty discounts: Sticking with the same boat insurance company for several years can earn you a discount over time.
• Security discounts: Many boat insurance companies reward boaters who protect their vessels against theft, etc., with security devices.

Your Arkansas independent insurance agent can help apply any boat insurance discounts to your policy that you qualify for. 

Popular Questions about Arkansas Boat Insurance