Ohio Boat Insurance

Find the Best Boat Insurance Rates & Companies in Ohio

Watersports are a fun pastime or current hobby for many Ohio residents, given the state's 50,000 lakes and small ponds. But while being on the water can be extremely rewarding, it can quickly turn dangerous. That’s why it’s critical to put safety first and utilize all appropriate precautionary measures, including securing a boat insurance policy. 

Luckily, an Ohio independent insurance agent can help you get equipped with the right boat insurance. They'll find the ideal policy to cover your specific watercraft. First, though, here's a closer look at Ohio boat insurance requirements, coverage options, and more.

Best Boat Insurance Companies in Ohio

It's helpful to know which boat insurance carriers in Ohio offer the best coverage. That's why we've put together a list of just a few of our top picks for you. When you're ready to get the coverage you need, start by checking out a few of the best boat insurance companies in Ohio.

1. Progressive: This carrier offers boat insurance and many other kinds of personal and business insurance. Progressive has an outstanding AM Best rating and provides year-round, 24/7/365 customer service.
2. Safeco: This carrier offers boat insurance and many other kinds of personal insurance for numerous watercraft and other vehicles. Safeco has outstanding ratings from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and offers 24/7 claims reporting and free online quotes.
3. Travelers: This carrier offers boat insurance and several other kinds of personal and business insurance. Travelers also has outstanding AM Best and BBB ratings and offers numerous boat insurance discounts.

An Ohio independent insurance agent can get you set up with top-quality boat insurance from one of these excellent carriers or others in your area.

What Boat Insurance in Ohio Can Cover

Boat insurance policies are highly customizable. In Ohio, you can often build your boat insurance policy by choosing from the following coverage options:

• Boating liability insurance: This covers the cost of third-party claims of bodily injury or personal property damage caused by your boat.
• Comprehensive insurance: Pays for damage to your boat due to a non-collision event such as a flood or theft. 
• Collision insurance: Pays for damage to your boat from a collision with another object, regardless of fault. 
• Equipment insurance: This covers loss, damage, theft, etc., to any equipment or accessories not originally installed by the manufacturer, such as GPS units, boat hoists, marine instruments, and kicker motors.
• Medical payments insurance: This covers medical expenses for you or your passengers after a boating accident, regardless of fault.
• Uninsured/underinsured boater insurance: This covers property damage and medical expenses if you're involved in a boating accident with a boater who doesn't carry adequate coverage of their own.
• Personal effects insurance: This covers the theft, damage, loss, or destruction of personal items like scuba gear, cameras, cellphones, fishing gear, water skis, etc.
• Towing insurance: This covers towing expenses if your boat becomes disabled on the water due to issues like engine or steering failure.
• Fuel spill/wreckage cleanup insurance: This covers the clean-up of boat wreckage and pollutants from the water if you're responsible for a collision.

An Ohio independent insurance agent can help guide you as you assemble your boat insurance policy with each type of coverage necessary.

Is Boat Insurance Required in Ohio?

Boat insurance isn't required by law in Ohio. However, many boaters still choose to get coverage so they can dock their vessels at various marinas, which often require boat insurance. Further, many lenders require applicants to have boat insurance if they want to finance their watercraft.

Still, many boaters choose to get boat insurance whether or not it's required. Having boat insurance can help reimburse you for the cost of medical treatments, lawsuits, repairs, etc., after numerous potential disasters. Without coverage, these expenses could add up quite quickly.

What Boat Insurance in Ohio Will Not Cover

Boat insurance comes with its own set of exclusions, just as any other type of coverage does. In Ohio, boat insurance often won't cover any of the following threats:

• Faulty or defective machinery damage (without the proper endorsement)
• Malicious or intentional acts to third parties or their property
• Damage caused by insects, animals, or marine life
• Wear and tear damage
• Mold damage
• Damage to your boat's trailer

Take some time to review your boat insurance policy's specific exclusions so you can understand exactly what's not covered before you ever file a claim.

Average Cost of Boat Insurance in Ohio

Boat insurance costs an average of $263 per year in Ohio, making it a rather affordable coverage for many. However, the cost of boat insurance can vary depending on many factors, like:

• Where you store your boat while it's not in use
• How frequently you operate your boat
• Your boat's make, model, length, and engine size
• The types and amounts of coverage you choose
• Your driving record and claims history

The more coverage you need for your boat, the more expensive you can expect your boat insurance policy to be.

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What Boat Insurance Discounts Are Available in Ohio?

Most boat insurance carriers in Ohio offer many boat insurance discounts. Often, you'll have the option to earn one or more of the following:

• Affiliation discounts: An affiliation with various alma maters, companies, and organizations might earn you a boat insurance discount.
• Boater safety course discounts: Completing a state-approved boater safety course can often earn you a boat insurance discount.
• Security discounts: If you protect your watercraft against theft, vandalism, etc., with security devices, your carrier might award you a discount.
• Lay-up discounts: If you only use your boat during summer, you might qualify for additional discounts.
• Loyalty discounts: Continuing your coverage with the same boat insurance carrier for a set number of years can earn you a discount over time.
• Bundling discounts: Bundling boat insurance with home insurance, auto insurance, or another type of coverage through the same carrier can often earn you a discount on each policy.

Your Ohio independent insurance agent can help you discover additional boat insurance discounts and ensure you save the most money possible on your coverage.

Popular Questions about Ohio Boat Insurance