Nonmotorized Boat Insurance: Canoes and Kayaks

Each year, more Americans become paddlesport enthusiasts. Whether you use your canoe, sailboat, or kayak for exercise, sport, recreation, transportation, or business, chances are good that you have invested money in your vessel. Fortunately, you can protect your property and finances with a nonmotorized boat insurance policy.

An independent insurance agent can help you find the right nonmotorized boat insurance policy for your unique vessel. They'll get you matched to the ideal amount of coverage. But first, here's a closer look at the coverage options for nonmotorized boats.

What Is Nonmotorized Boat Insurance?

Nonmotorized boat insurance is a specialized type of boat coverage designed for vessels that don't have motors. These typically include the following:

Certain houseboats have motors, but many are non-motorized. If your houseboat is motorized, you'll need a different kind of coverage. An independent insurance agent can help you find the right policy.

Why Do I Need Nonmotorized Boat Insurance?

Some of the most common causes of canoe and kayak accidents are operator inexperience, hazardous waters, and improper loading. Boat capsizing is a common cause of accidents and passenger injuries and deaths. Drowning and hypothermia are two major causes of passenger injuries and illnesses, which can be particularly costly for boaters.

Even if you're a safe and experienced kayaker, an unexpected accident or overturn could be both dangerous and costly. Having nonmotorized boat insurance can provide critical protection for accidents and damage to your vessel. Without this coverage, you could have to pay for various expenses, including boat repair or replacement or third-party medical bills, out of your own pocket.

Do Private Owners Need Nonmotorized Boat Insurance?

While cheaper canoes, kayaks, and sailboats can cost around $650, newer high-end vessels can cost well over $5,000. If you've recently purchased a new canoe, sailboat, or kayak, be sure to have coverage for your investment and protection in case you're liable for an accident that causes injury or property damage. 

While nonmotorized boat insurance isn't mandatory in most states, these inexpensive policies can be well worth the cost. There are several scenarios in which you might need insurance as a private boat owner:

You may be able to get limited protection for your boat through your homeowners insurance or renters insurance, but you'll need to review your specific policy. Depending on your location, where you store your boat, where the damage occurs, and other factors, a homeowners' or renters' policy might not cover it, or there may be a strict coverage limit.

For complete coverage, you'll likely need a policy specifically designed for your boat. While some insurance companies underwrite insurance specifically for canoes, sailboats, houseboats, or kayaks, most cover them under a general boat insurance policy.

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Do Business Owners Need Nonmotorized Boat Insurance?

If you own a small business that rents or offers tours with canoes, kayaks, sailboats, or other small boats, your state will probably require you to carry some form of marine liability insurance. This insurance can protect both your employees and customers in the event of an accident.

Coverage for damage to your watercraft fleet may be particularly necessary if you rent them out to others. Your business insurance policy may provide the coverage required by your state, but it might not provide protection for theft and loss of equipment like oars or helmets. In this case, a comprehensive watercraft insurance policy may be a necessary addition to your business insurance plan.

What Does Nonmotorized Boat Insurance Cover?

Basic canoe, kayak, and sailboat insurance provide liability coverage for third-party personal property damage and bodily injuries. If you sued following a boating accident, marine liability insurance can cover your legal expenses, including attorney, court, and settlement costs.

More comprehensive policies may also provide actual cash value coverage for loss or damage of your boat and boating equipment, such as oars, life jackets, and boat covers. This includes loss from forces of nature, vandalism, theft, or accidents. You can also choose to insure the trailer or equipment you use to transport your boat to and from the water. 

You may be able to purchase additional coverage for fuel spills and pollution clean-up in case of an incident on the water or while docked. Some carriers may also offer wreckage removal coverage in case your vessel breaks down while out on the water. This coverage can reimburse you for the cost of professional retrieval and towing of the wrecked vessel.

What's Not Covered by Nonmotorized Boat Insurance?

Canoe or kayak insurance comes with various exclusions that are important to be aware of. For example, personal effects coverage, which can pay to repair or replace stolen, lost, or damaged personal property, might not be included in your policy unless you specifically request it. 

Nonmotorized boat insurance is also unlikely to cover any of the following:

• Business-related incidents
• Intentional or malicious acts against others
• Damage to your vehicle

For incidents involving your car or other vehicle, you'll need a personal auto insurance policy. For boats used in businesses, you might need special commercial boat insurance.

How Much Is Nonmotorized Boat Insurance?

Insurance for your canoe, sailboat, houseboat, or kayak is typically very affordable. There are many factors that can impact boat insurance costs, such as your policy's deductible and coverage limits. Other factors can include the make and model of your boat, your boat's length, your boat's value, your location, and your personal claims history.

You can further lower your costs by taking advantage of discounts offered by your insurance company. Two easy ways to save money on your policy are by combining your watercraft insurance policy with another policy, such as home insurance or car insurance, and enrolling in a watercraft safety course. An independent insurance agent can also help you find boat insurance discounts.

How to Compare Nonmotorized Boat Insurance Quotes

If you prefer to shop for canoe or kayak insurance on your own, you can do so by contacting several insurance companies and requesting boat insurance quotes. Here are some good resources for consumers looking for nonmotorized boat insurance quotes:

A little research goes a long way when it comes to kayak and canoe insurance coverage. An independent insurance agent can help you find the cheapest boat insurance near you.

An Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Get a Quote for Nonmotorized Boat Insurance

When you're ready to find the right coverage for your canoe or kayak, no one's better equipped to help than an independent insurance agent. These agents can shop and compare policies from multiple carriers for you to find the best blend of coverage and cost. Your agent can also help you file boat insurance claims and update your coverage when necessary.