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 non-motorized boat insurance policy. For a look at coverage across other vessel types, see our guide to boat insurance by vessel type.
An independent insurance agent can help you find the right non-motorized boat insurance policy for your unique vessel. They'll get you matched to the ideal amount of coverage in a boat insurance, kayak insurance, or canoe insurance policy. But first, here's a closer look at the coverage options for non-motorized boats.
Key Takeaways - Non-Motorized Boat Insurance
Non-motorized boat insurance is designed for vessels without motors, such as canoes, kayaks, and sailboats.
The average cost of non-motorized boat insurance ranges from $200 to $500 per year, depending on the type of vessel and other factors.
Non-motorized boat insurance may be required if you finance your vessel or dock it at a marina.
Working with a local independent insurance agent is strongly recommended, as they can help shop and compare non-motorized boat insurance quotes and coverage options to find the best rate and fit for your unique vessel.
What Is Non-Motorized Boat Insurance?
Non-motorized boat insurance is a specialized type of boat insurance designed for vessels without motors. These typically include the following:
- Canoes
- Kayaks
- Sailboats
- Inflatable rafts
- Standup paddleboards
- Dinghys
- Amphibious rigid inflatable boats
- Rowboats
- Paddle boats
- Houseboats
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 Non-Motorized Boat Insurance?
More than 5,000 boating accidents occur annually in the U.S., and without the right coverage, you could have to pay for the cost of repairs, injuries, and more. 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, 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 non-motorized 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 Non-Motorized Boat Insurance?
Often, yes. 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.
Standard homeowners insurance policies have a strict sublimit of $1,500 in coverage for watercraft. Further, personal property coverage typically doesn't extend to incidents that might occur at a marina or while on the water. You can ask your independent insurance agent for more information about canoe insurance vs. homeowners coverage.
While non-motorized 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:
- Small boats occasionally capsize, which can result in injuries to your passengers.
- Sailing on choppy waters can lead to boat damage on rocks or a collision with the hull of another boat.
- A thief could steal your boat while it is stored, docked, or transported.
- A passenger could fall ill or get injured while on a fishing trip and sue you for compensation.
- A collision could occur while towing your boat, leading to third-party property damage or bodily injury claims against you.
So, does homeowners insurance cover a kayak? You may be able to get limited protection for your boat through your home 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 insurance 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. An independent insurance agent can further help you understand the difference between non-motorized boat insurance vs. homeowners insurance.
Do Business Owners Need Non-Motorized Boat Insurance?
Often, yes. 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 commercial watercraft insurance policy may be a necessary addition to your business insurance plan.
What Does Non-Motorized Boat Insurance Cover?
Basic canoe, kayak, and sailboat insurance provides liability coverage for third-party personal property damage and bodily injuries. If you are sued following a boating accident, marine liability insurance can cover your legal expenses, including attorney, court, and settlement costs.
Overall, there are several types of boat insurance included in non-motorized policies, including collision and comprehensive, liability, medical payments, and uninsured/underinsured boater coverage.
Coverage types included in a non-motorized boat policy
Look for the following coverage in your non-motorized boat insurance policy.
- Collision and comprehensive coverage: This covers losses from capsizing, storm damage, theft, vandalism, and more.
- Liability coverage: This covers the cost of third-party property damage or bodily injuries caused by your non-motorized boat. It can also cover legal expenses in the event of a related lawsuit.
- Medical payments coverage: This covers medical expenses for injuries to you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault.
- Uninsured/underinsured boater coverage: This covers your injuries if you're hit by a boater with insufficient or no boat insurance coverage of their own to properly compensate you.
A local independent insurance agent can help you get set up with all the types of protection you need, including kayak liability insurance and canoe comprehensive coverage.
What's Not Covered by Non-Motorized 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 as an endorsement. Paddlers who carry expensive gear will likely want to ask about adding a personal effects endorsement.
Non-motorized 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. Ask your independent insurance agent to help you find the right stand-up paddleboard insurance, inflatable raft insurance, or any other type of policy you need.
How Much Does Non-Motorized Boat Insurance Cost in 2026?
Non-motorized boat insurance costs an average of $200 per year for basic coverage and up to $500 per year or more for comprehensive plans. Boat insurance typically costs between 1% and 5% of your boat's value per year, and non-motorized boats often have cheaper premiums than motorized vessels.
Insurance for your canoe, sailboat, houseboat, or kayak is typically very affordable. So, how much does kayak insurance cost per year? 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 and compare average kayak insurance costs per year in your area.
Non-Motorized Boat Insurance Discounts
There are several ways you can save on your non-motorized watercraft policy, such as by asking your carrier about common boat insurance discounts. Many carriers offer discounts for bundling your coverage with a homeowners insurance or auto insurance policy, completing an approved boating safety course, being the vessel's original owner, remaining claims-free for a set period of years, and remaining with the same carrier for several years. Ask a local independent insurance agent to help you find kayak insurance discounts in 2026.
How to Compare Non-Motorized 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. Take the following easy steps when you're ready to find non-motorized boat insurance quotes:
- Decide between actual cash value (ACV) and agreed value coverage.
- Confirm the policy you're comparing covers your specific vessel type.
- Verify if trailer coverage is included in the policy.
- Ask about personal effects endorsements for expensive gear.
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.
FAQs About Non-Motorized Boat Insurance
Does homeowners insurance cover a non-motorized boat?
Homeowners policies typically cover non-motorized boats up to a $1,500 watercraft sub-limit for property damage while on your property. However, this coverage usually doesn't extend to theft or damage occurring off-premises, and liability is rarely included. If you're wondering, "Does homeowners insurance cover a kayak?" the answer is that a standalone watercraft policy is recommended for complete protection.
Is non-motorized boat insurance required by law?
No, non-motorized boat insurance isn't legally required in most states. However, if you're wondering, "Is kayak insurance required?" marinas or storage facilities may require proof of liability coverage before permitting docking or storage. Further, if you finance your vessel, your lender may require proof of insurance. An independent insurance agent can confirm coverage requirements in your state.
How much does kayak or canoe insurance cost per year?
Non-motorized boat insurance typically ranges from $200 to $500 per year for comprehensive coverage, with premiums calculated at roughly 1%-5% of the vessel's value. If you've wondered about the kayak insurance cost per year, or "how much does canoe insurance cost?" the answer is that location, boat value, and frequency of use are primary boat insurance cost drivers.
What does non-motorized boat insurance not cover?
Standard exclusions include incidents from business use (e.g., renting the boat commercially), intentional acts, vehicle damage while towing (which is covered by auto insurance), and personal effects unless coverage is specifically added as an endorsement. Review the policy's exclusions carefully before purchase.
Can I insure a stand-up paddleboard?
Yes, most non-motorized boat insurance policies can cover stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). Coverage options include physical damage, theft, and liability. Confirm whether your homeowners policy already provides limited stand-up paddleboard insurance coverage before purchasing a standalone policy.
Does non-motorized boat insurance cover theft?
Comprehensive coverage on a standalone boat policy typically covers theft, whether it occurs at a dock, in storage, or during transport. Homeowners coverage may only cover theft on your own property and is subject to the $1,500 watercraft sub-limit. A dedicated boat insurance, inflatable raft insurance, or canoe liability insurance policy provides broader theft protection.
What is the difference between actual cash value and agreed value coverage?
Actual cash value (ACV) coverage pays the depreciated value of the boat at the time of the loss. Agreed value coverage pays the full insured value set at policy inception, with no depreciation deducted. Agreed value is generally preferred for newer or higher-value vessels. An independent insurance agent can help you evaluate which option is appropriate for your unique boat.
Find Non-Motorized Boat Insurance Through an Independent Insurance Agent
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 watercraft insurance policies from multiple carriers for you to find the best blend of coverage and cost.
Since not all boat insurance companies offer non-motorized policies, your agent can help you save time and effort by quickly locating the specific coverage you need. Your agent can also help you file boat insurance claims and update your coverage when necessary.
Sources
https://www.amfam.com/insurance/boat/coverages/nonmotorized-boat
https://www.progressive.com/answers/nonmotorized-boat-insurance/