Wisconsin Boat Insurance

Find the Best Boat Insurance Rates & Companies in Wisconsin 

Wisconsin is a fantastic state for those who enjoy recreational boating. With more than 15,000 lakes within its borders, residents don’t have to travel far to take a boat out on the water. If you're one of the state's many watercraft enthusiasts, whether you own a houseboat, fishing boat, bass boat, speed boat, canoe, or cabin cruiser, Wisconsin boat insurance is an affordable way to protect your investment and finances.

Fortunately, a Wisconsin independent insurance agent can help you get equipped with all the boat insurance you need. Your agent will evaluate your personal watercraft's specifics and its uses to find you the ideal policy. First, though, here's a breakdown of Wisconsin boat insurance requirements and more.

Best Boat Insurance Companies in Wisconsin

You can find boat insurance from many different carriers near you. However, when you're looking for the best boat insurance in Wisconsin, it's helpful to know where to start. Check into these top-rated boat insurance carriers first.

1. Progressive: This insurance company sells boat insurance and many other kinds of personal and business insurance. Progressive has an excellent financial strength rating from AM Best and provides 24/7/365 customer service.
2. Travelers: This insurance company sells boat insurance and several other kinds of personal and business insurance. Travelers has superior AM Best and Better Business Bureau ratings and offers many discounts.
3. Foremost: This insurance company sells boat insurance along with many other kinds of personal insurance. Foremost has outstanding AM Best and Better Business Bureau ratings and offers 24/7 claims reporting.

A Wisconsin independent insurance agent can compare boat insurance quotes from these carriers and other quality boat insurance companies that offer coverage in your area.

What Boat Insurance in Wisconsin Can Cover

You'll need to build your boat insurance policy according to your personal watercraft's specs and your intended uses for it. In Wisconsin, some of the most common types of boat insurance to choose from include:

• Fuel spill/wreckage cleanup insurance: Covers expenses related to wreckage and pollutant clean-up if you cause a collision on the water.
• Personal effects insurance: Covers the cost of repairs or replacements for personal items like scuba gear, fishing gear, and water skis, that get damaged, lost, stolen, or destroyed.
• Towing insurance: Covers towing expenses if your boat becomes disabled on the water due to mechanical failure, etc.
• Boating liability insurance: Covers lawsuit expenses related to third-party claims of bodily injury or personal property damage.
• 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.
• Uninsured/underinsured boater insurance: Covers expenses related to property damage and medical treatments in case of a collision with a boater who doesn't carry adequate insurance to reimburse you.
• Equipment insurance: Covers costs related to repairs or replacements for equipment or accessories not originally installed by the manufacturer, such as GPS units, boat hoists, and more, that get damaged, lost, stolen, or destroyed.
• Medical payments insurance: Covers medical treatment expenses for yourself or your passengers after a boating collision, regardless of fault.

A Wisconsin independent insurance agent can help you choose the types of boat insurance that work best for you.

Is Boat Insurance Required in Wisconsin?

Boat insurance isn't mandatory by state law in Wisconsin, though boaters are required to officially register their vessels. However, having boat insurance can help you avoid having to pay potentially hefty out-of-pocket costs if you get involved in a collision, your boat gets stolen or vandalized, or you face a lawsuit. Knowing this, many boaters still choose to get boat insurance to protect their:

Further, if you have a boat and want to dock it at a marina, you'll likely be required to carry boat insurance first. If you finance your watercraft, your lender may also require you to have this coverage. Because of this, many boaters in Wisconsin end up getting boat insurance even though it's not technically required by law.

What Boat Insurance in Wisconsin Will Not Cover

In Wisconsin, boat insurance comes with certain coverage exclusions, just like any other policy does. Don't expect your boat insurance to cover any of the following threats or incidents:

• Boat trailer damage, loss, or destruction
• Incidents caused by faulty or defective machinery (without an endorsement)
• Boat damage due to marine life, insects, animals, or mold
• Intentional or malicious acts against third parties
• Normal boat wear and tear damage

Knowing what your specific boat insurance policy excludes from its coverage can help you avoid the hassle of filing claims that are bound to get denied by your insurer.

Average Cost of Boat Insurance in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is one of the more affordable states for boat insurance. In Wisconsin, boat insurance averages just $263 per year. However, your policy's costs may differ based on the following criteria:

• Your exact location
• Your personal boating history
• Where your watercraft is stored while not in use
• The types and amounts of coverage you select
• The specs of your watercraft, including its make and model
• The engine size and length of your watercraft
• Your prior boat insurance claims

Having filed boat insurance claims in the past is one of the most common reasons boaters can experience more expensive boat insurance premiums.

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What Boat Insurance Discounts Are Available in Wisconsin?

You can reduce your boat insurance rates even further by applying various discounts to your coverage. In Wisconsin, you may qualify for some or all of the following boat insurance discounts:

• Lay-up discounts: Using your boat only in the summer can earn you a boat insurance discount.
• Bundling discounts: Bundling your boat insurance with another policy, like home insurance, auto insurance, etc., through the same insurer can earn you discounts on each one.
• Security discounts: Taking measures to guard your watercraft against theft or vandalism with security devices can earn you a discount.
• Loyalty discounts: Keeping your coverage through the same boat insurance company for a set number of years can earn you a discount over time.
• Boater safety course discounts: Completing a state-approved boater safety course can earn you a discount.
• Affiliation discounts: Having an affiliation with certain groups and organizations can earn you a discount.

Keep in mind that the boat insurance discounts offered vary by insurance company. Your Wisconsin independent insurance agent can help find and apply any discounts you've earned to your policy for you.

Popular Questions about Wisconsin Boat Insurance