Boat Insurance in New York
Protect Your Passion for the Water with Refine Risk
Boating isn’t just a seasonal activity. For many of our clients in Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island Sound communities, it’s a way of life.
That’s why Refine Risk specializes in comprehensive, purpose-built boat insurance designed for vessels of all sizes, watercraft of all types, and boaters who understand that real protection is more than an add-on.
If you operate a boat in the Hudson River, Long Island Sound, or Lake George, your coverage should reflect your unique exposures on and off the water. Whether it’s a fishing boat, center console, pontoon, sailboat, or jet ski, we tailor policies that match your needs.
Why Specialized Boat Insurance Matters
Many boat owners assume their homeowners policy offers enough coverage. In reality, most homeowners policies limit or exclude boat-related risks—especially once your vessel leaves dry dock.
Specialized boat insurance protects against:
- On-the-water collisions
- Fuel spills and wreck removal
- Theft or fire
- Personal liability from accidents or injuries
- Damage during transport or storage
The average boat policy in New York costs less than a dollar a day. That’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and smooth sailing.
What does Boat Insurance cover?
Navigational Territory
Standard policies cover up to 75 miles from the U.S. coastline and into inland or coastal waters in Canada and Mexico. For New York clients navigating the Hudson, Long Island Sound, or making seasonal trips to the Cape, we adjust your policy so you’re covered wherever your voyages take you.
Agreed Value Coverage
Boats depreciate quickly. With agreed value coverage, you get the full insured value if your vessel is totaled—not the depreciated amount. This makes budgeting for replacement far more predictable.
Liability Coverage
If you’re at fault in a boating accident, liability coverage pays for injuries, medical costs, and property damage to others—whether it’s another boat, dock, or swimmer. We help you choose liability limits that reflect your lifestyle and exposure.
Medical Payments
This covers the cost of injury-related care for you, your passengers, and anyone skiing or tubing behind your vessel—regardless of who’s at fault.
Physical Damage Coverage
We protect the full structure of your watercraft—hull, motor, equipment, and trailer—from theft, collision, fire, or weather-related damage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Boater Coverage
Boat insurance isn’t required in New York, which means many boaters on the water are underinsured. This coverage helps protect you if an uninsured vessel injures you or your passengers.
Fuel Spill Liability & Wreckage Removal
If your boat sinks or leaks fuel, you are legally responsible for cleanup. This coverage protects you from the cost of environmental damage or salvage efforts.
Personal Effects & Equipment
Your fishing gear, navigation devices, water skis, dive equipment, and more can be included in your policy. We tailor the policy to include any valuable marine items you bring aboard.
Emergency Assistance
Get towed, fueled up, or back on the water. Emergency assistance covers towing, fuel delivery, battery jumpstarts, and more.
Is Boat Insurance Mandatory in New York?
In general, New York does not require boat owners to carry insurance for recreational boating. However, several situations exist where insurance becomes mandatory:
- Financed Boats: If your boat purchase was financed through a lender or financial institution, comprehensive insurance coverage is typically required. Lenders mandate insurance to protect their financial interest in the vessel.
- Marinas and Storage Facilities: Most marinas and boat storage facilities in New York require boat owners to provide proof of liability insurance. This protects them and other boaters from potential damage or injury caused by your boat.
- Commercial Operations: Boats used commercially such as rental services, charters, or fishing guides must have specialized insurance that meets specific liability and property damage requirements.
How Much Does Boat Insurance Cost?
| Watercraft Type | Location | Avg. Annual Premium | Common Liability Limit | Physical Damage Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-ft Fishing Boat | Tarrytown, NY | $360 | $500,000 | $500 |
| 22-ft Pontoon Boat | Stamford, CT | $420 | $300,000 | $1,000 |
| 28-ft Cruiser | Port Washington, NY | $850 | $1,000,000 | $1,000 |
| Jet Ski (PWC) | Rye, NY | $275 | $300,000 | $500 |
*Rates vary by hull value, location, boating history, and usage patterns. Ask us for a personalized quote.
Who Needs Boat Insurance?
We recommend coverage for:
- Owners who store boats at private or public marinas
- Hudson River and Long Island Sound navigators
- Personal watercraft (PWC) owners including jet skis and Sea-Doos
- Weekend hobbyists and fishing enthusiasts
- Yacht and sailboat operators
- Marina slip renters or condo dock users
Local Expertise. Purpose Built Protection.
Refine Risk works with clients across:
- Westchester County – including Tarrytown, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Ossining
- Long Island Sound access points
- New Jersey’s Gold Coast – Weehawken, Hoboken, Edgewater
- Hudson Valley boating communities
- Fairfield County, CT
Our advisors understand what types of boats are most common in your area, what waters you’ll navigate, and which policies actually deliver in a claim.
Boat Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is boat insurance required in New York?
Boat insurance in New York is not legally required, but many marinas, lenders, and HOA associations do require proof of coverage. It’s also the only way to protect yourself from liability on the water.
Will my homeowners insurance policy cover my boat?
Sometimes. Some homeowners insurance policies cover boats under 26 feet with very limited value. They rarely include liability or navigation protection.
What discounts are available for Boat Insurance?
We offer discounts for completing a boating safety course, bundling with home or auto, installing anti-theft devices, and more.
Does insurance cover winter storage or trailering?
Yes. Your boat insurance policy can include off-season protections for trailering, indoor storage, shrink wrapping, and overland transport.
Get a Boat Insurance Quote Today
Whether you’re launching in Tarrytown, cruising past Cold Spring, or docking in Port Chester, Refine Risk is your trusted marine insurance ally. We’ll guide you through your options, adjust for your seasonality, and make sure you’re protected every nautical mile.
Call us today or visit our quotes page to start your boat insurance proposal.