Boat Insurance
We’ll shop and help you save on your Florida Boat insurance.
Boat Insurance
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How Do You Find the Right Boat Insurance in Florida?
Boat insurance protects your vessel, your passengers, and your personal assets if something goes wrong on the water. It covers liability if you cause injury or property damage, physical damage to your hull and motor, and medical payments for anyone on board.
In Florida, where boating is a year-round activity, the risks are real. Collisions, theft, storms, and sinking are not hypothetical. Florida leads the nation in boating accidents, according to recent U.S. Coast Guard data.
Augustyniak Insurance Group is an independent boat insurance agency in Jacksonville. We do not work for one insurance company. We compare boat insurance rates from 12 carriers, including Progressive, Nationwide, GEICO, SkiSafe, and Liberty Mutual, to find the right combination of coverage, price, and carrier strength for your vessel.
If you own a boat in Florida, you are probably asking:
- How much does boat insurance actually cost in Florida?
- What is the difference between agreed value and actual cash value?
- Does my homeowners insurance cover my boat?
- Do I need boat insurance if it is not required by law?
This guide covers all of it, with real data from our own book of business.
Want to skip ahead? Get your free boat insurance quote here or call (904) 268-3106.
Whether you fish the St. Johns River, cruise the Intracoastal Waterway out of Palm Valley, run offshore from Mayport, or dock at Julington Creek Marina, your boat insurance is one of the most important financial decisions you make as a boat owner.
We help boat owners across Jacksonville, Mandarin, San Jose, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Middleburg, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, and throughout Florida find the right coverage at the best available rate.
How Much Does Boat Insurance Cost in Florida?
Your rate depends on several factors: the type and length of your boat, hull value, horsepower, where you store it, how you use it, and your boating experience.
A 17-foot bass boat on the St. Johns will cost significantly less to insure than a 32-foot center console running offshore.
Here is what we typically see by vessel type, according to Augustyniak Insurance Group's Florida boat book:
| Vessel Type | Typical Annual Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jet ski / PWC | $101 – $300 | Liability + physical damage |
| Bass / fishing boat (under 21 ft) | $200 – $500 | River and inshore use |
| Pontoon boat | $250 – $600 | Lower risk profile |
| Center console (21–28 ft) | $400 – $900 | Offshore capability increases rate |
| Bowrider / ski boat | $350 – $800 | Watersports liability matters |
| Cruiser / yacht (28+ ft) | $800 – $2,500+ | Higher hull values, crew considerations |
Ranges based on Augustyniak Insurance Group's active Florida boat policies, April 2026. Your rate may vary based on hull value, experience, claims history, and coverage selections.
Florida boat insurance costs more than the national average. There are four main reasons: year-round boating season, hurricane exposure, saltwater corrosion, and the fact that Florida leads the nation in boating accidents according to recent U.S. Coast Guard data.
That higher risk is priced into every policy. The good news: as an independent agency with 12 boat carriers, we can usually find a rate lower than what you would get calling one company directly.
A boating safety course from the FWC or U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary can reduce your premium by 5% to 15% with most carriers.
If you already have homeowners and auto insurance with us, bundling your boat policy can save you even more.
Augustyniak Insurance has been proactively saving us money for years. We have all our insurance coverage with them. Each year they review our policies and shop around to see if we have the best coverage at the best price. When we need help they are there to help us.
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I have used Augustyniak for both my personal and business insurance needs for almost a decade and I could not be more pleased with the service. I regularly refer them to my friends, family, and business network.
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What Does Boat Insurance Cover in Florida?
A boat insurance policy is built from several coverage types. Not every policy includes all of them, which is why comparing carriers matters. Here is what each coverage does and why it matters on Florida waters.
| Coverage | What It Pays For | Why It Matters in FL |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Injury or damage you cause to others | Crowded waterways. Florida leads the nation in boating accidents. |
| Physical damage (hull) | Damage to your boat from collision, fire, theft, sinking, storms | Hurricane season runs June 1 – Nov 30. Saltwater accelerates damage. |
| Medical payments | Medical bills for you and passengers regardless of fault | Tubing, skiing, and wakeboarding injuries are common. |
| Uninsured boater | Your costs when hit by a boater with no insurance | FL does not require boat insurance. Many boaters carry none. |
| On-water towing | Towing, fuel delivery, jump starts, soft ungrounding | A single tow on the St. Johns can cost $500 or more. |
| Personal property | Fishing gear, electronics, personal items on board | Rod and reel setups alone can exceed $2,000. |
| Wreck removal | Salvage and environmental cleanup if your boat sinks | FL law holds you responsible for removal. Costs run $5K–$25K+. |
Is Your Boat Properly Protected?
Send us your current policy or tell us about your boat. We will compare rates from 12 carriers and show you your options. No commitment required.
No obligation. No pressure. Just honest answers.What Is the Difference Between Agreed Value and Actual Cash Value?
This is one of the most important decisions you will make when choosing a boat policy. It determines how much you get paid if your boat is totaled or stolen.
| Feature | Agreed Value | Actual Cash Value |
|---|---|---|
| Payout on total loss | Full agreed amount, no depreciation | Market value at time of loss, minus depreciation |
| Best for | Newer boats, well-maintained vessels | Older boats where market value has dropped |
| Premium cost | Slightly higher | Usually lower |
| Dispute risk | Low — amount is set at policy inception | Higher — insurer determines value after the loss |
Whether you get agreed value or actual cash value often depends on the age and condition of your boat and the carrier you choose.
On a five-year-old boat worth $40,000, the difference between an agreed value payout and an ACV payout after depreciation could be $8,000 to $12,000. That gap matters.
We help you decide which valuation type makes sense for your boat. If you have a newer vessel, agreed value usually protects you better. If your boat is 15 years old and you want basic coverage at the lowest cost, actual cash value may be the right call. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and that is exactly why you want an independent agent reviewing this with you.
What Types of Boats and Watercraft Do You Insure?
We write boat insurance for nearly every type of recreational vessel on Florida waters. If it floats and you own it, we can probably insure it.
- Fishing boats including bass boats, flats boats, bay boats, and center consoles
- Pontoon boats for river cruising, family outings, and entertaining
- Bowriders and ski boats used for wakeboarding, tubing, and watersports
- Jet skis and personal watercraft (PWC) including Sea-Doo, Yamaha WaveRunner, and Kawasaki
- Deck boats popular on the St. Johns River and Doctors Lake
- Cruisers and cabin boats used for overnight trips and coastal cruising
- Sailboats from small daysailers to bluewater cruisers
- Yachts over 27 feet with specialized marine coverage needs
Most of our boat clients own vessels valued under $75,000 and use them on the St. Johns River, the Intracoastal Waterway, or inshore waters. But we also insure larger yachts, offshore fishing boats, and vessels used in the Bahamas or Keys with extended navigation coverage.
Own a Boat? Let's Compare Your Options.
Tell us about your vessel. We will shop 12 carriers and come back with clear options, not a sales pitch.
Average quote turnaround: same day or next business day.Which Boat Insurance Companies Do We Write With in Florida?
Not every boat insurance carrier is a good fit for every vessel. The right company depends on your boat type, hull value, where you keep it, and how you use it. A pontoon on Doctors Lake is a different risk than a center console running 60 miles offshore.
As an independent agency, we are not locked into one company. We compare rates from 12 boat and marine insurance carriers to find the best combination of coverage, price, and claims service for your situation. Here are the carriers we work with most and what makes each one stand out.
Top Boat Insurance Carriers We Recommend
- Progressive — Our most widely placed boat carrier in Florida. Competitive pricing across most vessel types, with average premiums around $551 per year in our book. Strong option for fishing boats, pontoons, bowriders, and jet skis. Offers on-water towing, fishing equipment coverage, and a disappearing deductible for claims-free years. Agreed value and actual cash value options available.
- Nationwide — Excellent fit for higher-value boats and clients who bundle home, auto, and boat together. Average premiums around $690 per year in our book, reflecting the larger vessels and higher liability limits Nationwide clients typically carry. Multi-policy discounts can be significant when you combine boat coverage with a Nationwide homeowners or auto policy.
- SkiSafe — Specialty marine carrier focused exclusively on boats and personal watercraft. Known for competitive jet ski and PWC rates, agreed value coverage, and flexible navigation options for Florida boaters. A strong choice for watersports-focused vessels and owners who want a carrier that only does marine insurance.
Other Carriers We Work With
- GEICO — Backed by Berkshire Hathaway with competitive rates for standard recreational boats. Good option for budget-conscious boat owners who want solid liability and towing coverage. Bundles well with existing GEICO auto policies.
- Liberty Mutual (Safeco) — Writes standalone boat policies, not just as an add-on to home or auto. Safeco's marine book is absorbing into Liberty Mutual as of April 2025, consolidating under one brand. Strong financial backing and solid claims service for recreational vessels.
- Foremost — Offers three packages: Saver, Plus, and Elite. The Elite package includes hurricane haul-out coverage, pollution liability, and watersports liability. Specialized packages available for pontoons, classic boats, and personal watercraft.
- Markel — Specialty marine insurer with strong coverage for fishing boats, including tournament fee reimbursement and fishing equipment replacement. Also writes commercial marine for charter operations.
- National General — Competitive option for standard recreational boats with straightforward underwriting. Good fit for boat owners who want solid coverage without complex policy structures.
- Additional markets — We also access several broker markets for boats that do not fit standard carrier appetites, including older vessels, high-performance boats, and yachts over $100,000 in value.
Carriers We Compare for Boat Insurance
Why Does Boat Insurance Matter on Jacksonville's Waterways?
Jacksonville has more shoreline than any other city in Florida. The St. Johns River runs over 50 miles through the city. The Intracoastal Waterway connects Fernandina Beach to St. Augustine. And the Atlantic Ocean is right there at the Mayport jetties.
That is a lot of water and a lot of boat traffic.
Duval County alone has thousands of registered boats. St. Johns County ranked in the top 10 Florida counties for boating accidents in recent years, with a crash rate more than double that of Duval County.
Busy waterways, tidal currents, submerged hazards, and summer afternoon thunderstorms all create real risks for boat owners in Northeast Florida.
Popular local waterways where our clients boat include:
- St. Johns River from downtown Jacksonville through San Marco, Mandarin, and south to Green Cove Springs
- Julington Creek, Doctors Lake (Orange Park and Fleming Island), and Goodbys Creek (San Jose)
- The ICW from Palm Valley and Ponte Vedra through Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, and north to Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island
- Mill Cove, Exchange Club Island, and the Arlington and Southside riverfront
- Offshore fishing out of Mayport, the St. Johns River jetties, and St. Augustine Inlet
- Black Creek near Middleburg and Clay County freshwater access points
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Most Florida boat insurance policies require a documented hurricane plan before they will pay storm-related claims.
That plan typically includes moving your vessel to dry storage or a designated safe harbor when a named storm is projected within 72 hours. If you do not follow your plan, your carrier may deny your hurricane damage claim.
We review your hurricane plan requirements when we write your policy so there are no surprises.
How Do You Get a Boat Insurance Quote in Jacksonville?
We make the process simple. No paperwork upfront, no automated phone trees, no bait-and-switch quotes. You talk to a real person who understands boats and Florida waters.
We Review
Tell us about your boat: year, make, model, motor, hull value, and where you keep it. If you have a current policy, send it over and we will review it.
We Compare
We shop your boat across up to 12 carriers side by side, comparing coverage, valuation type, deductibles, hurricane provisions, and premium.
You Choose
We present your best options with a clear recommendation. You pick the coverage that fits. No pressure.
How Can You Save on Boat Insurance in Florida?
Boat insurance does not have to be expensive if you approach it strategically. Here are the most effective ways to lower your premium without cutting the coverage you need.
- Bundle with home and auto. This is the biggest savings lever. Many carriers offer multi-policy discounts of 10% to 20% when you combine your boat with homeowners and auto insurance. We handle all three, so bundling is easy.
- Complete a boating safety course. An FWC-approved or U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary course can earn a 5% to 15% discount with most carriers. The Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card is required for boat operators born on or after January 1, 1988.
- Choose a higher deductible. Raising your deductible from $250 to $500 or $1,000 can reduce your annual premium noticeably. Just make sure you can afford the deductible if you need to file a claim.
- Store your boat properly. Dry storage, covered boathouses, and hurricane-rated facilities can lower your premium compared to open water mooring. Carriers reward lower exposure.
- Maintain a clean boating record. No claims and no BWI violations help. Experienced boaters with clean records often qualify for lower rates than first-time owners.
Ready to Compare Boat Insurance?
One call. Multiple quotes. Real advice from a local team that understands Florida boating.
Serving Florida boat owners since 2005.Boat Insurance Questions Florida Boaters Ask
Is boat insurance required in Florida?
Florida law does not require boat insurance for recreational vessels. However, if you finance your boat, your lender will require it. Most marinas require liability coverage to rent a slip. And every umbrella insurance carrier we work with in Florida requires at least $300,000 in boat liability before they will extend coverage. Even without a legal requirement, a single boating accident can result in medical bills, property damage, and legal fees that exceed $100,000. We strongly recommend carrying liability coverage at a minimum.
How much does boat insurance cost in Florida?
According to Augustyniak Insurance Group's analysis of its Florida boat book, the median annual premium is $482. Most Florida boat owners pay between $250 and $725 per year. Jet skis and small fishing boats are on the lower end. Center consoles and yachts are on the higher end.
Your rate depends on hull value, vessel type, horsepower, experience, claims history, and where you keep the boat. We compare up to 12 carriers to find the best rate for your situation.
Does my homeowners insurance cover my boat?
In most cases, no. Standard homeowners policies in Florida offer very limited watercraft coverage, usually for boats under $1,500 in value with motors under 25 HP. If you own anything larger, which includes most fishing boats, pontoons, and nearly all jet skis, you likely need a separate boat insurance policy. Do not assume your homeowners policy protects you on the water. We see this mistake frequently and it can be very costly.
What is the difference between agreed value and actual cash value for boats?
Agreed value means you and the carrier agree on a value when the policy is written. If the boat is totaled, you get that amount. Actual cash value pays the depreciated market value at the time of the loss, which is almost always less. On a $40,000 boat that is five years old, the difference could be $8,000 to $12,000. Whether you get agreed value or ACV depends on the age and condition of your boat and the carrier. We help you evaluate which option makes sense for your situation.
Do I need boat insurance for a jet ski in Florida?
It is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Jet skis and personal watercraft are involved in a disproportionate number of Florida boating accidents because of their speed and maneuverability in tight spaces. A PWC policy from carriers like Progressive, SkiSafe, or GEICO typically costs $100 to $300 per year and covers liability, collision, theft, and towing. If you have an umbrella policy, your jet ski needs at least $300,000 in liability to be covered under it.
Does boat insurance cover hurricane damage in Florida?
Yes, most comprehensive boat policies cover hurricane and named storm damage. But there are conditions. Most carriers require a documented hurricane plan that specifies how you will protect your vessel when a storm is approaching, usually by hauling it out or moving it to safe harbor within 72 hours of a forecast. Named storm deductibles of 5% to 10% of your hull value apply separately from your standard deductible. If you do not follow your hurricane plan, the carrier may deny your claim. We review these provisions with every boat client.
Can I bundle my boat insurance with my home and auto?
Yes, and we recommend it. Bundling boat insurance with your homeowners and auto insurance through our agency can save you 10% to 20% across your policies. We handle all of your personal lines coverage, so adding a boat is simple. We also check your liability limits to make sure your boat qualifies for your umbrella policy. That $300,000 CSL requirement catches a lot of people off guard.
What information do I need to get a boat insurance quote?
To quote your boat, we need the year, make, model, and hull identification number (HIN), motor type and horsepower, estimated hull value, where the boat is stored (marina, dry dock, trailer at home), how you use it (fishing, cruising, watersports), and your boating experience. If you have a current policy, sending it over is the fastest way to get started. We can usually return quotes the same day or next business day.
Does my boat insurance cover me in the Bahamas or far offshore?
Most standard boat insurance policies limit navigation to U.S. coastal waters within about 75 miles of shore. If you plan to cross to the Bahamas or fish beyond that range, you need to contact your agent and add extended navigation coverage before you leave. This comes up frequently in Northeast Florida because of our proximity to the Bahamas. Without extended coverage, a claim that occurs outside your navigation limits may not be covered. Always call us at (904) 268-3106 before an offshore or international trip so we can make sure your policy covers where you are going.
Susan Augustyniak, CIC
Vice President, Augustyniak Insurance Group
Certified Insurance Counselor with 25+ years in the industry. Susan has led the Augustyniak Insurance team in Jacksonville since 2005, helping thousands of Florida families and boat owners find the right coverage across multiple carriers. This page was reviewed and updated in April 2026.
Related Coverage
- Umbrella Insurance — Extends liability protection over your boat, home, and auto
- Homeowners Insurance Jacksonville FL — Bundle with boat for multi-policy savings
- Auto Insurance — Bundle all three for the best rate
From the Blog
- Wind vs. Flood Damage After a Hurricane
- How to Insure an RV for the Off-Season — similar storage considerations for boats
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