Boat Insurance in Missouri & Arkansas

Boat insurance requirements can depend on the circumstances, including financing or marina requirements. Even when a policy isn't legally required, liability and physical damage protection can still be important. We can help you determine what coverage applies to your particular boat and situation.

Requirements can depend on the boat and circumstances, and a lender or marina may impose insurance requirements separate from state law. We recommend checking the requirements that apply to your specific situation before taking the boat on the water.

Homeowners insurance may provide limited coverage for certain watercraft, but significant restrictions can apply. Larger, more powerful or more valuable boats frequently need dedicated boat insurance.

Boat trailers may be covered under a boat policy, but the type and amount of coverage varies. Ask specifically about physical damage to the trailer rather than assuming it's included.

Some policies provide limited personal-property or fishing-equipment coverage, while others offer additional coverage options. Expensive rods, reels and electronics should be discussed with your agent.

Boat insurance generally isn't intended to pay for ordinary mechanical breakdown, wear and tear or maintenance. However, engine damage resulting from a covered loss may be treated differently. The cause of the damage and policy language matter.

Comprehensive boat coverage may protect against certain covered weather-related losses, but exclusions, deductibles and policy terms apply. This is particularly important to review if your boat is stored outdoors or at a marina.

Some policies provide coverage for permissive operators, while others impose restrictions. Don't assume every friend or family member is automatically covered—check your policy before allowing someone else to regularly operate the boat.

Yes. Pontoons and tritoons can be insured with boat policies providing options for liability, physical damage, equipment, towing and other protections.

A personal umbrella may provide excess liability protection over an eligible boat policy. The boat policy typically must meet the umbrella carrier's underlying liability requirements, and eligibility varies by company.

Pricing depends on factors such as the boat's value, type, age, horsepower, location, claims history, selected coverage, deductibles and operator experience. As an independent agency, MBG Insurance can compare options from multiple insurance companies.

Not necessarily. Two policies with similar premiums can differ significantly in valuation, liability limits, deductibles, equipment coverage, towing and other protections. Comparing the coverage is just as important as comparing the premium.

Uninsured Boater coverage may help protect you and your passengers if you're injured in a boating accident caused by another boat operator who is legally responsible but doesn't have liability insurance.

Depending on the policy, this coverage may help with covered bodily injury damages resulting from the accident. Coverage, limits, exclusions, and definitions vary by insurance company, so it's important to review exactly what your boat policy provides.

Underinsured Boater coverage may apply when another boat operator causes an accident and has liability insurance, but their limits aren't enough to cover your covered bodily injury damages.

For example, a serious boating accident could result in significant medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. If the responsible boater carries relatively low liability limits, your own underinsured boater coverage may provide additional protection, subject to your policy's terms and limits.

Unlike auto insurance, you shouldn't assume every boat on the water is insured or carries enough liability coverage to protect you after a serious accident.

If you and your passengers are injured because of another boater's actions, that person's ability to pay may be limited. Uninsured and Underinsured Boater coverage shifts some of that risk back to your own insurance policy, subject to the coverage you've purchased and the policy terms.

When comparing boat insurance, ask your agent:

“If another boater seriously injures me or my passengers and doesn't have enough insurance, what coverage do I have under my own policy?”