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From the Okanagan to the Atlantic coast, our licensed insurance brokers can get your boat insurance quote started.
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Coverage by Boat Type

Boat Insurance Coverage for Every Vessel Type

Coverage Guide

Boat Insurance Coverage in Canada

Boat insurance in Canada can cover a wide range of risks, from collision and theft to liability and personal belongings on board. Whether you own a fishing boat, a cruiser or a sailboat, here are some standard coverages you can expect a boat insurance policy in Canada to provide.

Standard Optional

Hull & Machinery

Hull & Machinery provides coverage for physical damage to your boat and its motor, boating equipment, and boating accessories like GPS, depth sounders, and many other items.

Example:

You're exploring an unfamiliar stretch of river when your boat hits a submerged rock and damages your hull and outboard motor. Hull and Machinery coverage can help cover the cost of repairs.

Third-party Liability (Protection & Indemity)

Liability insurance for your boat helps protect you financially if you cause someone’s death or injury, or cause damage to another person’s boat or property while you’re operating your boat. It’s recommended that you have $3 million or more in boat liability insurance as part of your marine insurance policy. It helps cover legal fees and medical bills, which can be expensive without boat insurance.

Example:

While docking at the marina, a wave causes your boat to drift and collide with the boat docked next to you. The owner files a claim for repairs. Third-party liability coverage helps pay for the damage to their boat. 

Comprehensive/specified Perils

Comprehensive/Specified Perils coverage provides coverage for damage resulting from theft, vandalism, and even natural disasters like hail or windstorms. 

Example:

You arrive at the marina to find your boat has been broken into overnight. Your onboard electronics, fishing gear, and motor have been stolen. Comprehensive coverage helps cover the cost of replacing the stolen equipment. 

Example:

Agreed Value Coverage

Agreed Value coverage protects your boat's full insured value in the event of a total loss, regardless of depreciation. Rather than paying the depreciated market value of your boat, your insurer agrees in advance on a fixed payout amount. 

Example:

You purchased your boat three years ago and a fire destroys it beyond repair while in storage. Agreed Value coverage pays you the amount agreed upon when you set up your policy, not the lower depreciated value.

Navigation Extension

Standard boat insurance policies typically limit where you can operate your vessel. Navigational Extension coverage allows you to travel beyond the limits outlined in your standard policy.

Example:

You're planning a winter trip down the U.S coast with you boat. Without Navigational Extension coverage, traveling outside your policy's standard limits could leave you uninsured.

Unisured Boater Coverage

Since boat insurance isn't mandatory in Canada, there is a chance you could be involved in an accident with a boater who has little or no insurance. Uninsured Boater coverage protects you and your passengers, helping cover injury related costs. 

Example:

You're anchored near shore when another boat collides with yours, injuring your passenger. The other captian doesn not have insurance. Uninsured Boater coverage can help cover your passenger's injury related costs.

Example:

Example: You bought your truck for $48,000 two years ago. After a total loss claim, its depreciated market value is only $38,000. With waiver of depreciation, you receive the full $48,000, enough to replace it with the same vehicle.

Example:

Cost Factors

What Determines the Cost of Boat Insurance?

Vessel Value & Length

The size and value of your boat are two of the biggest factors in determining your boat insurance premium. Larger vessels typically come with bigger engines, more onboard equipment and higher liability exposure, which can increase your premiums.

Small fishing boats or personal watercraft will generally cost less to insure than a large cruiser or yacht.

Claims History

Boaters with a claims-free history are often rewarded with lower rates or claims-free discounts, while those with recent or frequent claims may see their premiums increase.

Maintaining a clean record over time is one of the most effective ways to keep your boat insurance affordable.

Type of Vessel and Motor

A personal watercraft, fishing boat, sailboat and luxury cruiser each carry different risk profiles based on speed, value and how they're typically used. Whether your boat has an outboard or inboard motor can also affect your premium.

Boats with large or high-performance motors can cost more to insure

Storage and Usage

Boats used for personal or pleasure use are generally cheaper to insure than those used for rental, charter or commercial purposes. Where you store your boat matters too. Secure marinas or enclosed storage facilities reduce the risk of theft, vandalism or weather related damage.

Choose a secure marina or enclosed storage facility to reduce the risk of theft, vandalism or weather related damage.

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Why Western

Why Canadians Choose Western Financial Group

For more than a century, Western Financial Group has delivered trusted, people-first protection to over a million Canadians. We believe in doing insurance the right way, with integrity, care, and community at heart.

Proudly BBB Accredited with an A+ Rating

We’re accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which means we meet high standards for trust, transparency, and customer service.

Better Business Bureau Accredited Business A+ Rating

That commitment has earned us national and regional recognition across employer culture, customer experience, innovation, and social impact. Our awards reflect the quality of our service, the strength of our team, and the depth of our engagement in communities coast to coast.

What Our Trusted Customers Are Saying

13,000+ Reviews Across Western | 4.5

★★★★★
SM

Sandra M.

Calgary, AB

★★★★★

"Switching to Western Financial was the best insurance decision I've made. My broker found me a rate $400 lower than what I was paying, and the whole process took less than 20 minutes."

DT

Derek T.

Edmonton, AB

★★★★★

"I've been with Western Financial for over 8 years. Every renewal, they proactively shop my policy and come back with competitive rates. That kind of service keeps me coming back."

PK

Priya K.

Red Deer, AB

★★★★★

"After a minor accident, my broker walked me through every step of the claims process. No stress, no runaround — just clear, honest guidance. Couldn't ask for more."

Our Numbers Speak for Themselves

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CUSTOMERS

Trusted by Canadians to protect what matters most.

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EMPLOYEES

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Invested back into local communities through our foundation.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need boat insurance in Canada? +

No, boat insurance isn't mandatory in Canada, but it is recommended. Most marinas require it to dock and if your boat is financed then your lender may require boat insurance. Boat insurance is the best way to ensure you are protected on the water.

Does my house insurance cover my boat? +

Not usually. Your home insurance policy provides limited coverage for boats and often restricts what will be insured based on length and/or horsepower of your boat. Your home insurance policy may cover a rowboat or a canoe, but typically not an expensive cruiser.

How can I save money on my boat insurance? +

Western Financial Group is an insurance broker that has partnerships with Canada’s leading insurance companies. We will do the insurance shopping for you and get you boat insurance quotes that you can choose from that best protect your boat. We’ll get you boat insurance quotes at the best price for you.

What does boat insurance protect? +
  • Towing and assistance: Some policies include coverage for towing and emergency assistance services if you need them while on the water.
  • Boat insurance typically covers the cost of replacing any personal items that are damaged, lost during a boat outing, or while the boat is stored or parked and not in use.

Boat policies usually have a variety of coverages. It’s important to know what’s included in your boat policy and what extra coverage you may want.

What kind of boats does Western’s boat insurance cover: Cruisers, jet drives, runabouts, pontoons, sailboats, fishing, sport, personal watercraft.

What is a PCOC and do I need it? +

Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is the federal boating licence required to operate a motorized boat anywhere in Canada. It is not insurance, but having operators with a PCOC could affect your claim.

What is the difference between Actual Cash Value vs. Agreed Value Coverage? +

Actual cash coverage covers you for the value of your boat at the time of loss, less depreciation. An agreed value policy honours the value of your boat at the time the policy was written.

Many boat owners choose an agreed value policy for peace of mind.