Personal Watercraft Insurance in Florida

What Is Personal Watercraft Insurance?

Personal watercraft insurance provides coverage for jet skis, wave runners, sea-doos, and similar recreational watercraft. This specialized insurance protects your watercraft from physical damage, provides liability coverage if you injure someone or damage property while operating your watercraft, and can cover medical payments and other expenses. In Florida, where personal watercraft are extremely popular, having proper insurance is essential for protecting yourself financially and enjoying the water with peace of mind.

Why You Need Personal Watercraft Insurance

• Protects your investment in expensive watercraft equipment
• Provides liability coverage if you cause injury to others or damage to property while on the water
• Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers if injured in an accident
• Required by marinas and many waterways before you can launch your watercraft
• Covers theft, vandalism, and damage to your watercraft whether on the water or being transported

Common Coverages

Personal watercraft insurance typically includes physical damage coverage, which pays to repair or replace your watercraft if it is damaged in an accident, by weather, or through theft or vandalism. Liability coverage protects you if you are responsible for injuring someone or damaging someone else's property while operating your watercraft. Medical payments coverage pays for injuries to you and your passengers regardless of who is at fault. Many policies also include coverage for accessories and custom equipment, towing and assistance services, and uninsured watercraft coverage if you are hit by someone without insurance. You can often add coverage for agreed value instead of actual cash value, ensuring you receive the full insured amount without depreciation.

Is Personal Watercraft Insurance Required in Florida?

Florida does not legally require you to carry personal watercraft insurance. However, if you financed your watercraft, your lender will require you to maintain comprehensive and collision coverage. Even if it is not required, carrying liability insurance is highly recommended to protect yourself financially if you cause an accident. Many marinas and rental locations also require proof of insurance before allowing you to launch.

What Factors Affect My Premium?

Several factors influence the cost of personal watercraft insurance. These include the value and type of your watercraft, how you use it and how often, where you store it when not in use, your boating experience and safety record, the coverage limits and deductibles you select, and whether you have completed a boating safety course. The Gordon Agency can help you find ways to reduce your premium while maintaining adequate protection.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Personal Watercraft?

Homeowners insurance provides very limited coverage for personal watercraft, usually only for theft or damage while the watercraft is at your home. It does not provide liability coverage while you are operating the watercraft on the water, nor does it cover collision damage or comprehensive losses when you are away from home. You need a separate personal watercraft policy for complete protection.