Ohio boat insurance

Do you need boat insurance in Ohio?

Boat insurance isn't required by Ohio law, but some marinas may mandate boat liability coverage. In addition, if you lease or finance your watercraft, your lender may require comprehensive and collision coverages for your boat, which may pay to repair or replace your damaged or stolen watercraft.

If you own your boat outright and you aren't required to carry liability coverage, protecting your watercraft investment — as well as your assets if you cause an accident on the water — can still be important for boaters in Ohio.

How much is boat insurance in Ohio?

In 2023, the average annual cost for a Progressive boat insurance policy in Ohio was $304.70.^* However, Progressive offers boat insurance in Ohio for as little as $100/year for a liability-only policy.^** Your cost for boat insurance depends on several factors, such as:

• Type of watercraft: From pontoon boats to PWCs, your boat's unique features may influence your rate
• Boating experience: Experienced boaters may pay less for boat insurance than boaters new to operating a watercraft
• Claims history: If you've filed an insurance claim in the past, regardless of fault, you may pay more for a boat policy
• Horsepower: A powerboat with a large engine may cost more to insure than a sailboat with a smaller engine

How to lower the cost of boat insurance in Ohio

If you live in Columbus, Akron, Toledo, or anywhere else in the Buckeye State, there are multiple ways to obtain cheap boat insurance in Ohio. Progressive lets you start saving immediately with a variety of discounts that can be automatically added to your policy, such as:

• Multi-policy
• Original owner
• Paid in full
• Responsible driver
• Safety course

Find out more about boat insurance discounts.

What's the best boat insurance in Ohio?

From Cleveland to Cincinnati and throughout Ohio, the best boat insurance policy gives you personalized protection at an affordable price. Progressive provides inexpensive coverage that's customized to you and your boat. Plus, unlike some boat insurers, we don't require a marine survey in order to get a policy.

Additional boat coverages in Ohio

• Sign & Glide®: If your boat is stuck on the water, Sign & Glide® towing assistance^†† can help with on-water towing, jump starts, fuel delivery,^† and more.
• Propulsion Plus® mechanical breakdown coverage: In the event of a mechanical breakdown, Progressive can pay to repair or replace the lower unit of an outboard motor or the upper and lower units of an inboard/outboard motor (coverage doesn't apply to jet drives or inboard motors).
• Wreckage removal: If your boat sinks, we can pay to remove your boat from the water.
• Fuel spill: Progressive covers the cost of legally required cleaning that comes with spilled fuel.
• Watersport coverage: If your guests are injured from water-tubing, water-skiing, and other related sports, we may cover their medical expenses up to a certain limit.
• Fishing equipment or carry-on items: If your fishing equipment or other gear is lost or stolen, you can receive the full replacement cost up to $10,000 for fishing gear, scuba gear, phones, and other items. There's a $1,000 limit per item.

See all Progressive boat insurance coverages.

Ohio boating information

1. Per Ohio law, boaters born on or after January 1, 1982, must complete a boating course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators or pass an exam approved by the Ohio Division of Watercraft.
2. Ohio boating laws state that no one under 12 years old can operate powerboats with more than 10 horsepower unless supervised by someone on board who is at least 18 years old.
3. Registrations are required for every recreational boat in Ohio, including powerboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and inflatable boats.

How to get Ohio boat insurance