Boat & Watercraft Insurance in Illinois
Your homeowners or auto policy likely provides little or no meaningful coverage for your boat. A dedicated watercraft policy covers your vessel, motor, trailer, and on-water liability. Hollinger Insurance Services works with carriers that specialize in recreational marine insurance, offering agreed-value policies and competitive rates for boats, pontoons, jet skis, and more.
Why Your Home Policy Isn't Enough
Most homeowners policies cover very small boats with limited horsepower for minimal liability and property damage. Larger boats, pontoons, and jet skis typically require a separate watercraft policy for meaningful coverage. A serious on-water accident can result in significant liability costs that a home policy simply won't cover.
Agreed Value vs. Actual Cash Value
Unlike auto insurance that pays depreciated value, many boat policies offer agreed value — meaning you receive what the policy states at total loss, with no depreciation argument. We generally recommend agreed value for boats that hold their value well, and we'll help you choose the right option.
Seasonal Coverage & Storage Discounts
If your boat is stored for the Illinois winter, some carriers offer lay-up discounts for the off-season months. We'll structure your policy to save you money year-round while keeping your boat protected in storage.
What's Typically Covered
- ✓Physical damage (hull & machinery)
- ✓Bodily injury liability
- ✓Property damage liability
- ✓Uninsured watercraft coverage
- ✓Medical payments
- ✓Trailer coverage
- ✓Towing & on-water assistance
- ✓Personal effects & fishing equipment
- ✓Fuel spill liability
- ✓Agreed value options
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need boat insurance in Illinois?
Illinois does not require boat insurance by law, but marinas often require proof of liability coverage, and lenders require physical damage coverage on financed boats. More importantly, a serious on-water accident can result in enormous liability costs.
Is my boat covered while trailering to the lake?
Typically yes — most watercraft policies extend coverage to the boat while on its trailer being towed. The trailer itself may also be covered. We'll confirm this for your specific policy.
Connect with Hollinger Insurance Services
Tell us about your boat — make, model, year, and where you use it — and we'll get you a quote.