Compare boat insurance
Compare the features of 20+ boat insurance policies to see which one will keep you afloat.
Compare other products
We currently don't have that product, but here are others to consider:
How we picked theseKey takeaways
- You can get boat insurance for all sorts of watercraft including yachts, sail boats and houseboats.
- Boat insurance is not a compulsory legal requirement but state governments recommend that you get it.
- Only comprehensive boat insurance will cover damage to your own boat.
What are the different types of boat insurance?
Third party property
This base-level policy covers you if you damage someone else's boat (or other property) and comes with liability cover (if someone sues you). It doesn't cover damage to your own boat.
Third party fire and theft
This covers your boat against fire and theft plus damage to other people's property and liability – but storms, floods and hail are not included.
Comprehensive
This is the only type of insurance to cover damage to your own boat as well as others, plus lots of other risks including storms, floods and hail damage.
Why don't boats have CTP?
There is no compulsory third party insurance for boats like there is for cars. When you're on the road with your boat, you're covered by the CTP of the car that's towing the boat. However, once your boat is detached from the car, you won't be covered at all. That's why it's sensible to take out some form of insurance to protect you.
What does boat insurance cover you for?
Here are a few situations you may be covered for, depending on your level of insurance:
| Scenario | Comprehensive | Third party fire and theft | Third party property |
|---|---|---|---|
| You crash your boat into someone's dock and now you need to cover the costs of the repair to the dock. | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Someone steals your boat. | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| You crash into something at sea and your boat is destroyed. | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
"I was looking for insurance for my Top Hat 25. It's an older yacht so I didn't want an insurance provider that required a survey. I landed on Top Sail Insurance. Not only did they not require a survey but they offered a great rate. It was perfect for my needs. "
Additional cover options
- Lay-up cover. If you store your boat during certain seasons, you may be able to save on premiums while it's stored. With lay-up cover, you basically have 2 policies in 1: 1 for the timeframe you're using the boat and 1 for the timeframe you're storing it. You'll be charged a little more upfront, but you'll save on your premiums in the long run.
- Racing cover (sailboats only). Basic boat insurance doesn't cover you when you're racing. The sailboat racing option expands your cover to protect you when you're racing in an organised event.
- Water skiing liability. A basic boat insurance policy won't cover you if you're towing a water skier and that's what caused the damage or injury. With the water skier's liability option, you're covered for injuries to the water skier and for any damage caused to others as a result of this activity.
Our expert says
"Before you take out boat insurance, assess your needs. Maybe your boat is just a cheap runabout and all you're worried about is cover if you accidentally damage someone else's craft. Conversely, if you've got an expensive new electric boat which would be costly to repair, comprehensive cover makes sense. And remember to keep up your boat maintenance, as your claim might be denied if you don't."
FAQs
Sources
More resources on Finder
More guides on Finder
-
Tesla Insurance Australia
Teslas are more expensive to insure than traditional cars but there's ways to cut costs.
-
Pay as you drive car insurance
Find out how pay as you drive car insurance works and the benefits of getting cover in place and who it may be suitable for.
-
Seniors car insurance for over 60s
Read our guide to getting car insurance if you are an older driver looking for cover.
-
Third party, fire and theft car insurance
Cover for your vehicle against fire and theft, and legal liability cover if you’re responsible for an accident that damages someone’s car or property.
-
PD car insurance review
See how PD car insurance policies stack up next to one another and what benefits they offer.
-
What to do after a car accident
Would you know what to do if you were involved in a car accident? This guide looks at the steps to take after an accident has occurred, from securing the scene to making a claim with your insurer.
-
Car insurance: loaned, leased or owned
Your guide to understanding the costs of car insurance for your car, whether it’s been financed, leased or you own it outright.
-
Do demerit points affect your car insurance?
Your guide to demerit points and how they affect your car insurance.
-
Laid up car insurance
Everything you need to know about pressing pause on your car insurance cover while your vehicle is off the road.
-
Best car insurance QLD
We sourced quotes from 32 car insurance providers in Queensland to help you compare costs and find the best car insurance for your needs.