Montana Boat & Watercraft Insurance: Smooth Sailing Starts with the Right Protection

There’s nothing like a day on the water—but accidents can happen even in the calmest conditions. At Summit Insurance, we make sure your time on the lake, river, or open sea is as carefree as it should be. With customized boat insurance coverage, you will be protected—whether it’s you, your passengers, your watercraft, or your gear.

Surprisingly affordable—insuring your boat often costs less than a dollar a day. That’s a small price for the peace of mind that lets you fully enjoy your time on the water.

What Should You Look for in Boat Insurance?

We’re here to help you navigate your coverage options so you can choose what fits your lifestyle and watercraft best. Here are a few key things to consider when selecting a policy:

• Navigational Area Coverage: Know where your policy has your back. Some carriers provide coverage up to 75 miles from the U.S. coastline, including Canadian coastal and inland waters, and parts of Mexico’s Pacific coast. Additional options may be available if you're boating in states like California, Florida, or Oregon.

• Agreed Value Coverage: Boats, like cars, lose value over time. If your watercraft is totaled or stolen, agreed value coverage ensures you’re reimbursed for the amount you insured it for—no depreciation deducted (just your deductible).

• Liability Protection: If you're responsible for an accident on the water, this coverage helps pay for damages to other boats or property, as well as medical bills, lost wages, and legal costs for those injured.

• Medical Payments Coverage: Whether it’s you, your passengers, or someone being towed on skis or a tube, this helps cover medical costs from a boating accident—no matter who was at fault. Coverage limits typically range from $500 to $10,000.

• Physical Damage Coverage: Pays to repair or replace your boat, motor, permanently installed gear, and trailer if they’re damaged or stolen.

• Uninsured/Underinsured Boater Coverage: Not all boaters carry insurance. If you’re injured by someone without enough coverage, this protection helps cover medical treatment, lost income, and related expenses.

• Fuel Spill & Wreckage Removal: In the event of a serious accident or sinking, you’re legally responsible for environmental cleanup. This coverage helps pay for oil or fuel spill cleanup and removal of your wrecked vessel—avoiding steep out-of-pocket costs.

• Personal Effects Coverage: Covers items like clothing, phones, sporting gear (e.g., scuba or fishing equipment), and other belongings on board. Coverage limits vary, so we’ll help you understand what applies in Montana. Note: Jewelry and watches typically require separate coverage.

• Unattached Equipment Protection: Not everything is bolted down. This coverage applies to items like anchors, life jackets, tarps, fire extinguishers, oars, and more—anything designed for use on your boat but not permanently attached.

• Emergency Assistance Package: If you break down on the water, this coverage helps with towing, delivery of fuel or oil, and even a loaned battery—so you're not left stranded.  Lakes can be lonely, and fish are not the best tug boat option.

Let’s Find the Right Fit for You

Every boater’s needs are different. Whether you have a fishing boat, sailboat, or personal watercraft, we’ll help you build a policy that gives you the confidence to enjoy every adventure on the water.

Contact Summit Insurance today to learn more about Montana boat insurance tailored to you.

Get a Free Boat Insurance Quote