Question 1

Does my homeowners policy cover my jet ski?

Accepted Answer

Generally no for jet skis and most personal watercraft. Standard homeowners policies cover small unmotorized watercraft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards) but specifically exclude motorized watercraft over 50 horsepower. Even smaller motorized watercraft typically have limited liability coverage and no physical damage coverage when on the water. Your jet ski needs its own personal watercraft policy for both liability and physical damage protection.

Question 2

What's covered if I hit another boat?

Accepted Answer

Liability coverage on your PWC policy responds to injuries to other boaters and damage to their vessels or property. The coverage pays medical bills, repair costs, and (when claims escalate) settlements and judgments up to the policy limit. Physical damage on your own watercraft is covered separately under collision and comprehensive coverage. Florida is a relatively high-litigation state for boating accidents — adequate liability limits ($300K minimum, $500K-$1M recommended) matter.

Question 3

Are riders covered?

Accepted Answer

Medical payments coverage on the PWC policy extends to your watercraft riders for injuries sustained during operation, with limits typically $1K–$10K per person. This is no-fault coverage paying medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. Serious rider injuries beyond the medical payments limit fall to liability coverage if the operator was negligent, or to the rider's own health insurance for non-negligent injuries. Children under Florida's mandatory boating-education age are subject to additional rules.

Question 4

What about hurricane and storm damage?

Accepted Answer

Most Florida PWC policies cover hurricane and named-storm damage but apply a separate, higher percentage deductible (typically 5%–10% of insured value). Policies often require compliance with a hurricane plan — removing the watercraft from coastal storage, securing the trailer, or hauling out from marina storage. Failing to take reasonable precautions during a named storm can result in reduced coverage on storm claims. Florida PWC owners should review their hurricane plan annually before storm season.

Question 5

Is my trailer covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most personal watercraft policies include trailer coverage for the dedicated trailer that hauls your PWC. Coverage typically extends to physical damage on the trailer (collision, comprehensive), liability while towing (often supplementing your auto policy), and theft from your driveway or storage. Multi-watercraft trailers and trailers used for non-watercraft purposes may need separate coverage. Confirm trailer coverage when buying or upgrading your PWC.

Question 6

What's uninsured watercraft coverage?

Accepted Answer

Uninsured watercraft coverage protects you when another boater hits you and either has no insurance, has insufficient insurance, or can't be identified (hit-and-run on the water). It pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to the policy limit. Florida has a relatively high rate of uninsured boaters — uninsured watercraft coverage is one of the most cost-effective coverages on a PWC policy. Highly recommended on all Florida PWC policies.

Question 7

How is personal watercraft insurance priced?

Accepted Answer

Premium drivers include watercraft value, type and horsepower, owner's boating experience and claims history, navigation territory, mooring or storage location, and selected limits. Florida personal watercraft insurance typically runs $300–$1,500/year for standard jet skis and personal boats; higher-value or higher-performance PWC pay more. Multi-watercraft policies and bundling with home/auto can reduce premium significantly. Boater safety course completion typically earns a discount with most carriers.

Personal Watercraft Insurance

Personal Watercraft

What's Covered

How It Works

Quote Your Personal Watercraft Coverage

Understanding Personal Watercraft

Who needs this

How it pays out

The Florida reality

Personal Watercraft — Frequently Asked Questions

Stay Informed

Not sure what coverage you need?