Bass boat insurance
Progressive says bass boat insurance with liability coverage starts at $100 a year.
- Bass or fishing boat worth $15,000
- $220 to $750a year, inland to coastal states
- Bass or fishing boat worth $35,000
- $350 to $1,280a year, inland to coastal states
- Bass or fishing boat worth $60,000
- $600 to $1,280a year, inland to coastal states
Worked out with our method from Chubb and Progressive figures. An estimate, not a quote.
If you want your own boat covered too, Chubb says smaller recreational boats usually cost $300 to $800 a year to insure. That figure is for small boats in general, not bass boats alone.
Bass boat insurance cost
The lowest-cost option is a liability-only policy. Liability pays when you hurt someone or damage their property. It will not repair your own boat. Progressive lists this type of bass boat coverage as starting at $100 a year.
Most owners also want protection for their own boat, motor, and equipment. Chubb gives an average premium of $300 to $800 a year for smaller recreational boats. A premium is simply the yearly amount you pay for your policy.
Your own quote will depend on your boat and the coverage you choose.
What a fishing boat policy includes
Insurance for a fishing boat can go well beyond paying for accidents. Some insurers sell add-ons designed for anglers.
| Insurer | Angler-focused add-on | Payout cap |
|---|---|---|
 Progressive | Fishing tackle, rods, and reels covered at replacement cost | Up to $10,000 |
| Progressive | Helps with food, hotel, and transport costs when a breakdown strands your trailer or tow vehicle over 100 miles from home | Up to $500 |
 American Family | Watercraft equipment coverage may pay for instruments the manufacturer didn't install, such as a GPS unit | Up to $3,000 |
 Markel | Refund of your tournament entry fee | Your entry fee |
 State Farm | Optional repayment of non-refundable tournament entry fees | Your entry fee |
Tournament Coverage
Markel builds tournament fee reimbursement into its bass and walleye boat policies. Your entry fee comes back to you if a covered event stops you from fishing a scheduled tournament. State Farm has a similar optional coverage that pays back non-refundable entry fees following a covered loss.
Progressive will still insure your boat if you enter tournaments, provided tournament fishing is not your primary occupation.
Engine Breakdown
Progressive offers optional Propulsion Plus, which can repair or replace the lower unit of a bass boat outboard following a mechanical breakdown, including breakdowns from wear and tear.
More From Markel
Markel's boat coverages also include emergency towing, pollution liability, and wreck removal.
Center console boat insurance
SkiSafe gives center console owners extra protection for tackle, rods, reels, and electronics. Extended navigation options are available too.
What won't boat insurance pay for?
According to Progressive, a boat policy excludes hull corrosion and manufacturing defects.
Boats insurers may refuse
Progressive won't insure the following:
- Bass boats that can go faster than 90 mph
- Charter boats
- Kit-built or home-assembled boats
If your boat is one of these, Progressive won't be an option, but another insurer may be able to help.
Ways to pay less
A few straightforward steps can bring the cost down:
- Get your quote early. Progressive discounts bass boat quotes made at least one day in advance.
- Check the discounts. Markel says its discounts can cut the bill by up to 35%.
- Compare the extras. Check which optional coverages you need before choosing a policy.
Common questions
Which insurer is best for bass boats?
There is no one insurer that suits every angler. Progressive pays up to $10,000 to replace fishing gear like rods, reels, and tackle at today's prices, so it's worth adding up what your gear is worth to see if that's enough.
What would insurance cost for my boat?
There's no single published price for a bass boat, because what you pay depends on your boat and the coverage you pick, so getting a few quotes is the quickest way to find out.
Does Progressive cover added electronics?
Progressive's bass boat page highlights coverage for rods, reels and tackle, so ask them directly about electronics you've added. American Family, for example, may pay up to $3,000 for instruments the manufacturer didn't install, such as GPS units.
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