Boat insurance by state

Each state draws the line differently. A state may look at horsepower, length, how old the boat is, or the place it is kept.

A personal watercraft means a jet ski style craft that you ride on top of, not a boat you sit inside.

The table is a quick guide, not the full rule, so check your state's details and call us for help finding the right coverage.

In Arkansas, the law says you need insurance if your motorboat has more than 50 hp or if you own any personal watercraft. Government owned boats are exempt. You must show proof of insurance when registering the boat through the Department of Finance and Administration, so the policy needs to be in place first.

Hawaii's statute applies to vessels made 26 feet or longer that have to be registered in Hawaii. It also applies to same size vessels using state ocean waters under a Coast Guard documentation number, the federal number used in place of state registration.

Smaller boats under 26 feet also need insurance when the owner has previously run a vessel aground in Hawaii. A state harbor or mooring permit also comes with a liability insurance condition. Liability cover pays when you injure someone else or harm what they own.

Starting 1 January 2027, Illinois will require insurance if you own a motorboat over 50 hp, a motorboat longer than 21 feet, or any personal watercraft. That includes many common boats and every personal watercraft.

Illinois owners can get covered now and avoid a scramble before the rule starts on 1 January 2027. Call us today and we'll set up a policy that meets it.

If you live in Utah and your motorboat is rated over 50 hp by the manufacturer, Utah's statute says you need insurance whenever you use it on Utah waters. Every personal watercraft is included, no matter the power. Motorboats at 50 hp or less and airboats fall outside the rule.

For nonresident owners, Utah's rule applies after more than 90 days in Utah during the past 365 days, and until then their home state's insurance rule applies.

Only in one narrow case: when you buy or are given an older, larger used boat. Washington's statute says anyone buying or receiving a second-hand vessel longer than 35 feet and over 40 years old must carry marine insurance. That policy has to run for 12 months, provide at least $300,000 of cover, and pay for removing the boat if it sinks plus pollution cleanup.

Other recreational boats in Washington have no general statewide requirement. Private moorage operators in Washington must require proof of marine insurance for boats moored there long term. If you're buying an older large boat or keeping yours at a marina, call us and we'll help you find a policy that meets the rule before you need it.

Progressive groups states into low, medium and high cost groups by its average yearly boat policy in 2024-2025.

These are Progressive's average yearly costs for each price band, not a quote for your boat. The boat you own and the cover you pick also shape your price. Call us today and we'll price a policy for your boat where you live.