Question 1

Does my homeowners insurance cover my boat in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Most standard homeowners insurance policies in Texas provide very limited watercraft coverage — typically only for small boats under a certain horsepower or value threshold, and only while the boat is on your property. Once you take your vessel onto a Texas lake or river, that coverage often does not apply. A dedicated boat insurance policy ensures you are properly protected on the water, at the marina, and in transit.

Question 2

Is boat insurance required in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Texas does not legally require boat insurance for most recreational vessels, but many marinas and storage facilities on the Highland Lakes and other Texas waterways require proof of liability coverage before they will allow you to dock or store your boat. Even where it is not required, carrying boat insurance is strongly recommended — a single accident on the water can result in significant property damage, medical bills, or legal liability.

Question 3

What does hull coverage protect against?

Accepted Answer

Hull coverage — also called physical damage coverage — pays to repair or replace your boat if it is damaged by a covered peril such as a collision with another vessel or submerged object, fire, theft, vandalism, or storm damage. Policies can be written on an agreed value basis (pays the full insured amount with no depreciation) or an actual cash value basis (pays replacement cost minus depreciation). Agreed value policies typically cost more but provide more predictable payouts.

Question 4

Does boat insurance cover personal watercraft like Jet Skis and Sea-Doos?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Personal watercraft such as Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, and WaveRunners can be insured under a dedicated personal watercraft policy or added to a boat insurance policy depending on the carrier. PWC policies typically include liability coverage, physical damage coverage, medical payments, and uninsured watercraft coverage. Because personal watercraft are involved in a disproportionate share of on-water accidents, having adequate liability limits is especially important.

Question 5

What is uninsured watercraft coverage and do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Uninsured watercraft coverage pays for your injuries and damages when you are involved in an accident caused by another boater who carries no insurance or insufficient coverage. Texas has no mandatory boat insurance law, which means a significant number of vessels on Texas lakes are completely uninsured. If an uninsured boater collides with you on Lake Travis or Lake Georgetown, uninsured watercraft coverage ensures you are not left paying out of pocket for your own medical bills and repairs.

Question 6

Does boat insurance cover fishing equipment and personal belongings?

Accepted Answer

Many boat insurance policies include a personal effects or fishing equipment endorsement that covers rods, reels, tackle, electronics, and other gear stored on your vessel. Coverage limits vary by policy, and high-value items like fish finders, trolling motors, or custom rod collections may require a separate scheduled endorsement to be fully covered. Our agents will review your equipment list and make sure your policy limits match the value of what you carry on the water.

Question 7

Is my boat covered while it is being trailered or stored?

Accepted Answer

Most boat insurance policies extend coverage to your vessel while it is on a trailer being transported to and from the water, as well as while it is stored at home or in a marina. Some policies also cover the trailer itself, while others require the trailer to be covered under your auto policy. It is important to review both policies to make sure there are no gaps in coverage during transport and storage.

Question 8

How does Silva and Sons find the best boat insurance rate in Texas?

Accepted Answer

As an independent insurance agency, Silva and Sons is not captive to a single carrier. We compare boat and watercraft insurance policies across multiple insurance companies to find the coverage that fits your vessel type, how you use it, where you boat in Texas, and your budget. Factors that affect your premium include the type and value of your boat, engine horsepower, your boating experience, your claims history, and the coverage limits and deductibles you choose.

Boat & Personal Watercraft Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions