Jet skis provide a thrilling way to enjoy the water, especially in the summer months. But before you rev the engine and ride the waves, having insurance in place is a smart move. While jet ski insurance isn’t always legally required, it can be a crucial safeguard, protecting you, your passengers, and your watercraft from unexpected risks.
Accidents can happen in an instant, no matter how experienced you are. The risk of expensive claims is always present, from collisions with other watercraft to damage from rough waters or injuries to passengers. In fact, some marinas and lenders require proof of insurance before you can ride or dock your jet ski. Even if it’s not mandatory, having reliable coverage can offer valuable protection and peace of mind. In this article, we’ll break down what jet ski insurance typically covers, when it’s required, how much it costs, and why it could be a smart addition to your summer plans.
What does jet ski insurance cover?
Jet ski insurance, also called personal watercraft (PWC) insurance, typically covers many risks of owning and riding a jet ski. Most standard policies come with liability coverage, which helps pay for any property damage or injuries you might cause in an accident. Insurance is key if you're involved in a crash that leads to medical bills or legal action.
Policies often also include collision coverage, which helps pay to repair or replace your jet ski if it gets banged up, whether or not the accident was your fault. Comprehensive coverage is another layer of protection, covering things like theft, vandalism, or damage from storms. Depending on the insurer, you can add extras like towing assistance, lost or damaged gear coverage, or even wreckage removal.
Is jet ski insurance required by law?
Unlike auto insurance, most states don't require you to have jet ski insurance. But that doesn’t mean you should go without it. Some states or municipalities might have their own rules, especially if you’re renting your jet ski to others, using it commercially, or riding in certain public areas.
Even with no legal mandate, you may still be responsible for coverage in other ways. For example, if you financed your jet ski, your lender will require you to retain collision and comprehensive coverage while your loan maintains a balance. Likewise, many marinas won’t allow you to dock or store your PWC on-site unless you show proof of liability insurance. While some homeowners or renters insurance policies could offer limited protection for personal watercraft, they usually don’t extend to liability once you're on the water. That means you could pay out of pocket if you're responsible for an accident.
Tips for Choosing the Right Jet Ski Insurance Policy
When selecting coverage, it’s important to consider how and where you use your jet ski. Frequent use, carrying passengers, or operating in unpredictable conditions may warrant more comprehensive protection, including robust liability coverage. Additional features such as fuel spill cleanup, towing assistance, and wreckage removal are also worth evaluating.
Another key decision is whether to insure your jet ski based on its actual cash value—its current market worth—or an agreed value, which is a predetermined amount set between you and your insurer. An insurance agent can help clarify these options and recommend a policy that aligns with both your needs and budget. They can also identify available discounts and bundling opportunities that may reduce your overall costs.
Find Peace of Mind Before Getting Out On the Water With SelectQuote
Before taking your jet ski out on the water, it’s important to ensure you’re properly protected. Even in areas where insurance isn’t legally required, going without coverage can expose you to substantial financial risk in the event of an accident, injury, or legal claim. In many cases, the cost of a policy is significantly lower than the potential expense of an uninsured incident.
With over 40 years of experience, SelectQuote helps streamline the insurance process. Our licensed agents provide access to unbiased quotes from many of the nation’s most trusted insurance carriers, making it easier to compare coverage options in one place. Whether you need basic liability protection or a more comprehensive policy that includes theft, physical damage, and additional services, we can help you find a solution that fits both your needs and your budget.
