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Personal watercraft insurance

PWC insurance policies as low as $100 per year.*

Get a fast, free online quote today for the insurance protection you deserve and save up to 35% in discounts.

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Or call +1.800.236.2453 to speak with a PWC insurance specialist.

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Our affordable policies help you go out and enjoy the water.

For over 45 years, Markel has focused on providing the right kind of boat insurance for all kinds of boats—including personal watercrafts (PWCs) such as a Jet Ski, Sea-Doo or WaveRunner. Our affordable personal watercraft insurance coverage starts as low as $100 and can be customized to fit your PWC, your budget and your boating style.*

Why do you need PWC insurance?

Even if you only use your PWC a few times a year, it only takes one incident to realize you need personal watercraft insurance. You’re at risk of an accident each time you’re on the water, which is why it's important to always protect your PWC—no matter how little you use it.

Still not sure?


If your PWC is insured under your homeowners policy, there’s a good chance it may not be properly protected. For example, many PWCs are designed to hold additional passengers and even pull water-skiers. While this adds to the fun, it can also add to your risk of liability. When you choose our personal watercraft insurance, we customize your policy to help meet your personal needs based on your type of PWC and the activities you enjoy.

Save up to 35% with our PWC insurance discounts

Multi-unit discount
Since it's more fun to ride with friends or family, we'll discount your premium if you insure more than one PWC with us.

Experienced boater discount
If you have five or more years of boating experience, we can offer you a discount.

Mature operator discount
Age 40 and over.

Diminishing deductible
Reduce your deductible by 25% for each consecutive accident-free year, all the way to $0 after the fourth year.

What we offer


Our coverages can include:

Watercraft physical damage insurance protection
Watercraft hull and equipment coverage helps cover repairs or replacement of your PWC if it is damaged or stolen. We offer a range of deductibles and give you options to increase the deductible on your policy for a premium credit.

Agreed value watercraft and equipment
When you purchase physical damage insurance protection with an agreed value settlement option from Markel, you and Markel agree on the value of your PWC. This agreed value is the amount that would be paid out if the PWC is deemed a total loss.

Replacement cost coverage
Available on personal watercraft up to three years of age. We will help pay for a new PWC of the same make, class, size and type in the event of a total loss of the insured PWC, including theft.

Consequential damage
If normal wear and tear or deterioration cause a fire, explosion, sinking, collision or stranding, Markel’s consequential damage coverage can have you covered. Available on every Markel PWC policy, this coverage is not typically found under most traditional homeowners or auto policies.

Ice and freezing damage
If you contracted for a professional winterization service but find that it wasn’t done properly and your engine block froze and cracked, we can cover the damage (provided you contracted with a commercial marina or repair facility).

Watercraft liability
Insurance protection for you and your assets for the costs associated with damages and injuries caused to others. This covers damages for bodily injury or property damage for which you become liable through ownership, maintenance or use of your insured PWC. This includes liability for property damage to another watercraft and injury to a guest passenger, as well as watersport liability coverage (which is important if you pull a skier) at no additional cost.

Medical payments
Helps pay for necessary medical treatment resulting from an accident-causing bodily injury to any person while in, upon boarding or leaving your insured personal watercraft.

Uninsured boater
Unfortunately, not all boaters on the water have insurance. This coverage helps protect you and your family members if you are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured boater. Coverage is automatically included if watercraft liability is purchased.

Emergency towing and assistance
Should your PWC break down on the water, we can cover the reasonable costs you may incur (up to the limit purchased), should you require commercial towing assistance to the nearest place where necessary repairs can be made. Also may be included:

  • Delivery of gas, oil, parts or a loaned battery while away from safe harbor
  • Emergency labor while away from safe harbor

Personal effects
From cameras and smart phones to personal flotation devices, you can lose items while out on the water. Luckily, with our personal effects coverage, you can be covered for the personal belongings aboard your PWC.

Boat lift coverage
Your current homeowner's policy may not cover damage to your boat lift. As boat insurance specialists, we offer coverage for the boat lift you use for your PWC.

  • Frequently asked questions about PWC insurance

    • General questions

      How much coverage do I need?
      Each personal watercraft, person, location and situation is different. There isn't a good way to give a "ballpark" figure for how much coverage you need. It’s best to evaluate your comfortable level of risk when protecting your PWC, assets and passengers. Your best option is to call our marine specialists at +1.800.236.2453 to discuss the best coverage for you.

      Do I have to wear a life jacket to be covered?
      While we don't require you to wear a life jacket to be covered, we strongly recommend it. We've seen far too many cases of serious injury or death that could have been avoided if life jackets had been worn. That's why we encourage our customers to wear their life jackets every time they are on the water.

      Is there a speed restriction for PWC insurance?
      No, we don't have any restrictions for speed on stock PWCs.

      Will a passenger on my PWC be covered?
      Your passenger may be covered under your policy's PWC liability coverage (if you are found legally liable for his or her injuries) and medical payments coverage (if purchased).

      Is anyone I let drive my PWC covered?
      As long as the owner gives permission to another operator to use the insured PWC, they may be covered.

      Is PWC insurance required?
      Some states require PWC insurance (i.e. those states that require minimum liability insurance limits), and some states do not. PWC insurance is often required if you finance or lease your unit by the bank or lending institution.

      Even if PWC insurance isn’t required for your PWC, it’s still a good idea to secure coverage to make sure your PWC (and you) are protected against unforeseen circumstances.

      I store my PWC in winter. Is it still covered in the offseason?
      Our PWC insurance policies are year-long policies, so yes, your PWC may be covered during the winter months when it’s stored. Plus, there’s no lay-up restrictions, so if it’s nice late in the fall season or summer comes early, you can be covered.

    • Claims questions

      How do I file a claim?
      We understand that no one wants to file a claim. That's why we do everything we can to make the process as painless as possible. You may submit your claim online or call us at +1.800.236.2453 and we'll take it from there.

      How long will it take for my claim to be processed?
      We are committed to investigating, evaluating and resolving marine insurance claims in a timely manner.

      Is there anything I can do to help speed up the claim process?
      Yes, you can help streamline the claims and settlement process and avoid delays by providing the following information when you file your claim:

      • Policy number
      • Date, time and location of loss or damage
      • Description of loss or damage
      • Digital photos (if possible)
      • Phone number to reach you

PWC insurance policies as low as $100 per year.*

Get a fast, free online quote today for the insurance protection you deserve and save up to 35% in discounts.

Zip code is required

Or call +1.800.236.2453 to speak with a PWC insurance specialist.

Retrieve a saved quote | Find an agent | I am an agent

Related products

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  • High performance boat

    Coverage for speedboats greater than 26 feet in length and capable of speeds 66 to 120 m.p.h.

  • Yacht

    For watercrafts greater than 26 feet in length, such as a yacht, sailboat, sport fishing boat, trawler or houseboat.

*As of December 2023, the minimum annual premium is $100 and rates could exceed $100 depending on the coverage options selected and value of the PWC to be insured.