As a boat owner you’ve carefully insured your craft – but are you certain your total investment is protected?
Key Takeaways
• Boat lifts are often not automatically covered under typical boat or dock policies, so separate coverage may be needed.
• “Exposure” is a major factor in how coverage is evaluated, which makes location and risk profile important.
• The key action is checking your current policies early, then closing gaps before a failure, storm, or accident forces a costly surprise.
We encourage every boat owner to check the specifics of your insurance policies— most do not include the boat lift itself and you may need to purchase this separately.
Standard boat coverage usually applies to watercraft with motors, fishing boats, pontoons, leisure craft, and yachts and it may cover collision damage, property damage liability, bodily injury liability, or comprehensive for your boat. You’ll find that it does not usually include PWCs or small watercraft.
Boat lifts are also not covered under the typical boat and boat dock protection policies. In case of extreme circumstances or dock failure, it is important that you purchase insurance separately for your lift. Exposure is the single biggest factor when determining insurance coverage. Before purchasing separate coverage, check your homeowner’s insurance.
FAQs
Q: Are boat lifts usually covered by insurance automatically?
A: Often they are not, and many owners need separate coverage depending on how the lift is classified. The safest move is to confirm with your insurer in writing, so you’re not guessing when something goes wrong.
Q: What does “exposure” mean in this context?
A: It generally refers to the level of risk from weather, storms, wave action, and where the lift sits. Higher exposure can mean higher premiums or stricter coverage terms, so location and conditions matter.
Q: What should I do before buying a lift to avoid insurance problems later?
A: Review your homeowner’s and dock related coverage and ask specifically how a boat lift would be treated. If coverage is limited, you can explore a rider or separate policy before installation so the investment is protected.
