Kansas Boat Insurance
Find the right boat insurance policy for you.
Written by
Ann Herro has been writing about insurance and employee benefits for over 15 years. She has covered topics as easy as insuring a car, and as difficult as transparency in healthcare costs.
Kansas offers some of the best water recreation found anywhere. The Sunflower State features more than 150 lakes, 10,000 stream miles, and 55,000 ponds, making the state attractive to boaters of all walks of life.
As the demand for recreational use of Kansas' waters increases, it becomes more important for boaters to be safe, knowledgeable and responsible. Part of that responsibility includes obtaining boat insurance on your craft.
Before you search for boat insurance quotes, however, there are several factors to consider.
Use our independent agent matching system to find the best insurance plan in your area. You tell us what you’re looking for, and our technology will recommend the best agents for you. Any information you provide will be sent to only the agents you pick. We do not sell to third parties.
Save on Boat Insurance
Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.
Kansas Boating Regulations
Kansas law mandates:
- All boats powered by gasoline, diesel, electric motors, or sail must be registered.
- Sailboards and personal watercraft are considered boats.
- Nonresidents using boats that are properly registered in another state may use their boats for up to 60 consecutive days without registering them in Kansas.
- Both instate and out-of-state boats must have their Certificate of Number on board at all times.
- Boats that are required to be registered must be properly registered before they are operated.
- A person under 12 years of age cannot operate a motorboat, including PWCs, unless accompanied and under the direct supervision of a parent or other person over 17 years of age.
- Any person born on or after Jan. 1, 1989 must complete an approved boater safety education course in order to operate a motorboat, PWC, or sailboat on public waters in Kansas.
The Risks of Boating in Kansas
According to the U.S. Coast Guard:
- There were 27 boating accidents in 2012 alone on Kansas waters.
- Two people were killed in 2012 as a result of boating accidents.
- In 2012 alone, 12 people were seriously injured during boating accidents.
- Among those crashes, 13 involved property damage, resulting in a total of more than $113,000 in damages.
- The average boating accident in Kansas causes more than $8,000 in damages.
Why is Boat Insurance Important?
Boats can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars for a small fishing boat, to hundreds of thousands of dollars for a large, luxury water craft. Regardless of how much you pay for your boat, it is no doubt an investment you intend on enjoying for years to come. A single accident without proper boat insurance protection can dock your boat and your recreational plans indefinitely.
There is also a danger of being sued in Kansas courts by another boater, swimmer or property owner, should your boat cause them injury or damage. A comprehensive boat insurance policy would protect your finances and assets from being garnished as part of a lawsuit, and can even help pay your legal fees and court costs.
Can I Find Boat Insurance for My Particular Craft?
Kansas state law categorizes boats in four ways:
- Class A: less than 16 feet in length
- Class I: over 16 feet and less than 26 feet in length
- Class II: over 26 feet and less than 40 feet in length
- Class III: 40 feet and over in length
Chances are, you can find boat insurance for you craft if it falls into any of these four classes. These boats include, but are not limited to:
- Fishing boats
- Pontoons
- Bass boats
- Ski boats
- Racing boats
- Houseboats
- Yachts
What Does Boat Insurance Cover?
Most Kansas insurance providers will offer the following coverage options as part of your boat insurance policy:
- Collision damage: Covers repairs or replacement of your boat, should it collide with another boat, dock or other structure.
- Property damage liability: Covers damage your boat may cause to another boater or their property.
- Bodily injury liability: Covers any costs another person faces should you injure them while operating your boat.
- Comprehensive: Provides compensation if your boat is damaged by a severe weather event, vandalism or theft.
- Additional coverage options: Some Kansas insurance providers offer additional options that cover fishing equipment, oil spills, personal property and roadside assistance, as well as damages and injuries from accidents caused by boaters who are uninsured or underinsured.
Save on Boat Insurance
Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.
What Will My Boat Insurance Quote Look Like?
Insurance companies in Kansas take several things into account when they calculate your quote, including:
- The type, size, and age of the boat you wish to insure
- The size and power of your boat's motor
- How you intend on using your boat
In general, boat insurance quotes can range anywhere from as little as $75, to as much as $500, per year.
Insurance companies also offer a number of discounts on your premium quote. You may find lower quotes if you only intend on using your boat during the summer months, if you have completed a boater safety course, or if you bundle your boat insurance with your car or homeowners insurance policy.
It's always a good idea to find several quotes from different insurance providers so you can be certain you have found the best rates. Always ask your insurance agent if you qualify for any discounts.
How Can I Find Boat Insurance?
As captain of your vessel, you want to be sure your boat is covered in the case of an accident and that you are protected in the event of a lawsuit. Knowledgeable independent insurance agents on the Trusted Choice network are always here to answer any questions you may have, suggest coverage options that best suit your boat, and even assist you in filing a claim. These agents have years of experience working with Kansas insurance providers, enabling them to find you a number of quotes from a variety of companies, ensuring you only receive those with the best coverage at the most affordable rates.
Contact a Trusted Choice agent near you to find out how your boat and its captain can be protected with a boat insurance policy that meets your needs and budget.