Boat Insurance in Ontario - Relaxed and Worry‑Free on the Water

Whether you cruise, fish, sail, or tow wake, we'll tailor coverage for you, your passengers, and your watercraft-from runabouts and PWCs to sailboats and cruisers.

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Quick facts

  • Navigation limits & lay‑up periods affect coverage.
  • Agreed Value can help after a total loss on newer boats.
  • Keep maintenance logs; some claims require proof of upkeep.
Quote checklist
  • VIN/Hull #, year, make/model, length/beam
  • Engine type/HP (single/twin), fuel, trailer info
  • Purchase date/value; desired Agreed Value (if applicable)
  • Navigation area & lay‑up dates; mooring/storage location
  • Owner/operator experience & training (PCOC, courses)
  • Safety gear (extinguishers, flares, VHF, detectors)
  • Prior claims/surveys; additional equipment & tenders

Boat types we insure

Power

  • Small runabouts & trailerable boats
  • Tournament ski/wake boats
  • Jet drive & aluminum jet vessels
  • Bass boats & fishing rigs
  • Pontoons & deck boats
  • Express & cabin cruisers
  • Trawlers & motor yachts
  • Personal watercraft (PWC)

Sail

  • Monohull sailboats
  • Multihull/trimaran/catamaran
  • Trailer‑sailers & daysailers

Specialty & Classic

  • Antique/Classic boats
  • Unique builds (by review)
  • Tenders & dinghies

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What policies generally include

Navigational area

Know where you're covered. Markets we work with offer flexible navigation-from Ontario inland lakes to Canadian coasts, U.S. coastal waters, and even select blue‑water/offshore voyages (where eligible). We'll match the wording to your plans.

Agreed Value (for newer boats)

Unlike Actual Cash Value, Agreed Value settles a covered total loss at the value listed on your policy (minus deductible). Availability varies by age/value and underwriting.

Liability - Protection & Indemnity (P&I)

Helps protect you if you're legally responsible for injury or property damage on the water. May include defense costs, salvage liability, and damage to others' property (limits vary).

Medical payments

Helps with medical expenses for you and your passengers (and often water‑skiers/tubers) after a covered accident, regardless of fault. Typical limits start around $5,000.

Physical damage - hull, machinery & trailer

Helps repair or replace your boat, engines, permanently attached equipment, and trailer if stolen or damaged by a covered cause of loss.

Uninsured/Underinsured watercraft bodily injury

If an uninsured or underinsured boater injures you, this coverage can help with treatment, lost income, and related costs (limits vary by market).

Pollution / spill liability & wreck removal

If your vessel sinks or is seriously damaged, you could be responsible for fuel/oil cleanup and wreck removal. Many marine policies address these exposures-ask about limits and conditions.

Personal effects

Coverage for items like foul‑weather gear, bedding, linens, and sporting gear kept on board (special limits apply; diving gear and fishing equipment may need separate limits or scheduling).

Unattached equipment

Items designed primarily for use on a boat but not permanently attached-e.g., life‑saving gear, anchors, oars, skis, extinguishers, tarps-subject to limits.

Emergency towing & assistance

Helps cover reasonable towing costs to the nearest repair facility and certain emergency services (per policy wording).

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Common options & add‑ons

  • Trailer coverage/roadside specifics
  • Fishing gear & electronics higher limits
  • Rental reimbursement / loss of use
  • Navigation extensions (seasonal trips, offshore)
  • Higher liability limits (or umbrella coordination)
  • Agreed Value beyond standard eligibility (by review)

Availability varies by insurer and vessel type. We'll show you the trade‑offs so you can choose confidently.

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Top claims & prevention

Common claims

  • Hitting an underwater object
  • Collision with another boat
  • Storm damage (wind/lightning)
  • Theft (afloat or in storage)
  • Vandalism (break‑ins; personal effects)
  • Theft of dinghy & outboard

Prevention tips

  • Use updated charts; keep a sharp lookout; slow in shallows.
  • Complete a recognized boating course; practice close‑quarters handling.
  • Secure covers & loose items; haul out or double‑line ahead of storms.
  • Harden targets: quality locks, trailer coupler locks, remove valuables.
  • Record HIN/engine serials; photograph equipment; store spares out of sight.
  • Lock tenders/outboards; use cables and engine locks.

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Boat insurance - FAQs

Do I need a survey?

Surveys are common for older, larger, or higher‑value vessels, or after modifications. We can tell you if your chosen market requires one and what type.

What about lay‑up periods and winter storage?

Many policies specify dates when the boat must be laid up (not navigated). Tell us your planned season so the wording matches how you use the boat.

Can I insure trips outside my normal navigation area?

Often yes-by endorsement or temporary extension. Let us know your itinerary well in advance.

Are there discounts for training and safety?

Recognized boating courses and clean experience may help. Having required safety equipment and good maintenance records is always wise.

Can I rent out my boat?

Most pleasure‑use policies exclude rentals. Commercial/peer‑to‑peer charters require different wordings-ask us before listing.

How do I choose an insured value?

Start with current market value including permanently installed equipment and typical gear. For Agreed Value eligibility, we may request a purchase invoice and/or recent survey.

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Helpful boat insurance links

  • Canadian Coast Guard
  • Sail Canada
  • CanBoat (Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons)
  • Boating equipment & supplies
  • Transport Canada
  • Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)

Add official URLs or resources you trust; we'll link them in your site navigation or this section.

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Approved surveyors (for your convenience)

L.D. Dermody Insurance does not endorse or guarantee these services. This list is provided solely as a convenience to our clients.

Location Name / Firm Phone Email
Consecon Raymond Toth - Swiftsure 613-921-8331 office@swiftsure.ca
Barrie Michael B. Downer - Marine Insurance Services 705-728-7437 downer@marineinsuranceservices.com
Caledon Brian Baxter - Baxter Marine Services Inc. 519-941-6323 info@baxter-marine-services.com
Cobourg Ian M. White - Marine Surveyor 613-483-0393 ianmwhite@bell.net
Erieau Craig D. Morley - AquaFacts Marine Surveyors 519-768-3438 aquafacts@gmail.com
Grand Bend Murray Willits - Murray's Marine Surveying & Consulting 519-670-9183 mwillic397@rogers.com
Kemptville Stephen W. Leake - SWL Consultants 613-258-9953 swlcons@earthlink.net
London Murray Willits - Murray's Marine Surveying & Consulting 519-670-0183 mwillic397@rogers.com
Mississauga Wallace Gouk - Port Credit Marine Surveys 416-526-3845 boatpoker@gmail.com
Mississauga Dan McDonald - McDonald Marine Surveys Inc. 416-670-1160 dan@mcdonaldmarinesurveys.com
Niagara-on-the-Lake John VanderPerk - VanderPerk Marine Services, Inc. 905-468-2814 johnvanderperk@gmail.com
Orillia David Buchanan - Buchanan Marine Appraisal Services Ltd. 705-327-7870 david@buchananmarineappraisal.ca
Rosseau George Bridle - Bluewater Marine Surveying 705-938-0088 george@bluewatermarinesurveys.ca
St. Catharines Peter Bennett - Bennett Marine Survey 905-687-1918 pejabe@gmail.com
Whitby Adam Bishop - Bishop Marine Service Ltd. 416-346-5003 info@bishopmarinesurvey.com
Windsor Terry Scott - Lakeshore Marine Services 519-562-3600 (no email provided)

Ready for a personalized boat insurance quote?
Talk to a Dermody marine advisor. We'll match your vessel, navigation plans, and budget to the right policy and wordings.

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