Boat Insurance for Fort Lauderdale and South Florida

Living in South Florida means living near the water, and for many of us, living on it. Whether you own a fishing boat, a weekend cruiser, a jet ski, or a sailboat, proper marine insurance isn't optional. Your homeowners policy provides little to no coverage for watercraft, and the risks on South Florida's busy waterways are real.

At Sentinel Insurance, we work with carriers that specialize in marine coverage. That means policies designed for the way South Floridians actually use their boats: year-round operation, hurricane season storage, trips to the Bahamas, and everything in between.

What Boat Insurance Covers

Hull, Motors & Machinery

Covers physical damage to your vessel: collision, grounding, fire, theft, vandalism. Choose agreed value or actual cash value.

Liability Protection

Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others on the water. Critical on busy waterways like the Intracoastal.

Uninsured Boater

Covers you if you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured boater, similar to uninsured motorist coverage on your auto policy.

Towing & Assistance

Covers on-water towing and emergency assistance. Getting towed back to port can easily cost $300–$500+ per hour without coverage.

Personal Effects

Covers equipment and belongings aboard: fishing gear, electronics, dive equipment, water sports gear.

Hurricane Haul-Out

Covers the cost of emergency haul-out and storage when a named storm threatens. Essential for South Florida boat owners.

Add Umbrella Coverage for Complete Protection

A serious boating accident can result in liability claims that exceed your boat insurance limits. A personal umbrella policy extends your protection by $1 million or more — and most umbrella policies include coverage for watercraft liability.

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South Florida Boating Considerations

Hurricane Season Coverage

Hurricane season runs June through November, and your boat is at risk whether it's in the water or on land. Most marine policies include named storm coverage, but deductibles are often higher during hurricane season. We'll make sure you understand your hurricane deductible and have a haul-out plan in place before the season starts.

Navigation Limits

Your policy's navigation limits define where you're covered to operate. Standard South Florida policies typically cover coastal waters and the Bahamas. If you plan trips to the Keys, the Gulf Coast, or Caribbean, make sure your navigation limits reflect that. We'll set up your policy to match how you actually use your boat.

Agreed Value vs. Actual Cash Value

This is the most important decision in your boat policy. Agreed value policies pay the full insured amount in a total loss — no depreciation. Actual cash value policies deduct depreciation, which can leave you significantly underwater (no pun intended) on a total loss claim. We almost always recommend agreed value for South Florida boat owners.

Boat Insurance FAQ

Does my homeowners insurance cover my boat?
Very minimally. Most homeowners policies provide only $1,000–$1,500 in coverage for small watercraft and exclude liability entirely. Any boat with a motor over 25hp typically needs its own marine insurance policy.
Do I need insurance for a jet ski?
Florida doesn't legally require jet ski insurance, but we strongly recommend it. Jet skis are involved in a disproportionate number of watercraft accidents, and liability claims can be significant. A standalone PWC policy is typically very affordable.
What does agreed value mean?
Agreed value means you and the insurance carrier agree on the boat's value upfront. In a total loss, you receive that full amount — no depreciation. This is different from actual cash value, which deducts depreciation and can leave you with significantly less than what you paid.
Is my boat covered during hurricane season?
Most policies cover named storms, but the hurricane deductible is typically higher than your standard deductible. Make sure you understand both deductibles and have a haul-out plan. Some carriers require you to haul out when a storm warning is issued.