Jetski insurance isn't just a legal requirement—it's your safety net on the water. Essential coverage includes liability protection, collision coverage for repairs, comprehensive protection against theft and weather damage, and uninsured boater coverage. Most standard policies miss key PWC-specific risks like trailer coverage, personal effects protection, and on-water towing. Roamly's specialized watercraft insurance fills these gaps with coverage built for weekend warriors and full-time water enthusiasts alike. Don't let your jetski investment become a financial nightmare—get the right coverage before you hit the water.
Jetski insurance requires specialized coverage because personal watercraft face unique risks that traditional boat policies often overlook.
Here's the thing: your jetski isn't just a smaller boat. It's faster, more exposed to theft, and way more likely to get damaged during transport. Traditional boat insurance treats your PWC like a fishing boat that putters around the lake—but that's not how you ride.
Jetski-specific coverage addresses:
Most generic boat policies cap personal watercraft at basic liability and collision. That leaves you exposed when your jetski gets stolen from your driveway or damaged by hail while trailered to the lake.
The U.S. Coast Guard requires specific safety equipment for all personal watercraft, and your insurance should reflect those safety investments with proper coverage for required gear.
Consider substantial liability coverage, comprehensive protection, and collision coverage with a deductible you can afford.
The legal minimum varies by state, but here's what real-world jetski ownership looks like:
Liability Coverage: Consider higher limits than state minimums. A collision with another PWC or swimmer can result in significant medical bills and legal costs. If you're riding in busy areas like Lake Tahoe or the Colorado River, higher coverage limits provide better protection.
Collision Coverage: This covers repairs when you hit a dock, another watercraft, or that submerged log you didn't see coming. Choose a deductible you can afford—typically between $500-$1,000.
Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against theft, vandalism, fire, and weather damage. Given the portable nature of personal watercraft, this coverage is essential.
Uninsured Boater Coverage: Protects you when the other party doesn't have insurance. Essential on busy waterways.
Additional Coverage to Consider:
Standard boat insurance typically excludes trailer coverage, personal effects, and racing activities—three major gaps for PWC owners.
Let's talk about the blind spots in typical coverage:
Trailer Coverage: Your jetski spends more time on the trailer than in the water. Road debris, accidents, and parking lot damage aren't covered under basic watercraft policies. You need specific trailer coverage that follows your PWC from home to launch.
Personal Effects: Your gear, safety equipment, and personal items can represent a significant investment. Standard policies often provide limited coverage for personal property—potentially insufficient for serious riders with extensive equipment.
Racing and Competition: Love those weekend races? Most standard policies exclude coverage during organized events. You need specialized racing coverage or at minimum, a policy that doesn't void during sanctioned competitions.
Modifications and Accessories: Aftermarket parts, performance upgrades, and custom accessories often aren't covered under standard policies. If you've invested in upgrades, make sure they're specifically listed and covered.
Seasonal Storage: Off-season storage brings unique risks—theft, vandalism, and weather damage. Not all policies cover stored watercraft adequately. For comprehensive guidance on watercraft insurance considerations, the Insurance Information Institute provides detailed coverage information that applies to personal watercraft owners.
Your insurance pays out for covered losses minus your deductible, but exclusions and policy limits can significantly impact your claim.
Here's when you're covered (and when you're not):
Covered Scenarios:
Common Exclusions:
Example Claim Scenarios:
The key is understanding your policy's actual cash value vs. agreed value coverage. Depreciation can significantly impact your payout on older models.
Bundling your jetski with boat, RV, or other recreational vehicle insurance can provide savings while ensuring consistent coverage across all your recreational vehicles.
Smart bundling strategies:
Multi-Watercraft Discounts: If you own a boat and jetski, bundle them under one marine policy. You'll get consistent coverage terms and potential savings.
RV and Toy Package: Many weekend warriors tow their jetski with an RV. Roamly's specialized RV insurance packages cover both, with shared deductibles and coordinated coverage limits.
Seasonal Flexibility: Bundle policies that understand your usage patterns. Maybe your jetski is active April-October while your RV runs May-September. Your insurance should flex with your adventures.
Shared Liability Limits: Higher umbrella limits protect all your recreational vehicles without duplicating coverage. One $1M liability limit can cover your jetski, boat, and RV.
Trailer Coordination: When your jetski trailer is covered under your PWC policy but your boat trailer is separate, claims can get complicated. Unified coverage simplifies everything.
Don't let a perfect day on the water turn into a financial nightmare. Jetski insurance isn't just about meeting legal requirements—it's about protecting your investment and your peace of mind.
Roamly's specialized watercraft coverage understands how you actually use your PWC. We cover the gaps that standard policies miss, with flexible terms that fit your adventurous lifestyle.
Ready to get covered? Get your personalized jetski insurance quote in under 3 minutes. Because the only thing better than a perfect day on the water is knowing you're fully protected while you're out there.
Roamly Insurance Group, LLC ("Roamly") is a licensed general agent for affiliated and non-affiliated insurance companies. Roamly is licensed as an agency in all states in which products are offered. Availability and qualification for coverage, terms, rates, and discounts may vary by jurisdiction. We do not in any way imply that the materials on the site or products are available in jurisdictions in which we are not licensed to do business or that we are soliciting business in any such jurisdiction. Coverage under your insurance policy is subject to the terms and conditions of that policy and is ultimately the decision of the buyer.
Policies provided by Roamly are underwritten by Spinnaker Insurance Company, Progressive Insurance Company, Safeco Insurance, Foremost Insurance Company, National General Insurance, Allstate Insurance Company, Mobilitas Insurance Company, Lyndon Southern Insurance Company and others.