When you’re floating on the water in a kayak, taking in the sun and enjoying the summer, it’s easy to leave all your worries behind. But accidents can still happen—and they can be costly. Before you hit the water, make sure your kayaks and canoes are completely insured, so you can have peace of mind while finding peace on the water. You may assume your existing insurance coverage covers your kayak, but that may not always be the case.

What do you need to know about insuring your kayak? We give you the run down on kayaks and canoes below.

Your kayak may be covered by your homeowners insurance.  

Most standard homeowners insurance will cover watercrafts and accessories valued under $1,500 and under 26 feet, like kayaks, canoes, row boats, and small sailboats. Keep in mind that the $1,500 limit includes accessories like paddles, life jackets, skirts, and other equipment.

These generally fall under your contents coverage. In order to ensure your watercraft is covered, make sure you list your kayak on your home inventory and discuss that you need coverage for such an item with your insurance agent.

Wondering if your homeowners insurance covers your kayak or canoe? Call one of our insurance advisors at (844) 824-2887 to review your policy and add your kayak to your policy as a scheduled item if necessary.

If the kayak is covered under your homeowners insurance, it is usually covered wherever you bring it. That means it’s covered for named perils at home, in transit, on vacation, or on the water. Some insurers will exclude some areas or locations, like international waters or certain dangerous bodies of water.

Perils usually covered by your homeowners insurance:

  • Theft
  • Fire
  • Lightening
  • Explosion
  • Physical damage

Homeowners insurance usually excludes water backup, war, nuclear hazard, and ice. It might also include uncovered perils if it’s in the home during damage. For example, if you don’t have flood insurance and your kayak is damaged in a flood in your home, your insurance company likely won’t pay you out for the kayak.

Expensive kayaks usually require a rider.

If your kayak or canoe (and associated accessories) costs more than $1,500, your insurer will usually require a rider for supplemental coverage. Basically, you’ll need to itemize the kayak on a supplemental policy. You may pay a small premium on top of your contents coverage.

In these cases, the coverage is typically “value based.” This means the policyholder (you) and your insurer determine the appropriate value of the kayak and associated accessories. You’d likely present them with receipts of purchase and the insurer might do an appraisal. In the case of a claim, you would be paid out that agreed-upon cost.

This is similar to how you might insure other limit-based valuables, like jewelry and fine art. Learn more about insuring valuables under your homeowners insurance here.

Generally, scheduling an item on your homeowners insurance will provide the best coverage for that item. Review your current coverage with an insurance advisorsat (844) 824-2887 to learn more about scheduled items.

Kayaks increase liability.

Even professional kayakers can run into liability issues on and off the water. You’re responsible for any damage or injury your kayak causes, even if you aren’t using it at the time. For example, if you lend your kayak to a friend and they get injured while using it, you’re actually held responsible for their damages.

Things can happen—even in a small watercraft. You might accidentally run your kayak into the side of a boat, causing a dent that lets in water and sinks both boats. Or you could run into another kayaker, which causes them to capsize and break their wrist. 

Homeowners insurance typically will not cover kayak-related liability. In rare cases, boat insurance might cover kayak liability, but only if agreed-upon with your insurer.

Most often, you’ll want to look into an umbrella policy to cover your liability out on the water. Umbrella policies typically protect you from most types of liability, which can include kayaks. Umbrella policies have high limits, ranging from 1 to 5 million dollars, so you should be fully protected with minimal cost. 

Consult one of our expert insurance advisors to learn more about how to protect your liability when kayaking by giving us a call at (844) 824-2887.

Learn more about umbrella policies with the following resources:

The Bottom Line

Kayaking might not seem like a huge hazard, but even one small incident can ruin your summertime fun. If your kayak is stolen, sinks, or damages another party, you could be looking at a large out-of-pocket expense if you don’t know how your insurance coverage works with your kayak.

Insuring your kayak is as easy as a phone call. Talk to your insurance agent to list your kayak and accessories on your home inventory or to get a supplemental rider. You’ll also want to discuss purchasing an umbrella policy, if you don’t already have one, so you’re fully protected from liability, on and off the water.

 

Make sure you’ve got the best coverage at a price that works for you. Call an insurance advisor today at (844) 824-2887 to review your current coverage for your kayak and other summer toys. We’ll help you find the coverage you need at a cost you’ll love.

Not by the phone? Request a quote online:

 

 

InsuraMatch is a national independent insurance agency that works with leading national and regional insurers to help our customers find the right insurance. Offering a wide range of property and casualty insurance products, our expert insurance advisors will take the time to learn about your needs and can help you find auto, home, renters, boat, umbrella insurance and more. Give us a call today to find your match!