Boat Insurance Requirements in Vermont

With dozens of scenic state parks, hundreds of lakes and thousands of miles of rivers, Vermont offers abundant opportunities for boaters to enjoy time out on the water. Vermont is home to hundreds of boat owners who use their vessels for fishing, sightseeing and many other activities.

Just to skim the surface, some of Vermont’s most iconic boating destinations include:

• Lake Champlain
• Lake Bomoseen
• Lake Willoughby
• Silver Lake
• Lake St. Catherine
• Ottauquechee River
• Winooski River
• White River
• Mad River
• Connecticut River

With these and hundreds more beautiful bodies of water, the Green Mountain State is a boater’s paradise. 

Boating on the waters of Vermont can be an idyllic and safe experience, provided that proper precautions are taken. With statistics like 2-6 boating accidents occurring in Vermont every year, it’s important to consider the benefits of boat insurance, whether you’re a beginner or experienced boat owner.

Explore this overview of boat insurance, regulations and safety to make the most of your time boating in the Green Mountain State. 

Is Boat Insurance Required in Vermont?

Boat insurance is not a legal requirement for boaters in Vermont. To drive your boat legally in the state, you need to:

• Register your boat.
• Obtain a Boat Safety Certificate (if you were born in 1974 or later).
• Carry your boater education card (if you were born in 1974 or later).

The Boat Safety Certificate equates to a boating license in Vermont. Obtaining it requires an 80% score on the exam after completing your boater education course. The boater education card is evidence that you have obtained this certification. 

Individuals aged 12 and above can operate small boats under 6 horsepower, but you must be at least 16 years old to operate more powerful boats and personal watercraft.

While the state does not require boat insurance by law, private entities in Vermont may have boat insurance requirements under certain circumstances. For example:

• If you finance the purchase of your boat, the lender may require you to insure it.
• Some private marina owners may require proof of insurance for you to use their facilities.

Why Should I Insure My Boat?

If you take proper precautions and complete your boater safety education, you can enjoy the water while averting most risks. At the same time, there are unpredictable factors like the behavior of others, less cautious boaters and the effects of weather. Accidents happen, and repairs can be costly. 

Most boat owners should consider at least basic boat insurance coverage. While not a legal requirement, boat insurance is a valuable asset for any boater, helping cover the costs of an accident so you can get back out on the water. 

What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

Vermont boat insurance policies vary in what they cover. For many, liability insurance is the essential starting point. However, it could be wise to invest in more extensive coverage depending on your needs.

There are many unique policies to compare, but most watercraft coverage policies fall under these types:

• Liability coverage: Pays for expenses you incur if you cause an accident while driving your boat that damages someone else’s property. This can cover the other person’s property repair or replacement, medical costs and other expenses.
• Property coverage: Covers repairs after accidents such as collisions. Some policies may cover your boat for theft, too. The coverage could be based on the actual cash value of your boat, adjusting for depreciation. Alternatively, it could cover an agreed-upon amount based on the valuation of your boat when you purchase the coverage.
• Medical payments coverage: Helps with medical expenses such as hospital bills or medications if you or your passengers are injured in a boating accident.
• Uninsured watercraft coverage: Compensates you for medical costs and other damages if you are injured in an accident caused by another boater who is not insured.
• Comprehensive coverage: The extent of comprehensive policies vary. They cover you for collisions but could include several items above and may also cover incidents like theft or vandalism.

Beyond these, there are additional kinds of boating coverage that you could consider, including: 

• Trailer coverage
• On-water towing coverage
• Fuel spill liability coverage
• Salvage coverage to recover or move your boat
• Consequential damage coverage for wear, such as mold and corrosion
• Coverage for accessories, unattached equipment or personal items
• Temporary cruising extension coverage for boating outside Vermont or the U.S.

With so many options, it’s best to shop around. Do your research and consider consulting with an insurance expert to put together the coverage that best suits your needs.

What Does Boat Insurance Cost in Vermont?

The average monthly premium for boat insurance in Vermont is $23. Compared to many other states, Vermont is a low-cost state for boat insurance. 

Factors that contribute to this low average include:

• The state’s inland location
• Vermont’s shorter boating season compared to warmer states further south
• Less risk due to lake boating, which generally involves smaller boats and fewer risks than ocean trips from coastal locations

Vermont boat insurance costs vary depending on factors such as:

• The type and extent of your insurance coverage
• Your boat’s size, type and age
• Your boat’s value
• Your cruising area, or the locations where you go boating 
• Your formal boating safety training and certification
• Your driving records on the water and the road
• Your liability limit — you pay more for a higher limit
• Your deductible — you pay higher premiums for a lower deductible and vice versa
• Where and how you park your boat
• Where and how you store your boat
• Other risk factors your insurance provider evaluates
• Any discounts your provider offers

All of these variables mean that the best way to know what boat insurance will cost you is to research and compare quotes for the coverage you want. It’s important to consider your boating habits, needs and priorities when choosing your coverage. The best solution for you may involve paying more or less than the average. 

How Can I Pay Less for Boat Insurance in Vermont?

Whether you’re looking for the best deal on your first boat insurance coverage or want to reduce what you’re currently paying, here are 10 tips to help you pay less for boat insurance:

1. Compare quotes: Shop around and compare quotes from different providers. Make sure you have a good sense of your options to make an informed decision. Some providers will even negotiate if you come back to them with evidence that a competitor is offering a cheaper rate for comparable coverage. 
2. Maintain your boat: Regular maintenance makes your boat safer to operate, slows depreciation and shows your insurance provider that you look after your vessel. All of these factors can help you score more favorable premiums.
3. Embrace inland: Boating in Vermont offers the advantage of cruising the safer inland waterways of rivers and lakes. Making the most of these areas — rather than open water boating in other locations — helps mitigate risks and keep your premiums low.
4. Dock in safety: The more secure your boat is when moored, the more favorable for lower insurance premiums. You can consider dry docking in a secure storage space, docking in a private marina with 24-hour surveillance or using your own private dock at your waterfront property. If choosing the last option, take additional security measures to demonstrate that your boat is as safe as possible.
5. Earn certifications: Some insurers offer discounts for completing safety courses or having a certified marine surveyor inspect the boat. 
6. Furnish for safety: Some providers offer discounts if you have safety features like fire extinguishers, life jackets, tracking devices and navigation tools. Even with a discount, these tools can reduce your likelihood of accidents and mitigate damage. Keeping a good safety record will secure better premiums over time.
7. Ask about discounts: Ask your current or prospective provider about discounts they offer. For example, you may get a discount by having multiple policies, such as home, car and boat insurance, with the same provider. Some providers also award discounts for keeping your boat in storage during winter, automating your payments or achieving a certain number of years without accidents or watercraft violations.
8. Choose your claims: If there is an incident with minor damage, consider paying out-of-pocket rather than claiming. Typically, more frequent claims result in increased premiums. It could be to your long-term advantage to cover small expenses if possible.
9. Store off-season: Storing your boat during the off-season could open up an arrangement to only pay for insurance during the months you use the boat, or reduced premiums year-round to account for seasonal needs. 
10. Pay on time: Consistent, correct payments build credibility with your provider and help you avoid penalties or increased premiums as a result of late or missed payments. Consider automating your insurance premium payments.

Safety Tips for Boating in Vermont

Observing a few simple safety guidelines can reduce the risk of boating accidents. These protocols will help you keep a clean record for favorable premiums. More importantly, they will keep you, your passengers and your boat safe to sail another day:

1. Stay alert: Vermont’s glassy mountain lakes are a placid setting for a relaxing day out. Enjoy the calm, but maintain awareness of the environment, the weather, your boat and other boaters.
2. Study up: Ensure you’ve completed your boater safety course with certification. Schedule regular reviews of regulations and safety guidelines to keep the information you need to know fresh in your mind.
3. Check equipment: Test all safety equipment and examine the boat for any damage before leaving the dock.
4. Wear life jackets: Everyone on your boat, including you, should always wear a life jacket. Life jackets have earned their name, and even the strongest swimmers should always have one on while boating.
5. Watch the weather: Check the forecast before going out, and have a plan if it turns. Watch out for gusts and choppy waters that can indicate an upcoming storm.
6. Sail sober: Alcohol reduces alertness, slows reaction time and impairs judgment. Never go boating while under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Much like drinking and driving, drinking and boating should not mix.
7. Swim with caution: Swimming while out with your boat is a fun pastime for everyone. Just be sure you consider all safety factors, including your swimming ability and overall health, the water temperature and the depth of the water in any given spot. There could also be potential threats from wildlife or bacteria in the water to keep in mind. Always have a strong swimming buddy with you and swim in pairs.
8. Be prepared: Boaters should expect the best, but be prepared for anything. Know essential first aid skills, make sure there is a first aid kit on board and have a plan to call or signal for help if necessary.

Protect Your Boat With the EZ BoatPort®

Keeping your boat safe and well-maintained is essential to securing the most favorable premiums and maximizing your peace of mind while on the water. At EZ Dock, we offer a range of durable, low-maintenance and eco-friendly products for your dock, including floating docks, boat lifts and the EZ BoatPort®.

The EZ BoatPort provides a simple, stable drive-on, drive-off docking solution. Like all EZ Dock products, the EZ BoatPort is made to last with little to no maintenance. It requires no repainting and resists rough waters and harsh weather while remaining free from damage or rot. For added peace of mind, the EZ BoatPort comes with an industry-leading 10-year warranty.

Our designs and materials provide durable protection extending beyond the dock to give your boat a longer life. We help keep your boat drier and safer for longer by keeping damage and decay from water and weather at bay. EZ Dock is a floating dock solution for a safer boat that gives you more hours, days and years to make memories on the water.

Ready to return from a day out on the water? The EZ BoatPort makes docking a simple, seamless experience for new or seasoned boaters. Adjustable and removable bunks can accommodate hull shapes from deep-Vs to flat-bottoms, welcoming your boat home no matter its shape.

Other features of the EZ BoatPort include:

• Self-floating chambers that adapt to water levels
• Can be used in as little as 2 feet of water
• Compatible with existing fixed or floating docks
• No cranking, winching or hoisting

Shop EZ Dock Today

At EZ Dock, our range of customizable configurations allows you to create the safe, accessible docking solution you need for easy cleaning, maintenance and security. And that’s exactly what you and your insurance provider want for your boat. 

Browse our products online or find your nearest EZ Dock distributor to discuss the perfect custom docking solution for you.