- Increase Font
- Decrease Font
- Highlight Links
- Regular Font
Talk to a Boat Insurance Expert Now!
1-866-860-1958
British Columbia Boat Insurance
Let Western get you covered on the water in beautiful B.C.!
All You Need to Know About B.C. Boat Insurance
When you get boat insurance in B.C., it protects your boat and its motor, boating equipment, and boating accessories like lifejackets, GPS, and depth sounders, among many other items.
Liability insurance for your B.C. boat helps protect you financially if you injure or cause the death of someone or cause damage to another person’s boat or property while you’re operating your boat.
It’s recommended that you have $3 million in liability insurance coverage as part of your marine insurance policy to protect yourself as a boat owner in British Columbia.
Your Property
Marine insurance helps protect your personal items and your passengers’ personal items and water toys while you’re on board against insured risks such as damage and theft.
If you’re a B.C. boater, you don’t want a mishap or an accident to be part of your boating trip. Make sure you’re protected on the water with boat insurance.
What kind of boats does Western Financial Group’s B.C. boat insurance cover?
- Personal watercraft
Boat on the most beautiful lakes in British Columbia
- Kalamalka Lake (Vernon)
- Joffre Lakes (Pemberton)
- Cultus Lake (Chiliwack)
- Green Lake (70 Mile House)
- Okanagan Lake (Kelowna)
- Sproat Lake (Vancouver Island)
- Lake O’Hara (Yoho National Park)
- Christina Lake (Grand Forks)
- Clearwater Lake (Wells Grey)
- Kootenay Lake (Kaslo)
- Ruby Lake (Sunshine Coast)
- Boya Lake (Ta Ch’ila Provincial Park)
Is boat insurance mandatory in British Columbia?
No, boat insurance is not mandatory in B.C. Your lender may ask that your boat be insured as a condition of financing your boat. If you are mooring at a marina, you may be required to carry a certain amount of liability insurance.
Do I have to take a boating safety course in B.C?
Yes, you do. If you operate a power-driven boat in Canada, you need proof of competency to show you understand the basic rules of boating and how to safely operate a boat. The most common proof of competency is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). You can get the card by taking a boating safety course in-person or online and passing the test at the end of the course.
Do I need to winterize my boat if I have boat insurance in B.C.?
Most boat insurance policies require winterization as a condition of coverage. Failing to winterize your boat may result in a loss of coverage or denial of claims related to damage that could have been prevented through proper winterization.
What is the difference between agreed value and actual cash value?
If you choose an agreed value policy, your boat insurance provider agrees to honour the value of your boat at the time the boat policy was written. That is the amount you will receive if you have a total loss. There is usually a time limit for agreed value coverage.
An actual cash value policy on your B.C. boat insurance will pay you the replacement cost of the boat in the event of a loss. Depreciation, damage, and wear and tear are factored into the actual cash value you will receive.
Does boat insurance cover trailering my boat?
Typically, a marine insurance policy will cover physical damage to your boat while it’s being trailered and your car insurance policy will cover liability losses. For example, if you are trailering your boat and a vehicle rear-ends your boat and damages it, the marine policy will respond. If your trailer side swipes a motorist, causing damage to their vehicle, your car policy would typically deal with it.
How can I save on boat insurance?
You can choose a higher deductible for your B.C. boat insurance. When you choose a higher deductible, though, you are accepting more risk and will be covering more of a loss yourself.
Stay claim-free. Take boating courses.
How much liability insurance do I need for my B.C. boat?
It’s recommended that you have up to $3 million in liability coverage for your boat.
Do I need year-round boat insurance in British Columbia?
Year-round insurance is recommended because over the winter there can be rodent damage, snow-load damage or storm damage, or theft and vandalism.
I’m storing my boat at a B.C. marina for the winter. Do I need insurance?
Many marinas and storage facilities require boat owners to have insurance coverage to allow them to dock or store their boats on their premises.
Do I need to carry proof of insurance on my boat?
No, because it is not required by law. Motorized boat operators of all ages in British Columbia are required to obtain and carry a B.C. boating license (officially known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or PCOC).
Does my B.C. home insurance cover my boat?
It would not provide sufficient coverage for your boat. Your B.C. home insurance policy typically offers limited coverage for small boats, such as canoes or rowboats, but this coverage can be subject to specific conditions.
What isn’t covered by B.C. boat insurance?
- Wear and tear
- Racing and competitions
- Specialized accessories such as GPS, radar, fish finders
- Search and rescue and fire department charges
Why choose Western for your B.C. boat insurance?
We are a leading Canadian insurance broker who works with our insurance partners to get you the best coverage options to protect your boat.
Competitive pricing
We offer competitive pricing to get you B.C. boat insurance at the best value for you.
Customer service
We are committed to providing excellent customer service and we are always available to answer any questions you may have about your boat insurance needs in British Columbia.
Convenience
We offer a range of online, phone, and in-person services, making it easy for you to get the B.C. marine insurance policy you need and to make changes as needed.
Boat Insurance Stories and Tips
September 16, 2024
What You Need to Know about Buying a Used Boat
Buying a boat from a private seller in B.C. requires some know-how because it can be a buyer beware situation. Unless…
July 16, 2024
5 Myths About Boat Insurance You Should Know
Once you get boat insurance, everything’s covered, right? No, not exactly. Marine insurance protects you, your…
July 4, 2024
How to file a boat insurance claim
A boating incident or accident can happen anytime. For your peace of mind, you should get boat insurance coverage aga…
Need Car or Home Insurance?
Switch and save on your home or car insurance..
Call 1-866-860-1958
Default Test Message - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse dapibus, ante a dignissim luctus
Get a Quote
Home INSURANCE
Home Insurance
Condo Insurance
Renter's Insurance
Seasonal Property Insurance
Mobile Home Insurance
Auto INSURANCE
Car Insurance
Motorcycle Insurance
RV Insurance
Boat Insurance
ATV Insurance
Snowmobile Insurance
Vehicle Replacement Insurance
Commercial INSURANCE
Business Insurance
Business Life Insurance
General Liability Insurance
Commercial Property Insurance
Directors & Officers Liability Insurance
Rental Property Insurance
Legal Protection Insurance
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Cyber Liability Insurance
TotalProtect Insurance
Fleet Insurance
Farm Insurance
Product Liability Insurance
Group INSURANCE Plans
Employee Benefits
TotalGuard Insurance
All Insurance Programs
AMM Insurance Program
CRA Insurance Program
CVMA Insurance Program
Crop Inputs Insurance Program
Hospitality Insurance Program
Juno Restaurant Insurance
Groupex Insurance Partnership
Musical Instrument Insurance Program
Independent Retail Insurance Program
CAMA Insurance Program
Biz Benefits Partnership
Health & Life INSURANCE
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Critical Illness Insurance
Mortgage Life Insurance
Financial INSURANCE
Travel insurance.
Payment Setup
Registry Services
Community Emergency Resources
Personal Insurance Claims
Commercial Insurance Claims
Risk Management
About Western
Executive Team
Western Coast Insurance
Wyatt Dowling Insurance
Sustainability
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Western News
Communities Foundation
Our Giving Programs
About the Foundation
Annual Giving Reports
Community Infrastructure Grants
Sponsorship
Foundation Contact
Your donation will help improve local communities.
Find a Broker
How Boat Insurance Protects You in British Columbia
When you’re on the water in beautiful British Columbia, we’ve got you covered!
Get a Competitive Boat Quote
All You Need to Know About B.C. Boat Insurance
When you get boat insurance in B.C., it protects your boat and its motor, boating equipment, and boating accessories like lifejackets, GPS, and depth sounders, among many other items.
Liability insurance for your B.C. boat helps protect you financially if you injure or cause the death of someone or cause damage to another person’s boat or property while you’re operating your boat.
It’s recommended that you have $3 million in liability insurance coverage as part of your marine insurance policy to protect yourself as a boat owner in British Columbia.
Your Belongings
Marine insurance helps protect your personal items and your passengers’ personal items and sports equipment while you’re on board against insured risks such as damage and theft.
If you’re a B.C. boater, you don’t want a mishap or an accident to be part of your boating trip. Even though boat insurance isn’t legally required, make sure you’re protected on the water.
Did you know? Here are 12 of the most beautiful lakes in B.C.:
Kalamalka Lake (Vernon) Joffre Lakes (Pemberton) Cultus Lake (Chiliwack) Green Lake (70 Mile House) Okanagan Lake (Kelowna) Sproat Lake (Vancouver Island) Lake O’Hara (Yoho National Park) Eva Lake (Revelstoke) Clearwater Lake (Wells Grey) Kootenay Lake (Kaslo) Ruby Lake (Sunshine Coast) Boya Lake (T? Ch’il? Provincial Park)
Most boat policies cover sailing anywhere in Canada and the northern United States. If you want to go further south, you will need to add an extension of territory to your B.C. boat insurance policy. Ask a Western Financial Group marine insurance expert about this.
- Kalamalka Lake (Vernon)
- Joffre Lakes (Pemberton)
- Cultus Lake (Chiliwack)
- Green Lake (70 Mile House)
- Okanagan Lake (Kelowna)
- Sproat Lake (Vancouver Island)
- Lake O’Hara (Yoho National Park)
- Christina Lake (Grand Forks)
- Clearwater Lake (Wells Grey)
- Kootenay Lake (Kaslo)
- Ruby Lake (Sunshine Coast)
- Boya Lake (Ta Ch’ila Provincial Park)
What kind of boats does Western Financial Group’s B.C. boat insurance cover?
- Personal watercraft
As a B.C. boat operator , do you know about Actual Cash Value vs. Agreed Value Coverage?
Actual cash coverage covers you for the value of your boat at the time of loss, less depreciation.
An agreed value policy honours the value of your boat at the time the policy was written. Many boat owners choose an agreed value policy for peace of mind.
What else does B.C. boat insurance cover?
- Lightning strikes and weather-related damage
- Emergency towing
- Pollution and wreck removal
- Agreed value/replacement cost
- Repairs for collision with dock or underwater/ floating objects
- Damage by rodents
Always read the details of your B.C. marine insurance policy to find out what is covered and what financial coverage is provided.
How much does boat insurance cost in British Columbia?
The cost of B.C. boat insurance depends on:
- The type, age, value, and size of your boat
- The location of where it is used
- Safety features
- Boating experience
- Any past claims
Your home insurance policy provides limited coverage for boats and often restricts what will be insured based on length and/or horsepower of your boat. Your home insurance policy may cover a rowboat or a canoe, but typically not an expensive cruiser.
Why choose Western for your B.C. boat insurance?
- Expertise : We are a leading Canadian insurance broker who works with our insurance partners to get you the best coverage options to protect your boat.
- Competitive pricing : We offer competitive pricing to get you B.C. boat insurance at the best value for you.
- Customer service : We are committed to providing excellent customer service and we are always available to answer any questions you may have about your boat insurance needs in British Columbia.
- Convenience : We offer a range of online, phone, and in-person services, making it easy for you to get the B.C. marine insurance policy you need and to make changes as needed.
Need Car or Home Insurance?
Switch and Save on your Home or Car Insurance.
Our insurance services have been recommended by western customers over 500,000 times., call us at 866-860-1958 or get a quote for a car or home insurance..
Is boat insurance mandatory in British Columbia?
No, boat insurance is not mandatory in B.C. Your lender may ask that your boat be insured as a condition of financing your boat. If you are mooring at a marina, you may be required to carry a certain amount of liability insurance.
Do I have to take a boating safety course in B.C?
Yes, you do. If you operate a power-driven boat in Canada, you need proof of competency to show you understand the basic rules of boating and how to safely operate a boat. The most common proof of competency is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). You can get the card by taking a boating safety course in-person or online and passing the test at the end of the course.
Do I need to winterize my boat if I have boat insurance in B.C.?
Most boat insurance policies require winterization as a condition of coverage. Failing to winterize your boat may result in a loss of coverage or denial of claims related to damage that could have been prevented through proper winterization.
What is the difference between agreed value and actual cash value?
If you choose an agreed value policy, your boat insurance provider agrees to honour the value of your boat at the time the boat policy was written. That is the amount you will receive if you have a total loss. There is usually a time limit for agreed value coverage.
An actual cash value policy on your B.C. boat insurance will pay you the replacement cost of the boat in the event of a loss. Depreciation, damage, and wear and tear are factored into the actual cash value you will receive.
Does boat insurance cover trailering my boat?
Typically, a marine insurance policy will cover physical damage to your boat while it’s being trailered and your car insurance policy will cover liability losses. For example, if you are trailering your boat and a vehicle rear-ends your boat and damages it, the marine policy will respond. If your trailer side swipes a motorist, causing damage to their vehicle, your car policy would typically deal with it.
How can I save on boat insurance?
You can choose a higher deductible for your B.C. boat insurance. When you choose a higher deductible, though, you are accepting more risk and will be covering more of a loss yourself.
Stay claim-free. Take boating courses.
How much liability insurance do I need for my B.C. boat?
It’s recommended that you have up to $3 million in liability coverage for your boat.
Do I need year-round boat insurance in British Columbia?
Year-round insurance is recommended because over the winter there can be rodent damage, snow-load damage or storm damage, or theft and vandalism.
I’m storing my boat at a B.C. marina for the winter. Do I need insurance?
Many marinas and storage facilities require boat owners to have insurance coverage to allow them to dock or store their boats on their premises.
Do I need to carry proof of insurance on my boat?
No, because it is not required by law. Motorized boat operators of all ages in British Columbia are required to obtain and carry a B.C. boating license (officially known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or PCOC).
Does my B.C. home insurance cover my boat?
It would not provide sufficient coverage for your boat. Your B.C. home insurance policy typically offers limited coverage for small boats, such as canoes or rowboats, but this coverage can be subject to specific conditions.
What isn’t covered by B.C. boat insurance?
- Wear and tear
- Racing and competitions
- Specialized accessories such as GPS, radar, fish finders
- Search and rescue and fire department charges
October 29, 2024
How to Insure a Hobby Farm: A Complete Guide
Whether you're raising chickens, growing organic vegetables, or keeping horses, there's some…
October 2, 2024
How to Winterize Your Boat in Canada
As the boating season ends and winter approaches, it’s time to think about how to prep…
September 25, 2024
What is a Notice to Mariners?
For anyone involved in maritime activities—whether you're a professional mariner or a…
IMAGES
VIDEO