Nova Scotia Boat Insurance

Personal watercraft and boat insurance in Nova Scotia

With ample coastline and numerous rivers and lakes to choose from, owning some type of personal watercraft or boat in Nova Scotia is the perfect way to enjoy all the natural beauty the province has to offer. From exhilarating cruises in open water to drifting tranquilly down a river, owning a boat offers something for everyone. But no matter how you use your boat, you’ll want to ensure you are properly protected before hitting the water.

Having boat insurance means peace of mind from the unexpected. It provides coverage for important things, such as legal and medical expenses if someone is hurt while on your boat. It can also cover the costs required to repair or even replace your boat if it is damaged or destroyed. For most people, covering these expenses out-of-pocket would be next to impossible, especially considering the extensive costs associated with lawsuits and medical treatments.

Boat insurance offers an affordable way to manage your risk. Even better, working with a boat insurance broker means greater potential for insurance savings and less work researching your options. In the end, you can spend more time enjoying the water and less time worrying about having the right coverage.

Get a free boat insurance quote online, by phone or in-person with Acera Insurance.

Finding the best boat insurance in Nova Scotia for your personal needs

Whether you have a small boat for fishing or a high-powered boat for water sports, insurance offers necessary reassurance. It can help give you peace of mind knowing you can afford repairs or replacement if something unexpected happens. Fortunately, it’s easy to protect your boat. Coverage can be customized based on both the type and size of boat you own, and what you plan to do with it.

We provide personal boat insurance coverage for:

Nova Scotia boat insurance coverages

Your coverage will depend on your individual policy, but many policies offer similar protection. They usually offer two primary areas of coverage: property damage and liability.  

The extent of coverage will vary by policy and based on the type and amount of protection you choose when you purchase your boat insurance. There are also optional coverages available in Nova Scotia. 

Optional boat insurance in Nova Scotia 

There are many optional insurance coverages available for Nova Scotia boat owners, including: 

• Additional Living Expenses – if you’re living on a houseboat, you may require additional living expenses if you ever have an insured claim. This will help you cover those extra expenses if you’re forced to vacate your home due to a covered peril while repairs take place.  
• Agreed Value Coverage – if your boat is a covered total loss, your boat’s full value (as agreed on at the start of the policy) will be paid. 
• Boat Trailers – this extends your physical damage and liability coverage to include your boat’s trailer.  
• Communication and Navigational Equipment – extends your coverage to include specialized communication and navigational equipment, or ensure these items are covered to their full value. 
• Disappearing Deductible – your deductible lowers over the period you’re claims-free. A deductible is the amount you will pay if you have a covered claim. This needs to be paid before your insurance kicks in.
• Emergency Towing – this helps cover the costs of towing your boat to shore if you’re stranded on the water. 
• Loss of Use – if your boat is being repaired after an insured claim, your boat insurance will cover a temporary rental to use while you wait.  
• Navigational Extensions – if you’re planning on taking your boat further afield than standard navigational limits, this optional coverage will extend your boat insurance to cover your adventures.  
• Security Equipment – this extends your coverage to security equipment to keep your boat safe.  

Some insurers may not offer all these coverages, while others may include them as part of their standard coverage. A broker can help you determine what you need based on your boat and how you use it.  

What isn’t covered by boat insurance in Nova Scotia? 

It will depend on your individual policy as to what isn’t covered by your personal boat insurance in Nova Scotia. However, these are some common exclusions: 

• Wear and tear damage.  
• Loss of value (due to age of the boat). 
• Theft if security devices are not present.  
• Damage caused by willful misconduct or under the influence of alcohol. 
• Commercial use of your boat. However, our team can provide you with a dedicated commercial marine policy.

It is also important to note that there may be certain requirements while your boat is laid up in the winter months including having it professionally winterized.  

Speak with your broker or check your policy documents for more information on exclusions to your boat insurance.  

How much does boat insurance in Nova Scotia cost?

Here are common variables which determine boat insurance rates in Nova Scotia: 

• The type of boat. 
• The length of the boat.
• The value of your boat (market or agreed value or purchase price if it’s newer).
• Where your boat will be stored. 
• Where you’ll be using your boat (lakes, ocean, in the province only, elsewhere). 
• What activities you’ll use the boat for.
• Your age and boating experience level. 
• Your insurance options.
• Your insurance history. 
• Available discounts. 

To get a free, detailed boat insurance quote, give us a call, visit us in person or submit a request online.

Are there discounts available for boat insurance in Nova Scotia? 

Different boat insurance companies in Nova Scotia offer different discounts. Here are some common ones: 

• Bundling: Many insurers offer a discount for multiple or bundled policies, such as having your home, car and boat insurance with the same insurance company. 
• Claims Free: If you haven’t made a claim in a certain period, you may be eligible for a claims-free discount. This discount could increase over time.  
• Dry Dock: If your boat is dry-docked, you may be eligible for a discount. 
• Safe Boating Course: Many insurers offer a discount if you’ve taken an approved safe boating course.  

To learn more about discount eligibility, contact one of our local boat insurance experts.