Do I Really Need Boat Dock Insurance?

Few things compare to the thrill of a perfect summer day making memories on the water with friends and family. Yet, while owning a boat unlocks new worlds of recreational fun, it also comes with additional risks and exposures.

As a boat owner, you’re probably already aware of the importance of boat insurance, but the considerations of boating don’t stop there. If you have a boat dock at your home, it’s important to understand what’s covered, what’s not, and how you can best protect your investment.

In this article, we uncover everything you need to know about boat dock insurance.

What is boat dock insurance?

The price of floating docks ranges from $2,600 to $20,000, with permanent crib dock costs as high as $50,000. Requiring such a hefty investment, these items are more than worth protecting, yet they’re typically not covered under general home insurance policies. You may have the option to add this form of coverage to your homeowners policy if you have a dock on your property. If added, this coverage can protect your dock in the event it is damaged or destroyed.

Diving Deeper: Do I Really Need Boat Insurance?

What does boat dock insurance cover?

Without boat dock coverage, a dock owner is responsible for paying the costs of repairing or replacing their dock if damaged.

From wind to rain and snow to ice, boat docks are exposed to a range of hazards and harsh weather conditions from season to season. Yet a standard homeowners policy typically excludes physical dock damage resulting from:

Freezing-related damage, including thawing

High winds and related damage from waves

Collapse from the weight or pressure of snow, water, or ice accumulated on or around the dock

As you explore boat dock insurance options, it’s important to understand what’s included in and excluded from the coverage. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about these limitations so you know what kind of protection is offered.

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What are some other ways I can protect my boat dock?

In addition to adding boat dock insurance to your homeowners policy, you can take several other simple steps to help protect your boat dock.

Add motion-activated lighting to improve dock visibility and help prevent nighttime injuries or collisions.

Install dock bumpers to reduce the pressure of boats or other watercraft pushing against your dock, especially in windy or stormy conditions.

Clear your dock from snow and ice to avoid the weight of accumulation whenever possible.

Clean your dock regularly to reduce mildew and wood rot.

Pull your floating dock out of the water and store it when volatile weather is in the forecast.

How do I add boat dock coverage to my policy?

Central’s Signature Homeowners Policy includes $30,000 in boat dock coverage as a standard part of the coverage. To add boat dock insurance to a different homeowners policy, speak with a Central agent to learn more about your options.