It’s hard to imagine (as cold as it is this winter) that people actually go outside and kayak, but spring is just around the corner (we hope!) and someone asked us the other day…
“Hey Brent, do I need insurance on my kayak? Even if I just use it around Athens County and not any of the bigger lakes in Ohio?”
Good Question, and like many good questions, the answer is... it depends.
Kayak insurance isn’t mandatory in Ohio, but it’s highly recommended.
While Ohio law doesn’t require boat insurance for recreational boats, it offers protection against accidents, theft, property damage, and bodily injury. Some insurers even offer discounts for completing boating safety courses, and some marina’s will not provide service without proof of boating insurance.
Here’s why you might want kayak insurance:
- Theft and Damage Protection: It protects your kayak from theft, sinking, or other damage.
- Liability Protection: It shields you from liability if you cause an accident or damage someone else’s property.
- Club and Waterway Requirements: Some boating clubs and waterways require proof of insurance for membership or access.
Regarding homeowners insurance coverage for kayaks in Ohio: Standard policies may cover kayaks and small watercraft worth less than $1,500 and under 25 feet, including accessories. This coverage could apply anywhere you take your kayak, but some insurers might exclude certain areas like international waters.
Your homeowners insurance may cover your kayak if it’s valued under $1,500 and under 26 feet in length, including accessories like paddles, life jackets, and skirts. When registering a boat in Ohio, you might need to show proof of financial responsibility, which liability insurance can fulfill.
You might also be responsible for costs exceeding your policy limits. As an alternative, consider specialized watercraft insurance. To ensure coverage, list your kayak on your home inventory and discuss your needs with your insurance agent.
How big must my boat be to require insurance in Ohio?
Believe it or not… there is no specific boat size that legally requires insurance! This from Google AI Overview:
Ohio law does not mandate boat insurance for any size vessel, meaning you can technically operate a boat of any size without insurance. However, it is highly recommended to have boat insurance regardless of size.
Please hear us clearly: You can absolutely destroy your life though by captaining a larger boat without insurance considering the hazards of watercraft such as accident, injury, or worse. If you are doing anything more than puttering around in your neighborhood pond, you really really should consider contacting us for some options on boat insurance.
So how much would it cost to cover my kayak?
You’ve weighed the options and you’ve decided to do the responsible thing and further investigate kayak insurance. Well, your basically looking at around $100.00 – 200.00 per year, with a $100 – 500 deductible, though cost will vary all things dependent. If your boat is worth more than say $1,500.00… you really should have it covered.
Please note this is not legal advice and we invite you contact us for more detailed information customized for your situation.
Good Places to Kayak in Athens County?
Our area is blessed with many lakes, streams and rivers, all suitable for a ride in the sun. Here are a few places we’ve found that can offer a day of fun:
- Fox Lake: This 421-acre wildlife area lies 4 miles west of Athens. County and township roads provide access from U.S. Route 50 and State Routes 56 and 681. The boat launching ramp is reached from County Road 81 at the upper end of the lake.
- Lake Snowden: Lake Snowden is a 675-acre education and recreation park, featuring the largest of four lakes, which form the Margaret Creek Conservancy District.
- Strouds Run: Acres of uninterrupted hardwood forest sprawl over the many hills and coves of Strouds Run State Park. The rugged terrain and scenic lake provide visitors a unique wilderness escape in southeastern Ohio.
- The Hocking River: The Hocking River (formerly the Hockhocking River) is a 102-mile-long (164 km) right tributary of the Ohio River in southeastern Ohio in the United States.
Thanks Pete Nowick for the pic up top, and the TalkDock Podcast out of Colorado for the video!
