Skip to content
English
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Do You Need Separate Coverage for a Boat Trailer or Accessories?

Learn how boat insurance handles trailers, equipment, and gear  and when additional protection is needed

Owning a boat is about more than just the vessel itself. You also invest in the trailer that helps you transport it, and a range of accessories that make time on the water safer and more enjoyable. But when it comes to insurance, these items are not always automatically included under your standard boat policy. Knowing whether separate coverage is required can help you avoid gaps and protect your full investment.

This becomes especially important when transporting your boat across provinces, storing valuable gear, or upgrading equipment that may not be listed in your original policy. Understanding what is covered — and what is not — gives you more control and peace of mind.

Are Boat Trailers Automatically Covered?

Boat trailers are not always included under your boat insurance policy. In some cases, they are treated separately, either under your auto insurance or with a specific trailer endorsement on your boat policy.

Coverage may depend on how the trailer is used:

  • While towing on public roads, trailer liability may fall under your auto insurance policy

  • Physical damage to the trailer itself may require an add-on to your boat insurance or a separate trailer policy

Trailer Use Typical Source of Coverage
Towing on public roads Auto insurance (liability only)
Theft or damage to the trailer Boat policy with trailer endorsement, or separate policy
Storage-related incidents Boat insurance, depending on policy wording
 

Tip: Even if your auto policy covers trailer liability, it likely does not cover replacement cost or physical damage to the trailer itself. Confirm with your insurer to avoid surprises.

What About Boat Accessories and Equipment?

Boat accessories include both standard safety gear and specialized equipment. Some items are built into the boat, while others are removable or easily stored separately.

Coverage depends on how your policy defines "personal effects" or "equipment." Some policies may offer automatic protection up to a certain limit, while others require a separate rider or itemization for high-value gear.

Common items to review for coverage:

  • Depth finders and fish finders

  • GPS and marine radios

  • Life jackets and safety equipment

  • Anchors, ropes, and covers

  • Removable seating or coolers

  • Water skis, wakeboards, or fishing tackle

Item Type Is It Typically Covered? How to Ensure Protection
Built-in electronics Yes, under hull or equipment coverage List in policy or confirm inclusion
Removable gear (jackets, ropes) Sometimes, with a personal effects limit Itemize high-value gear if coverage is limited
Recreational gear (skis, tubes) Often excluded unless added separately Ask about specific rider or endorsement
 

How to Make Sure You Are Fully Covered

If you are unsure whether your trailer or accessories are covered, take the following steps:

  1. Review your current boat insurance policy

  2. Ask your insurer what is covered under standard limits and what requires a rider

  3. Estimate the replacement value of your trailer and key gear

  4. Request itemized coverage or endorsements for high-value items

Note: Some policies cap coverage for equipment or accessories at a flat amount — often between $1,000 and $5,000 — regardless of the number of items lost. If your gear exceeds that value, additional protection is likely necessary.

When Separate Coverage Makes Sense

Separate or additional coverage may be appropriate if:

  • You transport your boat over long distances

  • Your trailer is high-value or custom-built

  • You use expensive marine electronics

  • You store gear in the boat even when unattended

  • You participate in boating sports or fishing tournaments with specialized equipment

Boat insurance is highly customizable. Tailoring it to your full boating setup means fewer financial surprises if an accident, theft, or weather event occurs.

Protecting More Than Just the Boat

You might think about these coverage details the next time you prepare for the boating season, upgrade your trailer, or invest in new accessories. While your boat is the centerpiece of your time on the water, the equipment that supports it — and the trailer that moves it — deserve just as much attention when it comes to insurance. With the right coverage in place, you can enjoy your boating season knowing everything that matters is protected.