Watercraft & Boat Insurance

Owning your own boat is often a rewarding yet pricey investment. Although you may feel that zipping out on the water for a short trip here and there involves little risk, accidents can occur when you least expect it. Theft and vandalism is also a possibility as your watercraft sits out unattended by the dock. Many of us have no problem making sure our cars are adequately insured, and that’s how we should approach insurance for our boats. In Ontario and Quebec, it’s relatively easy to purchase coverage for your boat or watercraft. At Oegema Nicholson and Associates, we can help you make informed decisions by providing the best insurance quotes — all in one place.

What is boat insurance?

Boat insurance covers watercraft with motors — including pontoon boats, paddle boats and even yachts. Boat insurance does not typically cover canoes, kayaks or other non-motorized watercraft. For these smaller items, you may find some coverage under homeowners insurance. All motorized watercraft, however, is usually insured under a separate boat policy. A trusted insurance adviser can help you obtain the right coverage. Your boat insurance policy may include the following:
  • Collision damage: Repair or replacement of your boat
  • Bodily injury liability: Covers medical bills and legal expenses should someone become injured while using your boat
  • Property damage liability: Covers damage you may cause to someone else’s boat, dock or other property
  • Comprehensive: Compensation if your boat is damaged in an incident other than collision, such as theft or vandalism
Once you file a claim, the amount of compensation you get will depend on a number of factors. These factors include your coverage limits, deductibles, and whether your policy covers your boat’s actual replacement value or agreed upon value.

Is boat insurance necessary?

In Ontario, there is no law that requires you to carry insurance on your boat. However, there are still many reasons to have insurance in place. Many marinas will require proof of insurance if you’d like to store your watercraft at their facility. And if you’re financing your boat, your lender will require you to have insurance before they approve the loan. Most boat insurance claims involve hitting a submerged object. When this happens, the entire motor usually has to be replaced, which is extremely costly. It’s also important to note that many losses don’t just occur during the summer boating season. Many owners are stunned to get their boat out of storage, only to see that a family of mice has destroyed the interior. Given all the ways in which your boat could become damaged, it’s easy to see why investing in insurance is an excellent idea.

How does boat insurance work?

Boat insurance works much like automobile insurance. Should your watercraft suffer an accident, theft or any other damage covered under your policy, you can file a claim to cover those losses. As an example, let’s say you were involved in a head-on collision with another boat while out on the lake. And this accident caused serious damage to the front of your vessel. Here are some ways in which this scenario would play out once you file a claim:
  • If the other boater was at fault, their coverage would pay for your damages
  • If you were at fault, the liability portion of your insurance policy would cover the other party’s damages
  • If the other boater was at fault, but they do not have boat insurance, uninsured/underinsured boaters coverage would take care of the damages

What factors could affect my insurance premiums?

The cost of boat insurance can fluctuate depending on a number of factors:
  • Where you live
  • The size and age of your boat, along with the strength of its motor
  • Where you plan on using the boat (i.e. inland lake or open seas)
  • Whether you require additional coverage options
Many insurance providers will offer discounts if you don’t use the boat all year-round. You may also qualify for additional price breaks if you have a good boating record or have completed a boat safety course. The friendly brokers at Oegema Nicholson can connect you with quotes and coverage options from multiple carriers in your region.

Why trust Oegema Nicholson?

With six office locations in eastern Ontario and western Quebec, Oegema Nicholson is well-equipped to offer you the best customer service in the region. Family-owned and operated since 1961, our mission has always been to connect Canadians with high-quality insurance products at affordable rates. Whether you’re seeking basic insurance for your kayak or advanced coverage for your yacht, rely on our insurance expertise to protect your watercraft investment. For more information on boating insurance, call us at 613-224-1455 or contact us here.

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"Just wanted to leave a message for your website that praises Nik Dore for being a constant example of always providing invaluable customer service. I never worry that my questions and concerns will be dismissed or that I am receiving less than constructive advice. Many thanks to him."
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"I know all my insurance needs are covered with Oegema, Nicholson & Associates. I have been a loyal client for the last 15 years, and I can count of them for my commercial insurance, employee benefits, as well as my personal insurance and finances. Jeff Richer always goes above and beyond to help me with my insurance needs."
O-Omkar Atwal, Owner, Leitrim Home Hardware
"It’s always a pleasure to deal with Oegema, Nicholson & Associates, and I can depend on them for all my insurance needs. I have been a client for several years and whether it’s regarding my personal insurance, or anything to do with our employee benefits or commercial needs, I know I’m taken care of."
R-Rhonda, Capital Dodge
"I would like to thank Carol for everything she has done for me and my family over the years. It is my honest belief that we would not be in the position we are in if it was not for her guidance, expertise and honesty. We can't begin to thank her enough."
T-Tim
"ONA helps me with my personal insurance and my business insurance . They are my one stop shop when it comes to insurance and group benefits. I know I’m covered in all areas. Great friendly service and knowledgeable staff!"
J-James Carriveau, President, Exact Interlock and Exact Properties
"One call to Oegema, Nicholson Associates is all it took. After our basement flooded, within a day or two they had a crew cleaning everything up, taking down the drywall and itemizing everything to be cleaned, thrown out or restored. They had everything in place for us in a timely manner and were extremely patient with me as they talked me through the process and waited for me to make decisions."
J-Jennifer Parks, Stittsville, Ontario
"I’ve been dealing with ONA for over 20 years with my personal insurance, as well as our commercial insurance, and I know I can rely on them for great customer service, and prompt responses. I feel confident not only referring them to my employees, but to our customers as well."
C-Charlene Brunet, President, Dan Murphy Ford
Saul Mendoza (Salty)
Saul Mendoza (Salty)
2023-06-02
My broker Bill C. from ONA has helped me over the years now with my vehicle insurance. He is very cautious and detail oriented when processing documentation, and ensures I understand everything whenever there are any changes. He recently helped me cut my premium almost in half just by improving my record and shopping around at the appropriate time. I am grateful to him and the team for being there for me when I need them.
RMP Tutoring
RMP Tutoring
2022-05-14
I was assisted recently by Greg, who did a wonderful job in not only answering all of my questions and helping me to review pre-existing insurance plans, as well as advising me to look into my credit card/group insurance before needlessly purchasing more. This to me speaks highly of the character of the employee and business of a whole, and it is certainly the one I will be going to for any future needs.
Bobby SHARKS
Bobby SHARKS
2022-05-02
They get back to you fast an excellent insurance agent
lise sevigny
lise sevigny
2022-03-07
Have been with Oegema for over 30 yrs. Always great service!
Jamie C
Jamie C
2022-01-10
Friendly, knowledgeable and professional. They take care of all my insurance needs. Commercial, Home and Auto.
Bob Bent
Bob Bent
2022-01-10
Great service on both commercial and personal lines.
Jennifer Bardwell
Jennifer Bardwell
2021-06-04
I purchased commercial insurance with this company. Very professional service throughout, and a good price on the policy. Would highly recommend!
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Oegema, Nicholson Financial Inc.
1453 WOODROFFE AVENUE
613-686-6338
Ottawa
1451 Woodroffe Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K2G 1W1
Manotick
5526 Manotick Main Street P.O. Box 149
Ottawa, Ontario K2G 1W1
Almonte
154 Bridge Street P.O. Box 749
Almonte, Ontario K0A 1A0
Russell
243 Castor Street
Russell, Ontario K4R 1B8
Orleans
3-3809 St. Joseph Blvd.
Orleans, Ontario K4A 0Z8
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