Is There Insurance for Boat Docks?

Yes, there is insurance for boat docks, and it is usually covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy for a dock that you own. Typically, boat insurance does not cover docks; however, if you’re responsible for damaging someone else’s dock or pier with your boat, then your liability boat insurance coverage will pay for the property damage up to your coverage limit. 

If you’re using your boat dock for commercial purposes, then you will need to get a commercial policy. With insurance, you can get adequate coverage for boat docks, but it is necessary to ensure that you have the right policy based on your needs. 

Does Boat Insurance Cover Boat Docks?

No, boat insurance usually does not cover boat docks. This is mainly because a boat insurance policy is designed to protect your boat against theft and accidental damage.   Although there are specific situations when your boat insurance will cover a boat dock, this applies only when you accidentally damage someone else’s dock with your boat. Typically, in this case, your boat insurance liability coverage will pay for the repairs up to your coverage limit.  

Regardless of your boating experience, there’s always a substantial risk that you may accidentally crash into someone else’s dock and become legally liable to compensate for the damage. The crash may severely damage your boat, and it can cause severe injuries to you and your passengers.  

So, without adequate boat insurance coverage, it may become financially stressful to cover all these expenses out-of-pocket, and that’s why you have to have boat insurance coverage to ensure that you’re financially protected.  

If you need affordable boat insurance coverage across several states, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Texas, consider exploring L.A. Insurance, a reliable insurance agency offering complete boat insurance solutions.

Why Does Boat Insurance Not Cover Boat Docks? 

Boat insurance is designed to protect your boat, not the structures it docks at. Docks are considered separate property, which is why most standard boat policies exclude them. Here are some of the key reasons why boat insurance does not cover docks.  

• Boat Insurance Protects the Boat, Not Structures: Standard boat insurance is designed to cover your vessel against theft, damage, or accidents. Docks are considered separate property and are not part of the boat.   
• Docks Are Stationary Property: Unlike boats, docks are fixed structures and usually fall under homeowners or commercial property insurance, not marine policies or boat insurance policies.     
• Different Risk Profiles: The risks associated with docks, like storm damage, rot, or wear and tear, are different from the risks for boats, and insurance companies treat them separately.   
• Coverage Is Already Included Elsewhere: Homeowners, commercial, or specialized marine/dock insurance typically covers docks. Insurers avoid overlapping coverage between boat and dock policies.

How Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Boat Docks?

If you own a boat dock, it is essential to protect it from accidental damage, and that’s where homeowners’ insurance comes in. To ensure the required financial protection for your boat dock, you need to have the right homeowner’s insurance coverage.  

Typically, there are different types of homeowner’s insurance coverage, and each of them is designed to protect you under a specific set of conditions as follows. 

Other Structure Coverage (Coverage B)

If your boat dock is not physically attached to your home, it is typically considered a separate structure. In this case, Other Structures Coverage (Coverage B) under your homeowner’s insurance policy can provide protection for your dock. This coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement if the dock is damaged by covered events, such as fire, storms, or vandalism. 

Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A) 

If your dock is physically attached to your home, it may be considered part of your dwelling. In this case, Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A) under your homeowner’s insurance can protect your dock against covered perils, such as fire, wind damage, or vandalism. Make sure to review your policy details to confirm that your dock is included and adequately covered under your dwelling protection. 

Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C) 

While boat docks are typically used to store boats, you may have assets/personal property such as furniture, electronics, items like fishing rods/nets, and other personal belongings. Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C) under your homeowner’s insurance can help protect these items from covered perils like theft, fire, or storm damage.

Common Exclusions for Homeowners Insurance on Boat Dock Coverage

While homeowners' insurance can protect your dock against certain accidental perils, it does not cover everything. If you’re considering coverage for your boat dock, it’s important to understand the most common exclusions before you purchase a policy. Here are the common exclusions that you should keep in mind.  

• Natural Disasters: Floods, severe storms, earthquakes, and other weather-related damages are not covered by homeowners’ insurance coverage.   
• Structural Damage: Usually, structural damage is not covered unless it’s due to the collapse of a building.   
• Lack of Maintenance: Damage caused by neglect, normal wear and tear, or failure to properly maintain your dock is not covered. Homeowners’ insurance only protects against sudden and accidental losses, not issues that arise from poor upkeep.   
• Freezing and Ice: Damage from ice buildup, freezing, or thawing conditions is usually not covered under standard policies.   
• Business or Commercial Use: If the dock is used for business purposes (like renting slips or running a marina), it usually won’t be covered under a standard homeowner’s policy. You will need a commercial insurance policy for boat dock coverage.

Does Flood Insurance Cover Boat Dock Damage?

No, flood insurance does not cover boat dock damage. Under both the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and most private flood policies, structures built in, on, or over water, such as docks, piers, and boathouses, are considered ineligible for coverage.  This is mainly because docks are permanently exposed to water, so they are classified as high-risk structures that are not protected by standard flood insurance. Some private nce policy.   Although it entirely depends on how the policy is designed. If you need flood insurance or specialized coverage to protect your dock, it’s recommended that you consult with an insurance agency or carrier.

Consider Commercial Insurance for Business-Owned Docks

A standard homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover docks used for business or commercial purposes. If you operate a marina, rent slips, or use your dock for income-generating activities, you’ll need a commercial insurance policy to ensure proper protection.  Repairing a boat dock can cost anywhere from $14,500 to over $33,000, depending on its size and the extent of damage. For a business, those expenses can quickly add up. A commercial policy with adequate dock coverage helps protect your property and finances from these risks.

Bottomline: Is Insurance Worth It for a Boat Dock? 

If you own a dock, whether it’s for personal or commercial use, it is highly essential to ensure you have adequate insurance coverage. Just one accident can lead to significant costs that turn into a financial burden.  

So, to ensure your own financial safety, it is essential to have an insurance policy that covers your dock. Apart from the dock itself, it is also crucial to ensure that your boats are adequately insured.  

If you need an affordable boat insurance policy, you can use our online tool to find an agent nearby or contact us to get a free quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are boat docks covered under boat insurance? 

No, boat docks are generally not covered under a boat insurance policy. Boat insurance is designed to protect your vessel against theft, accidental damage, or liability; it does not extend to docks or other structures. 

Are boat docks covered under home insurance?

Yes, boat docks are generally covered under a home insurance policy, only if you own the dock, and if it’s for personal use. If the dock is physically attached to your home, then you will have to get the dwelling coverage, which is also known as coverage A. If the dock is detached or located elsewhere on your property, it is typically covered under other structures coverage (Coverage B).

How much does it cost to replace a dock? 

On average, it can cost you $15 to $60 per square foot to repair/replace a dock, leading to a substantial amount of $3,000 to $33,000 or more, depending on the size, feature, and type of the dock.  

What is the life expectancy of a boat dock? 

The average life expectancy of a boat dock is usually around 20 to 30 years. However, your dock’s actual life expectancy depends on its build quality and the frequency of required routine maintenance.