Navigating the lakes and waterways of Quebec is an incomparable pleasure, but your boat deserves protection worthy of your investment. Whether you own a sailboat, motorboat, pontoon, jet ski or yacht, our brokers certified by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) shop with multiple marine insurers to get you ideal coverage at the best price.

What is boat insurance in Quebec?

Boat insurance (also called marine leisure insurance) is a contract that protects your boat, its accessories and occupants against risks related to navigation and storage. In Quebec, while boat insurance is not legally mandatory, it is required by most marinas, yacht clubs and lenders who finance boat purchases.

An AMF-certified marine insurance broker knows the particulars of navigation in Quebec: winter conditions, winterization periods, navigation zones and types of boats popular in the province. They can guide you toward coverage best suited to your use.

Types of vessels covered

Marine leisure insurance in Quebec covers a wide variety of vessels:

• Motorboat: Outboard, semi-rigid, fishing boat, water ski and wakeboard boat
• Sailboat: Keel boat, dinghy, catamaran and trimaran
• Pontoon: Recreation vessels popular on Quebec lakes
• Jet ski (Sea-Doo): Personal water vehicles
• Yacht: Luxury vessels requiring specific coverage
• Fishing boat: Trawlers, sport and commercial fishing boats

Essential boat insurance coverage

Hull and engine protection

Primary coverage protects your boat against physical damage: collision, grounding, hitting a submerged object, fire, lightning, storm, theft and vandalism. In Quebec, hitting a submerged object is one of the most frequent causes of claims — replacing an outboard motor can cost between $10,000 and $50,000.

Marine liability

Liability protects you if you cause bodily injury or property damage to third parties while navigating. On popular Quebec lakes in summer, with swimmers, water skiers and other boats, the risk of collision is real. Coverage generally ranges from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000. It also includes liability for accidental pollution and liability during water sports activities.

Emergency towing and assistance

If your boat breaks down or runs aground, emergency towing coverage covers water recovery costs. In Quebec, the cost of marine towing can easily exceed $1,000, especially in remote areas.

Coverage for accessories and equipment

Your navigation equipment (GPS, radar, fishfinder), trailer, fishing gear and water sports accessories may be covered by your policy. Make sure your declared value includes all equipment to avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of a claim.

Indicative boat insurance prices in Quebec

Vessel Type	Value	Indicative Annual Premium*
Jet ski (Sea-Doo)	$10,000 to $25,000	$200 to $500
Fishing boat (aluminum)	$10,000 to $40,000	$250 to $700
Pontoon	$25,000 to $80,000	$400 to $1,200
Motorboat (runabout)	$30,000 to $100,000	$500 to $1,500
Sailboat	$30,000 to $150,000	$600 to $2,000
Yacht	$100,000 and up	$1,500 and up

Winterization: protecting your boat year-round

In Quebec, the navigation season generally runs from May to October. During the 6 months of winterization, your boat remains exposed to specific risks: freezing, snow accumulation, falling trees, rodents and theft. Your boat insurance covers your vessel 12 months a year, whether it’s in the water, on a trailer or in storage.

Tips for winterizing your boat in Quebec:

• Store your boat in a secure location (marina, enclosed building)
• Completely drain the engine cooling system
• Use a quality cover or shelter
• Remove electronic devices and valuables
• Check your insurer’s requirements for winter storage

Navigation outside Quebec and international waters

Many Quebec boaters navigate beyond Quebec waters: Great Lakes, maritime provinces, U.S. east coast, Florida, Bahamas or Caribbean. If you plan to navigate outside Quebec, inform your broker — your standard policy may require an expansion of your navigation zone. Some insurers specialized in Quebec offer coverage for navigation in the United States, Florida, the Caribbean and even transatlantic crossings.

The trailer: an often overlooked element

Your boat trailer is essential equipment that needs its own coverage. In the event of a road accident with your loaded trailer, damage can be considerable. Check with your broker whether your trailer is covered by your boat insurance, your auto insurance or if it requires separate coverage. In Quebec, the trailer must be registered with the SAAQ.

Marine survey: when is it necessary?

Most insurers in Quebec require a marine survey for vessels 20 years and older, or for boats above a certain value threshold. The survey is performed by a certified marine surveyor who inspects the hull, engine, electrical systems and safety equipment. Survey costs range from $500 to $2,000 depending on boat size. Your broker can tell you if a survey is required and recommend a qualified surveyor.

Why use a broker for your boat insurance?

• Marine expertise: Knowledge of risks specific to navigation in Quebec
• Access to specialized markets: Some marine insurers are only accessible through brokers
• Objective comparison: Multiple quotes in one step
• Claims assistance: Support with your claim process
• AMF certified: All our brokers comply with Quebec’s Autorité des marchés financiers standards

FAQ — Boat insurance in Quebec

Is boat insurance mandatory in Quebec?

No, no law in Quebec requires boaters to purchase boat insurance. However, most marinas and yacht clubs require proof of insurance (especially liability) to access their facilities. If you finance your boat, your lender will also require insurance. The AMF recommends that all boaters maintain adequate coverage.

How much does boat insurance cost in Quebec?

Cost depends on the vessel type, value, age, engine power, your navigation experience and claim history. Generally, annual premiums range from $200 for a jet ski to over $2,000 for a sailboat or yacht. A marine insurance broker can obtain competitive quotes from multiple insurers.

Does my home insurance cover my boat?

Generally, home insurance offers only very limited coverage for boats (often only for small motorized non-motorized vessels of low value). It is strongly recommended to purchase separate boat insurance for complete protection. This also prevents affecting your home insurance file in case of a marine claim.

What does boat insurance cover during winterization?

Your boat insurance remains active 12 months a year in Quebec. During winterization, it covers damage caused by freezing, snow storms, falling trees, theft, vandalism and rodents. Make sure you comply with your insurer’s storage conditions (secure location, cover, engine draining) to maintain your coverage.

Is my boat covered if I navigate in Florida or the Bahamas?

Your standard policy generally covers navigation in Quebec and Canadian waters. If you plan to navigate in the United States, Florida, Bahamas or the Caribbean, you must inform your broker to expand your navigation zone. Some specialized insurers offer international coverage for an additional premium.

Do I need a marine survey for my boat?

As a rule, insurers in Quebec require a marine survey for vessels 20 years and older, and sometimes for boats valued above $100,000. The survey is performed by a certified marine surveyor and covers inspection of the hull, engine and safety equipment. Your broker will tell you if a survey is required for your vessel.

What discounts are available for boat insurance?

Several discounts are available: having completed a Transport Canada-recognized boating safety course, bundling your boat insurance with other policies (home, auto), maintaining a good history without claims, installing a GPS tracking system, and storing your boat in a secure location. A broker can identify all discounts you qualify for.

What liability coverage is recommended?

The minimum recommended coverage is $1,000,000, but brokers in Quebec generally advise $2,000,000 for adequate protection. Some policies offer up to $5,000,000. Marine liability covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties, liability for accidental pollution and liability during water sports activities (water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing).

Does my jet ski (Sea-Doo) need insurance?

Yes, jet skis are motorized vessels that present specific risks due to their speed and maneuverability. In Quebec, jet ski insurance covers damage to the vessel, liability, theft and vandalism. Many marinas require proof of insurance for jet skis. Premiums are generally affordable, between $200 and $500 per year.

Is my boat trailer covered?

It depends on your policy. Some boat insurance includes the trailer in coverage, while others exclude it. Your auto insurance may offer limited coverage for the trailer in case of road accident. Check with your broker to ensure your trailer is adequately covered, both on the road and when stored.

How can I reduce my boat insurance cost?

Here are the best strategies: use an AMF-certified broker to compare insurers, complete a boating safety course, bundle your policies (boat + home + auto), maintain a good navigation record without claims, increase your deductible, install an anti-theft or GPS tracking system, and store your boat in a secure location. A broker can maximize your discounts.