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Sara Lee

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Pontoon in 2025?

Pontoon boats continue to dominate waterways across America, with more than 52,000 new pontoons sold in 2024 alone, making them a favorite choice for family-friendly fun. But as pontoons grow in popularity, boaters want clarity on insurance costs—so let’s dive into what you can expect in 2025.

Pontoon Insurance Costs at a Glance (2025)

  • National average: $300–$600/year for pontoons under 24 feet (approximately $25–$50/month)

  • Liability-only coverage: Starts around $100/year for basic pontoons

  • High-performance or luxury tritoons (> $60k value): Can exceed $1,000/year in storm-prone areas like Florida

Why 2025 Looks Different

After significant volatility in previous years, pontoon insurance rates are now stabilizing. However, parts inflation and hurricane reinsurance pressures are still influencing costs, especially in coastal areas. For insights on protecting your pontoon during hurricanes, see our Hurricane Coverage guide.

Average Pontoon Insurance Costs by State

Here's how pontoon premiums stack up across the U.S.:

State

Avg. Annual Premium

Minnesota (inland)

$267

Indiana (inland)

$289

Texas (coastal)

$512

Florida (coastal)

$839

Note: Premiums are approximate averages adjusted for 2025 inflation (~4%).

7 Key Factors Influencing Your Pontoon Premium

  1. Boat Value and Age: Newer pontoons cost more to replace, increasing premiums.

  2. Engine Horsepower: More powerful engines carry higher risk.

  3. Docking Location: Coastal vs. inland can significantly impact costs due to weather risk.

  4. Coverage Limits and Valuation: Agreed-value policies, guaranteeing full replacement, typically add 15-25% to your cost.

  5. Experience and Education: Completing NASBLA-approved safety courses can save you 10%.

  6. Claims and Credit History: Recent claims may raise premiums by up to 40%.

  7. Discount Opportunities: Bundling with home insurance or using safety devices can provide notable savings.

Typical Pontoon Coverage Options and Costs

Coverage Type

Annual Cost Add-on

What It Covers

Liability-only

$100–$250

Injuries and property damage you cause

Comprehensive & Collision

+$150–$300

Damage from accidents, theft, or fire

On-water Towing

+$30–$50

Emergency towing services

Equipment (fishing gear, watersports)

1–2% of declared value

Replacement of gear

Comparing Pontoon Insurance to Other Boat Types

Pontoons typically cost less to insure compared to similarly sized boats due to their lower speeds and cheaper repair costs:

Boat Type

Typical Annual Premium

Pontoon (23 ft, 150 hp)

$300–$600

Bowrider (21 ft)

$350–$700

Center Console (25 ft, twin 300 hp)

$900–$1,500

Real-World Pontoon Insurance Scenarios for 2025

Scenario

Boat

Location

Coverage

Annual Premium

Lake Dad

22 ft, 115 hp, 2018

Tennessee

Liability + Actual Cash Value hull

$342

Saltwater Weekender

24 ft tritoon, 250 hp, 2025

Florida Gulf Coast

Liability + Agreed-value hull + Hurricane haul-out

$1,038

Budget Family

20 ft, 90 hp, 2012

Indiana

Liability-only

$118

Smart Ways to Save on Pontoon Insurance in 2025

  • Safety courses: Complete a boating safety course (5–15% discount).

  • Increase deductibles: Raising your deductible from $250 to $500 can save about 10%.

  • Tech upgrades: GPS trackers or alarm systems can reduce premiums by around 5%.

  • Seasonal lay-up discounts: Northern state boaters can get partial premium refunds during off-season storage.

  • Insurance bundling: Combine your pontoon coverage with homeowners' insurance for additional savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pontoon insurance required by law?
Only a handful of states legally require pontoon insurance, but your lender or marina often will.

Does horsepower really affect my premium?
Yes, insurers typically price premiums based on horsepower brackets, with higher power translating to higher rates.

What if I add equipment like slides or upper decks?
You’ll need to include them in your policy as "permanently attached equipment" to ensure full protection.

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