Protect Your Vessel Before You Leave the Dock

The Gardner Agency is an experienced insurance agency located at 4001 Grand Ave., Duluth, Minnesota, serving boaters and watercraft owners across the Northland region. Whether you own a fishing boat on Lake Superior, a pontoon on one of Minnesota's inland lakes, or a personal watercraft, The Gardner Agency helps you find the right boat and watercraft insurance to protect your investment on the water. Call us at 218-628-8002 to get started today.

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What Boat Insurance Covers and Why It Matters

Watercraft insurance protects you from financial losses that can occur on the water, including physical damage to your vessel, liability if someone is injured, and theft or vandalism when your boat is docked or stored. Without the right coverage, a single accident on Lake Superior or a northern Wisconsin lake could leave you facing significant out-of-pocket costs. Boat owners in this region face unique seasonal risks, from spring launch damage to harsh winter storage conditions, making proper coverage especially important here.

Coverage Options for Every Type of Watercraft

The Gardner Agency works with you to identify the coverage that fits your specific vessel and how you use it. Common options available through a personal watercraft policy include:

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Liability protection if your boat causes injury or property damage to others

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Physical damage coverage for collision, fire, storm, or sinking

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Uninsured boater coverage if another boater hits you and lacks insurance

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Medical payments coverage for injuries to you or your passengers

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Coverage for accessories, fishing equipment, and on-board gear

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Agreed value or actual cash value options for your vessel

Whether you have a small aluminum fishing boat, a cabin cruiser, or a jet ski, coverage can be tailored to match your needs and budget.

Boating on Lake Superior and Northern Waters

Living in the Duluth, Minnesota, area means having some of the most spectacular boating in the Midwest right at your doorstep. Lake Superior, the Boundary Waters, and dozens of inland lakes draw boaters from across the region, but these waters also present real risks. Rough weather, cold water temperatures, and heavy boat traffic during summer months all increase the chance of an incident. The Gardner Agency has served this community since 2000 and understands the specific risks that come with boating in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Insurance

  • Does my homeowners insurance cover my boat?

    Standard homeowners policies provide very limited coverage for watercraft, typically only for small boats with low-horsepower motors. A dedicated boat insurance policy gives you far better protection for your vessel and liability exposure.

  • How much does boat insurance cost in Duluth, MN?

    The cost depends on your boat's size, value, age, and how you use it. Most policies are quite affordable, and The Gardner Agency can help you find coverage that fits your budget.

  • Is boat insurance required in Minnesota or Wisconsin?

    Neither Minnesota nor Wisconsin legally requires boat insurance, but marinas and lenders often do, and carrying it protects you from serious financial risk.

  • What happens if I hit another boat or injure a passenger?

    Liability coverage on your watercraft policy pays for damages and medical costs you are legally responsible for, up to your coverage limits.

Ready to Get Your Boat Covered for the Season?

The Gardner Agency has helped Northland boaters protect their vessels and enjoy the water with confidence since 2000. Whether you're outfitting a new boat or reviewing an existing policy, our team at 4001 Grand Ave., Duluth, Minnesota, is ready to help you find the right fit. Call us at 218-628-8002 or reach us by text at 218-722-2444 today.