In Wisconsin, boating is a way of life. Whether you’re fishing on Lake Michigan, enjoying weekends at Pewaukee Lake, or cruising the inland waters around Milwaukee, your time on the water should be relaxing, not risky. At Brew City Insurance in South Milwaukee, we help local boat owners protect their watercraft and their peace of mind with reliable Boat Insurance coverage.
Many people assume their Homeowners Insurance covers their boat, but that’s rarely the case, especially for larger or motorized vessels. A dedicated Boat Insurance policy helps protect you, your passengers, and your investment in ways a standard policy simply can’t.
What Is Boat Insurance?
Boat Insurance, often referred to as Watercraft Insurance, is designed to help cover damage to your boat, liability if you cause injury or property damage, and costs that can arise from theft, sinking, towing, or other unexpected events. The right policy depends on your vessel, where you store it, how you use it, and what’s most important to you.
From fishing boats and pontoons to jet boats and personal watercraft, we can help create a custom plan that reflects your boating lifestyle.
What Types of Watercraft Can Be Covered?
We offer coverage for many types of recreational boats, including:
- Fishing boats
- Pontoon boats
- Speedboats and runabouts
- Personal watercraft (Jet Skis, Sea-Doos)
- Cabin cruisers and sailboats
- Bass boats
- Small yachts (length and horsepower limits may apply)
If you’re unsure whether your craft qualifies, we’ll help you find out.
What Does Boat Insurance Typically Cover?
Most Boat Insurance policies include several categories of protection. These may include:
- Liability Coverage – Covers costs if you’re found legally responsible for bodily injury or property damage to others while operating your boat. This is especially important if you operate in crowded areas or allow others to drive your boat.
- Physical Damage Coverage – May help repair or replace your boat if it’s damaged by a covered event, including collisions, storms, fires, sinking, or vandalism. Coverage typically includes the hull, engine, trailer, and permanently attached equipment.
- Medical Payments – Helps pay medical expenses for you and your passengers if injured in a boating accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Boater – May help cover costs if another boater causes an accident and doesn’t have sufficient insurance.
- Towing and Assistance – Covers towing your boat if it breaks down on the water or while trailering. This may also include fuel delivery, jump starts, and emergency services.
- Personal Effects – Optional coverage to help replace personal belongings like fishing gear, phones, or safety equipment damaged or lost due to a covered event.
- Fuel Spill Liability – If your boat leaks fuel or oil into the water, this coverage may help pay for environmental cleanup as required by law.
Why Boat Insurance Is Important
Boating accidents can be costly, and recovery without insurance can put a strain on your finances. From dock collisions to storm damage to lawsuits, having coverage in place helps you stay afloat financially if things go wrong.
And if your boat is financed, your lender may require full coverage to protect their investment.
Even if your boat is only used seasonally, the risks of theft, fire, or storm damage while in storage make year-round protection worth considering.
Local Agents. Local Waterways.
At Brew City Insurance, we know the waters and the weather patterns unique to southeastern Wisconsin. From sudden thunderstorms to busy boat launches, we understand the risks that come with boating in Southeast Wisconsin.
And unlike online-only agencies, we welcome walk-in visits. You can stop by our South Milwaukee office to discuss your policy, ask questions, or review coverage before purchasing a new boat. We’re real people who speak plainly and care about helping our neighbors protect what they love.
Independent Means More Options
We’re not tied to one insurance carrier. As an independent agency, Brew City Insurance compares coverage from multiple top-rated companies to help find a plan that works for your boat and your budget.
We can also help you bundle your Boat Insurance with Auto, Homeowners, or Umbrella policies for potential savings.
What Affects Your Premium?
Boat Insurance rates can vary based on:
- Type, size, and value of your boat
- Engine type and horsepower
- Where the boat is used (inland lakes vs. coastal waters)
- Where and how it’s stored (marina, driveway, dry dock, etc.)
- Boating experience and driving record
- Safety equipment on board
- Claims history
Let us walk you through the options and help you understand where you can save without compromising protection.
Discounts You May Qualify For
You might be eligible for discounts such as:
- Completion of a boater safety course
- Clean boating/driving record
- Multi-policy bundles
- Paid-in-full premiums
- Using storage or theft-prevention devices
We’ll help you identify any available discounts and make sure they’re applied to your policy.
Serving the Greater Milwaukee Area
We help boaters in South Milwaukee, Oak Creek, Cudahy, Saint Francis, Greendale, Franklin, Greenfield, Milwaukee, West Milwaukee, Hales Corners, Caledonia, West Allis, Shorewood, Glendale, Whitefish Bay, River Hills, Fox Point, Bayside, Brown Deer, Elm Grove, Wauwatosa, New Berlin, and Muskego.
Whether you’re insuring your first fishing boat or upgrading to a cabin cruiser, we’re ready to help you navigate your coverage.
Why Brew City Insurance?
We’re not just selling policies, we’re helping neighbors protect what they enjoy most. Led by Debra Larson and Danielle Cooke, Brew City Insurance offers:
- Friendly, face-to-face service
- Help with boating laws and requirements
- Flexibility through multiple carriers
- No-pressure guidance with a focus on your needs
Let’s Get You on the Water—With Peace of Mind
Before you launch this season, let’s make sure you’re protected. Whether you’re buying your first boat, adding coverage for your trailer, or reviewing an existing policy, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know. Please stop by our office or call us today.
Because in the end, having the right insurance coverage means that the important things in life, such as your memories, milestones, and future, can continue for years to come.
