Boat & Watercraft Insurance in McHenry, IL & Northern Illinois
From the Chain O' Lakes to Lake Geneva — covered.
Whether it's a pontoon, fishing boat, ski boat, or a pair of jet skis on the trailer, we'll match you with the right policy from a top-rated marine carrier.
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Why Choose Ryan P. Conway Agency
Coverage that knows the difference between a pontoon and a ski boat.
A 22-foot pontoon used for sunset cruises faces different risks than a wakeboard boat pulling a teenager at 35 mph — and the policy should reflect that. We work with marine specialty carriers and write coverage built around how you actually use your boat, where you store it, and where you trailer to.
What We Cover
Types of Watercraft We Insure
From a 12-foot fishing boat to a sport pontoon to a pair of jet skis, we can write coverage for a variety of watercraft. Common types include:
Pontoon Boats
The Chain O' Lakes' most popular boat. Coverage for the hull, motor, and your weekend crew.
Fishing Boats
Bass boats, jon boats, and aluminum fishing rigs — with optional coverage for rods, electronics, and trolling motors.
Ski & Wakeboard Boats
Higher horsepower means higher liability exposure. Coverage tuned for towed-sport activities.
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Jet skis, WaveRunners, and Sea-Doos. Often eligible for multi-PWC and multi-watercraft discounts.
Runabouts & Bowriders
The classic family boat. Coverage for everyday use, watersports, and trailering.
Boat Trailers
Coverage for the trailer itself, including damage and theft when not attached to your tow vehicle.
Have questions about the right coverage? Contact Us
Local Considerations
Built for Northern Illinois boating
We've been writing watercraft policies in this area for decades. Here's what we factor in for our local boaters.
Chain O' Lakes Traffic
High boat density on summer weekends means higher collision and liability risk. Adequate liability limits matter.
Storage & Off-Season
Most Illinois boats sit in storage 6+ months a year. Some carriers offer lay-up discounts during that period.
Trailering to Wisconsin
Lake Geneva, Pewaukee, and other Wisconsin lakes are popular destinations. Confirm your policy covers out-of-state use.
Theft & Weather
Stored boats face theft and storm damage risk. Comprehensive coverage and trailer locks both matter.
Good to Know
Illinois Boating Basics
Registration & Titling
All powered watercraft and sailboats over 12 feet must be registered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Registration is required before you launch.
Insurance Requirements
Illinois does not require boat insurance by law — but most marinas, slips, and storage facilities require proof of liability coverage as a condition of doing business with them.
Boating Safety Education
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 must complete an Illinois Boating Safety Course before operating a boat with a 10-horsepower-or-greater motor in Illinois.
Boating Under the Influence
Illinois enforces BUI laws at the same .08 BAC threshold as DUI on the road, under the Illinois Boat Registration and Safety Act. Penalties include fines, license suspension, and jail time.
Local Services
Insuring Boats Throughout Northern Illinois & Southern Wisconsin
Ryan P. Conway Agency is based in McHenry, Illinois, and we write boat and watercraft insurance for drivers throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. While we concentrate in McHenry County, Lake County, and the communities along the Wisconsin border, we also serve clients in Kane County, Boone County, DeKalb County, and beyond. The cities below are just a sample of the towns we work in — if you don't see yours listed, give us a call. Chances are we already insure a neighbor or two.
- McHenry
- Crystal Lake
- Woodstock
- Algonquin
- Lake in the Hills
- Cary
- Huntley
- Marengo
- Fox Lake
- Antioch
- Wauconda
- Grayslake
- Lindenhurst
- Lake Geneva
- Genoa City
- Twin Lakes
- Walworth
- Williams Bay
McHenry
Crystal Lake
Woodstock
Algonquin
Lake in the Hills
Cary
Huntley
Marengo
Fox Lake
Antioch
Wauconda
Grayslake
Lindenhurst
Lake Geneva
Genoa City
Twin Lakes
Walworth
Williams Bay