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
What a Marine Policy Covers
Hull & Motor
Physical damage to your boat from accident, weather, or theft.
Liability
Bodily injury or property damage you cause to others on the water.
On-Water Towing
Help getting back to the dock when something breaks down mid-lake.
Standard policies don't include everything — fuel-spill liability, salvage, and personal effects often need to be added. Coverage components and typical exclusions follow Insurance Information Institute marine coverage guidelines.
Coverage Built for the Water
Boat insurance isn't auto insurance with a propeller.
A marine policy is built differently than an auto policy because the risks are different. Things like fuel spills, salvage costs, sinking, and theft from a slip or trailer all need to be addressed — and standard policies often leave gaps. We'll walk you through what's actually included and what should be added based on how and where you boat.
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
Common Questions
Boat & Watercraft Insurance FAQ
Is boat insurance required in Illinois?
No. Illinois does not legally require boat insurance — but most marinas, slips, yacht clubs, and storage facilities require proof of liability coverage. Lenders also require coverage on financed boats.
Does my homeowners policy cover my boat?
Usually not enough. Most home policies provide very limited coverage for small, low-horsepower boats — typically only while on your property. For anything larger than a small fishing boat, or any time the boat is in the water, you need a dedicated marine policy.
Do I need separate insurance for my jet ski?
Jet skis and other PWCs are typically written as their own policy or added as a separate watercraft on a marine policy — not as part of your homeowners coverage. Most carriers offer multi-watercraft discounts when you write more than one.
What's the difference between Agreed Value and Actual Cash Value?
With Agreed Value, you and the insurer set a fixed value when you write the policy — and that's what gets paid if the boat is a total loss. With Actual Cash Value, the insurer pays current market value at the time of loss, which factors in depreciation. Agreed Value typically costs slightly more but pays significantly better on a total loss.
Does my boat insurance cover the trailer?
Sometimes — but not always automatically. Some marine policies include trailer coverage; others require it as an add-on. We'll confirm what's included and recommend trailer coverage if it isn't.
Can I get a discount for taking a boating safety course?
Most carriers offer a discount for completing an approved boating safety course — the same one Illinois requires for boaters born after January 1, 1998. It's a small effort that pays back every year on the premium.
Does my policy cover me when I trailer the boat to Wisconsin?
Most marine policies cover out-of-state use, but it's worth confirming — especially if you trailer to Lake Geneva, Pewaukee, or anywhere with different state regulations. We'll make sure your coverage travels with you.