Sailing across Quebec’s beautiful waterways is a favorite activity for many boating enthusiasts. However, before setting out on the water, it's important to understand the legal requirements and recommended insurance protections for your boat or other types of watercraft.

1. Boating License in Quebec: Is It Mandatory?

For several years now, anyone operating a powered pleasure craft in Canada must hold a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). This card, obtained after passing a boating safety exam, is required for boats equipped with a motor of 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more.

Age-based restrictions: 

• Under 12 years old (without supervision): motor up to 10 HP
• Ages 12 to 16 (without supervision): motor up to 40 HP
• Under 16 (with or without supervision): not allowed to operate a personal watercraft (PWC)

For more information, please refer to the official page on Transport Canada’s website.

Additionally, it is illegal to operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to the Canadian Criminal Code.

2. Is Boat Insurance Mandatory in Quebec?

In Quebec, boat insurance for pleasure craft is not legally required. However, it is strongly recommended to protect against financial losses resulting from accidents, theft, or damage. Also, if you finance your boat purchase, your lender may require proof of insurance.

Even though boat insurance is not mandatory in Quebec, it’s highly advisable to at least get liability insurance. Imagine losing control of your yacht and crashing into a dock, causing property damage and injuries—liability insurance could save you a lot of trouble.

Note: For certain types of boats, such as small-motor rowboats, pedal boats, and kayaks, you should first check with your home insurance provider. In some cases, your home insurance may automatically cover watercrafts with motors of up to 25 HP. Before buying standalone boat insurance, consult your home insurer to see if you’re already covered. For more powerful boats like yachts or luxury pontoons, it’s best to purchase dedicated marine insurance to get proper protection.

3. Coverage Provided by Boat Insurance

A typical boat insurance policy generally includes the following:

• Liability coverage: covers damages caused to others (e.g., a motorboat operator hits a swimmer).
• Property damage coverage: covers damage to your boat and trailer in the event of an accident, fire, theft, etc. (e.g., your boat’s propeller hits a rock and breaks).
• Medical expenses and accidental death: some policies include coverage for medical expenses and compensation in case of accidental death due to a boating accident.

4. Key Factors to Consider When Buying Boat Insurance

• Assess your needs: consider the value of your boat, how you use it, and where you navigate.
• Compare quotes: use online comparison tools like ClicAssure.com to get multiple offers.
• Review exclusions: make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered by the policy.
• Check for discounts: some insurers offer savings when you bundle policies (e.g., Home + Auto + Boat) or take boating safety courses.

Conclusion

While boat insurance is not mandatory in Quebec, it provides essential protection for worry-free boating. By assessing your needs and comparing offers, you can find the right coverage for your situation. Don’t hesitate to use ClicAssure.com’s comparison tool to get personalized quotes and make an informed decision.