For many people in Michigan, boating isn’t just a hobby–it’s a way of life. With access to the Great Lakes, thousands of inland lakes, and miles of rivers, Michiganders are never far from water. But while the joys of boating are many, the risks are just as real. Whether you own a fishing boat, personal watercraft, or a high-value yacht, navigating those risks starts with having the right insurance and working with someone who truly understands it, a marine insurance expert.
That’s where Navisure’s Troy VanderMeer brings unique value. As a former marine claims adjuster with years of hands-on experience, Troy doesn’t just sell coverage. He’s seen firsthand what can go wrong on the water, how claims unfold, and which policies actually deliver when it counts.
Why Work With a Marine Insurance Expert?
Most insurance agents can quote a boat policy. But not all can walk you through what really happens during a marine claim in terms of what typically gets approved, what gets denied, and what often gets overlooked. Troy’s background in claims means he knows the difference between good coverage and good-enough coverage, and he uses that experience to help our clients avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes.
He’s worked with all kinds of claims: storm-damaged vessels, submerged engines, dockside accidents, environmental claims, and disputes over exclusions. That insight informs every policy he builds for a client, whether it’s for a weekend boater or a serious yacht owner.
Beyond the Basics: What Higher-Level Marine Coverage Looks Like
While many boaters are familiar with standard protections like liability and physical damage, serious boat owners should be thinking bigger. Here are some advanced coverage options we often recommend:
Agreed Value vs. Actual Cash Value: Many standard policies pay out based on depreciation. With agreed value coverage, you know exactly what you’ll get if your vessel is totaled, and there will be no unhappy surprises waiting for you.
Consequential Damage Coverage: Covers losses that result from wear and tear or latent defects, which many basic policies exclude.
Navigation Limit Extensions: Ensures you’re covered in every body of water you plan to navigate. This is especially important for boaters venturing beyond Michigan’s geography boundaries.
Environmental Liability Protection: Critical for high-powered or fuel-based boats in case of accidental discharge or cleanup liability.
Tender and Auxiliary Craft Coverage: For dinghies, jet skis, or tenders used in connection with your main vessel.
Every vessel and every boater has different risks. That’s why working with a marine insurance expert who understands both insurance language and real-life water hazards is key to building a policy that protects more than just your hull.
Avoiding Common Mistakes That Sink Claims
From his experience as a marine claims adjuster, Troy regularly helps clients avoid the pitfalls that cause claims to be denied or underpaid. Common issues include:
Underinsuring the vessel’s true value
Ignoring navigation restrictions in the policy
Assuming personal property or equipment is automatically covered
Failing to maintain safety equipment or documentation
By addressing these risks up front, he helps boat owners reduce exposure and recover faster after an incident—without unpleasant surprises.
Don’t Rely on Your Homeowner’s Policy for Boat Protection
Many boat owners assume their homeowner’s insurance will protect their vessel, but in most cases, this coverage is very limited—and often insufficient. Typical homeowners' policies may offer liability protection for small watercraft (under 26 feet and with low horsepower), but they rarely cover physical damage, theft, or specialized marine risks. Even when coverage exists, it’s usually capped at $1,000 to $1,500. This is nowhere near enough to replace or repair a boat of any real value. If you own a powerboat, sailboat, or yacht, you’ll need a dedicated marine insurance policy to ensure full protection on and off the water. This is especially critical if you dock at a marina, use your boat for charters, or navigate larger bodies of water like the Great Lakes. A standalone policy offers the depth of coverage your homeowner’s policy simply can’t match.
Ready to Work With a Marine Insurance Expert in Michigan?
If you’re looking for an insurance partner who doesn’t just quote policies but truly understands the risks, realities, and recovery process of boating in Michigan, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re insuring a pleasure boat, a cabin cruiser, or a high-performance vessel, Troy’s marine claims background gives you the insider advantage.
Contact Navisure Insurance Group today to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your current coverage, identify potential gaps, and create a marine insurance plan that gives you confidence on the water no matter where you drop anchor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marine Insurance in Michigan
Q: Does my homeowner’s insurance cover my boat?
A: Only to a very limited extent. Most homeowner’s policies offer minimal coverage for small watercraft. This is typically capped at $1,000 to $1,500 and only for basic liability or theft. They rarely cover physical damage, towing, or incidents that happen on the water. If you own a powerboat, sailboat, or yacht, you’ll need a dedicated marine insurance policy to ensure you're fully protected, especially if you dock at a marina or operate on larger bodies of water.
Q: Do I need marine insurance if my boat is only used on inland lakes in Michigan?
A: If you own a standard recreational boat used seasonally on inland lakes, a well-structured boat insurance policy might be sufficient. However, if your vessel is high-powered, stored at a marina, or of significant value, you should consult a marine insurance expert like Troy. He can help determine whether expanded marine coverage is warranted based on how and where you operate your boat.
Q: Will a marine policy cover my boat if I travel to other states or Canadian waters?
A: Not all policies automatically include coverage for out-of-state or international waters. Navigation limits are a key part of marine insurance. Troy can review your policy and recommend extensions or endorsements if you plan to take your boat beyond Michigan’s boundaries into the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, or Canadian waters.
Q: What is "agreed value" and why is it important for yacht or marine coverage?
A: Agreed value coverage means that in the event of a total loss, your insurer will pay the full amount you agreed upon when the policy was written without deducting for depreciation. This is especially important for yachts or higher-value vessels, where the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost could be significant. We frequently recommend this option for clients who want financial certainty and faster claims resolution.
Q: Can I get coverage for personal items or fishing gear on my boat?
A: Yes. Most marine policies allow you to add personal effects coverage to protect items like electronics, fishing equipment, water sports gear, and more. We can help you estimate the value of your onboard belongings and make sure your policy reflects that.
Q: How much marine insurance do I really need?
A: It depends on your vessel's value, how you use it, where you navigate, and your risk tolerance. As a marine insurance expert in Michigan, Troy assesses all of these factors to recommend coverage limits that fit your lifestyle and protect your assets. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your policy should be as custom as your boat.
Q: Why should I use an independent agent for marine insurance?
Unlike agents tied to a single carrier, independent agents can shop across multiple insurance companies to find the best combination of coverage and price. And when your agent understands the marine industry from the inside out like Troy does, you get advice that’s both personalized and practical.
Whether you own a pontoon on an inland lake or a luxury yacht docked on the Great Lakes, our agency is here to help you navigate every aspect of marine insurance.
TROY VANDERMEER | VICE PRESIDENT
Troy attended Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI, and obtained a degree in Business and Technology. After graduating, he began his career as an insurance adjuster for a large-scale carrier. This included almost 10 years of experience, with roles such as property catastrophe, marine, and recreational vehicle claim handling. Troy learned the ins and outs of how insurance companies operate while also perfecting the technical aspects of the industry. This gives him an edge when working with clients regarding what coverage best fits their needs. As a proponent of leveraging technology, his goal is to simplify the process of getting insured without clients having to sacrifice their time.
In his spare time, Troy coaches high school soccer, enjoys golfing, fly fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.