Took me about two weeks comparing quotes on yacht insurance before the season. Lesson one: the cheapest quote often means gaps in coverage. Check agreed value vs actual cash value — on an ACV policy, depreciation cuts your claim after a total loss. If the boat is older, expect the insurer to ask for a recent survey. Most of the confusion comes from the policy language, so I found a clear breakdown here: yacht-insurance.net — it lays out the main coverage options in plain English. Then check the navigation limits: going past the listed waters can leave you uncovered. On the East Coast and the Gulf, the named storm deductible is usually a percentage of hull value, not a flat amount. Pay attention to liability limits — wreck removal and guest injuries can cost more than the boat itself. Compare two or three carriers and read the exclusions before you pay.