I carry what is called an excess liability policy. This provides many millions of dollars of coverage for any mess you may get into, not only kayak related. Costs me about $200/yr but considering that most of us are driving at 70 on crowed interstates with 17ft missiles strapped to the roof…. Or, let's say you cause a tanker to run aground... One other point about using homeowners insurance, insurance companies really frown upon using insurance to cover small theft losses. They can and will drop your policy if you make a few claims, and you really don't want that to happen. This does not address recouping the value of a stolen kayak, but it may be of interest.

: I just bought boat insurance for my Pygmy AT17. $3000 coverage, $100
: deductible, for $42 a year. I don't think this is a bargain, but it does
: cover me for loss from home, cartop, beachhead, etc. (coverage under my
: homeowners policy only covered loss from home, only up to $1000, and
: subject to my HO deductible, which is $500.)

: I was able to save about $20 by forgoing liability insurance, which they
: usually bundle. I figure a one-person paddlecraft is unlikely to harm
: anyone else, unless I launch it off my car at 70 MPH -- which I hope would
: be covered under my auto liability.

: I live in suburban Chicago. It would be interesting to see if rates are
: higher in those states that don't have mandatory HIN & registration
: regs (as IL does).