If you own a boat, you should have boat insurance. This type of insurance is designed to cover most craft used on the water. This includes everything from yachts to fishing boats, leisure craft, paddle boats, pontoon boats and more. It won’t cover personal watercraft, canoes or kayaks. It is possible there is some limited coverage for these in your homeowner policy.
Types Of Coverage
*Property Damage Liability – This is damage a boat owner might cause to another person’s dock, structure, property or boat.
*Collision Damage – This involves the replacement or repair of a boat damaged in a collision. It is possible for a policy to cover wreckage, but a boat owner will often be required to pay more for this coverage.
*Comprehensive – This will provide a boat owner compensation if their boat is damaged in an incident that is not a collision. It will also cover a boat that is stolen or vandalized.
*Additional Coverage – It is possible for a boat owner to purchase coverage for personal property, medical payments, oil spills, roadside assistance, fishing equipment, damage from injuries resulting from other boaters who are underinsured or uninsured and more.
How Boat Owners Insurance Works
Prior to purchasing boat insurance, it is important for you to determine the amount of coverage necessary your specific boat. The amount of the deductible should also be a consideration. This is the money you will have to pay out of pocket for each claim. The amount of coverage should also be determined by what it would cost to repair and replace your boat. It’s also important to think about what amount you are willing to pay if you cause an accident.
Cost Of Boat Insurance
How much you pay for insurance is determined by the state where you live and your boat resides. The age of the boat, its type as well as its size will be factors involved in determining the cost of insurance. The size of the motor, how it is powered, whether it is going to be used on the open seas or inland will also determine the cost. The cost of any additional coverage options will also impact the cost of a boat insurance policy.
Ways to Buy Boat Insurance
It is possible for you to get a quote online. This is an effective way to get an idea of the possible cost of a boat insurance policy. Should you have a boat that is customized or top-dollar, you should consider speaking directly to an insurance agent. It’s also possible contacting various independent agencies could provide the most cost-effective policy.
It’s important to have insurance coverage for your boat, but it’s also important to cover passengers. Some policies will cover water skiers and others will not. When you have the right insurance in place, it will enhance your boating experience. You can relax and not worry about something unexpected affecting the time you spend on the water.