Boat Insurance

Boats – what better way to practice social distancing?  Is your boat properly insured?

The boat industry is thriving.  We are privileged to live in an area with many ways to be on the water – the ocean, harbors, waterways, rivers, streams, lakes and ponds are the perfect place to relax while social distancing.  Couple that with low interest rates, low fuel rates and the need for safe recreational activity and the result is more boats on the water.

If you and your family are one of the many enjoying the water this summer, please make sure you carry adequate insurance.  The following was reprinted from TrustedChoice.com.

BOAT INSURANCE FAQ

Boat Insurance 101  (Everything you need to know – and more)
Jessica Huneck  March 7, 2020

What is Boat Insurance?

Boat insurance covers you in the event of a loss or damage to your boat. It covers most watercraft with motors, including fishing boats, pontoon boats, paddle boats, leisure crafts and yachts. Boat insurance does not usually cover canoes, kayaks or personal watercrafts (PWCs).

For small watercrafts, you may find some limited coverage under your homeowner’s policy. You may also be able to add a special endorsement or buy separate coverage. Contact an independent agent for assistance with all of your boat coverage.

What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

Your boat insurance policy may include the following:

  • Collision damage: Includes repair or replacement of your boat, but may or may not include clean-up of wreckage unless you purchase optional additional coverage.
  • Property damage liability: Covers damage you might cause to someone else’s boat, a dock, or other property or structures.
  • Bodily injury liability: Covers injury you might cause someone while using your boat; includes medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and legal expenses.
  • Comprehensive: Provides compensation if your boat is vandalized, stolen, or damaged in an incident other than a collision.
  • Additional coverage options: Coverage for medical payments, fishing equipment, oil spills, personal property and roadside assistance, as well as damages and injuries from accidents caused by boaters who are uninsured or underinsured.

The amount of compensation you receive for a claim depends on a few things, including your deductibles, limits and whether your boater’s insurance covers your boat’s actual cash value, replacement cost or agreed upon value.