Best Boat Insurance In Florida

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Shopping for boat insurance is somewhat similar to getting car insurance, with one major difference: theyre not standardized. First because boat insurance is not required in all states, except for the three statesArkansas, Utah, and Hawaiiwhere boat owners are required to have some kind of liability coverage, and second because of boats themselves. While cars tend to have similar purposes and structures, and are only slightly different in size, boats have many purposes and come in significantly different sizes and styles. Additionally, boat owners face a wide range of risks in the water that car owners do not face on the road. This means that theres not a suggested minimum coverage requirement, and that companies consider different factors to determine policy costs and boat owners risks.

In order to choose the best boat insurance companies we focused on the following factors:

Types Of Boat Insurance Coverage In Florida

Whether you are cruising, exploring, or fishing along Floridas coastline, there are several ways to enjoy Floridas waterways from the comfort of your boat. However, your boat is not the only watercraft in motion, and coastal waterways can quickly become subject to accidents, which boat insurance can help cover.

While the sunshine state does not require boat owners to have boat insurance in order to drive and enjoy them, several homeowners policies and marinas may require it, especially liability coverage, as your vessel may cause injury to an individual or damage to another boat.

When your boat is not in the water, it may be cruising behind your car on the way to a marina and could wind up damaged in a car accident.

The purpose of insurance is to save you from potentially hefty financial obligations that you may incur if your investments, or in this case your boat, gets damaged in an accident, while docked during hurricane season, or otherwise.

Obtaining boat insurance is the best way to protect your pocketbook and safeguard your investment.

How Can I Lower My Boat Insurance Rate In Florida

Discounts vary by state, but you may be able to lower your insurance rate with the following discounts:

• Original owner: If you’re the original owner, you’re entitled to a discount on your boat insurance policy.
• Multi-boat: Earn a discount if you insure more than one watercraft on your Progressive boat policy.
• Safety course: Complete a Florida-approved safety course and receive a discount.
• Multi-policy: If you have another policy with Progressive, you can bundle and save on boat insurance.

See if you qualify for more boat insurance discounts.

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Boat Liability Insurance Coverage

If your boat causes injury to others or damage to other boats, docks, or structures, boat liability insurance has you covered. Injury or damage can be due to direct contact with your vessel or situations caused by your vessel, like large wakes. Boat liability coverage may provide protection against lawsuits, including the payment of settlements and legal fees.

Contact an agent to find out more

What Does Boat Insurance Cover

Depending on your policy, boat insurance is likely to cover:

• Damage caused by a collision that is your fault or the fault of an uninsured boater
• Bodily harm or property damage that you cause to another boater or watercraft
• Damaged or stolen equipment kept on your boat
• Towing of a disabled watercraft
• Damage that occurs in the water, in storage or in transit

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Do You Really Need Insurance For Your Boat

Floridians enjoy everything from fishing and sailing to a refreshing outing in the powerboat, so they need boat insurance that not only covers the watercraft itself but also any passengers and equipment. Its also a good idea to find insurance that covers your liability risk. The last thing you need is to have a special occasion turn into a financial disaster.

Our agency has 31 years of experience handling the concerns of fishermen, sailors and other recreational boaters in Brandon and Tampa, FL. If youre wondering how much boat insurance you may need or how to choose the right deductible, well be happy to answer any of your questions. Give us a call at 685-9393.

We live in the Sunshine State for a reason and theres nothing quite like getting family and friends together on the boat. Unfortunately, accidents on the water can be serious, especially when alcohol has been consumed. Working with an independent agency like ours is the best way to get the appropriate coverage in Brandon. Charles D. Talley Jr. Insurance agents are already aware of the specific regulations in the local area and well ensure that youre properly protected before you head out on the water.

Foremost: Best Variety Of Coverage

• Lay-Up Discount For those who store their boat for at least three months each year
• Paid-in-Full Discount For those who pay their entire coverage period upfront
• Boating Safety Course Discount For those who complete an approved safety course or obtain a marine license
• Protective Device Discount For those with boats that contain safety features
• Multiple Policy Discount For those who hold more than one policy through Foremost or its partner companies
• Multiple Unit Discount For those who insure more than one boat
• Loss Free Renewal Discount For those who go three or more years without claims
• Insured Age Discount For those 55 or older
• Affinity and Alliance Discount For members of approved organizations

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Is Your Boat Eligible For Geico Boat Insurance

Here are some of the rules typically used by Geico to determine whether a boat is eligible for coverage:

• Hull length overall is less than or equal to 70 feet.
• Boat must be less than 50 years old.
• The boat cant have more than four engines.

Based on how far ahead you get your boat insurance quote before the policy effective date.

Classic boat club member

A discount off your boat liability and physical damage coverage if you are a member of a Classic Boat Club.

Play It Safe On The Water

You’ll enjoy your voyage even more knowing you’re doing your part to protect your boat and your passengers. Simple things like sharing information, carrying a VHF radio and having a navigation system go a long way in ensuring your journey is as safe as possible.

Discover tools & resources to help prepare you for all of your boating adventures.

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Choosing The Best Insurance Agency For Boat Insurance In Florida

Choosing The Best Insurance Agency for Boat Insurance in Florida

When choosing the insurance agency for your boat, keep in mind that boats in Florida have the biggest risk of damage from storms and floods than anywhere else in the U.S. and boating is year-round in this state.

Florida boat insurance covers things like physical damage to the boat, collision damage and theft or vandalism. Medical coverage is also provided for death or bodily injury, liability losses and boat trails.

Florida boat insurance companies give a more detailed policy based on aspects such as how big the boat is and what types of waters you enter. In order to get the most applicable insurance, you need to identify which carrier is right for you.

How to Choose the Best Boat Insurance

The most important factor to look for is the financial stability of the insurance provider. You should search for a company that pays its claims and has good ratings from agencies such as Moody’s and A.M. Best. A company with an “A” rating is a good option for you to choose from.

You should search for companies that have the financial ability to pay out claims and that are easy to communicate with about file claims and paying bills. The boat insurer should underwrite their own insurance policies in order lines of communication do not get crossed.

The Best Boat Insurance

All in all, finding a policy that meets your needs should be a priority of yours in order to enjoy

Types Of Boat Insurance Coverage

Here are some standard types of boat insurance coverages:

Watercraft medical payments coverageHelps pay for some of your medical costs or funeral expenses if you, or anyone on your boat, is injured in an accident.

Uninsured watercraft coverageHelps pay for injuries you, your family or anyone on your boat sustain due to an accident with an uninsured boater.

Watercraft liability coverageHelps protect you from paying repair or replacement costs, medical costs, loss of income and funeral expenses of other people involved in an accident.

Property coverageHelps pay for damage to your boat if someone hits your docked boat or if you’re involved in an accident with another boat or something else, such as a pier, buoy, dock or debris.

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State Farm Boat Insurance Options

State Farms standard boat insurance typically includes:

• Emergency service including mechanical labor at the place of breakdown and towing.
• Wreck removal coverage for expenses for raising, removal or destruction of your wrecked boat.
• Fuel spill liability coverage when youre legally liable for a spill resulting from owning, maintaining or using your boat.
• First aid expenses coverage reimburses you for costs related to giving first aid to others.

A State Farm boat insurance policy can also provide:

Fishing Tournament Fee Reimbursement

Adding this endorsement means youll be reimbursed for pre-paid and non-refundable fishing tournament fees if your boat is damaged and disabled, your towing vehicle broke down, youre hospitalized for an illness or injury, and other problems.

Boat Rented to Others

This gives you coverage when you rent your boat to others for their personal use.

Helpful Information About Boat Insurance

Its every boat owners nightmarewhat starts as a beautiful day in your boat with friends or family can take an unexpected turn, ending up in a collision with another boat, a reef, or a buoy. This could result not only in liability expenses and boat repairs, but in medical expenses if someone onboard gets hurt.

In 2019 the US Department of Homeland Security and the National Coast Guard reported a total of 4,168 boat accidents and an estimated $55 million dollars in property damage as a result of recreational boating accidents. The same annual report shows that the top five factors contributing to accidents had to do with operators’ inattention, improper lookout, inexperience, excessive speed, and alcohol use.

Boat owners also encounter other non-accidental incidents in the water such as breakdowns, motor malfunctions, or even fuel spillageevents that may leave you stranded, and requiring specialized services that boat insurers can cover for you.

So while sailing is full of adventures, it also poses many hazards for you and your boat. Therefore, the matter in question is not whether you need boat insurance or not, rather what type and how much coverage you should get.

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Can I Renew My Boat Registration Online

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency offers online renewal of boat registrations through its website by Other types of transactions must still be processed in person at the License Office.

Please be aware that you will not receive a renewal notice from the Tuscaloosa County License Office the next year if you renew your boat registration online because the renewal will not be in our registration system.

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When Is Proof Of Insurance Required

Even though most states dont legally require you to carry boat insurance, other situations may require proof of insurance for your watercraft.

Docking your boat at a marina

If you plan on docking your boat at a marina, many will require you to show proof of insurance before signing the contract. That being so, make sure to read the fine print and understand the requirements before proceeding with any contractual agreement.

For example, marinas such as the Charleston City Marina in South Carolina and the Kemah Boardwalk Marina in Kemah, Texas require docked boats to have liability insurance of at least $300,000.

Marinas like Brickyard Cove in Pt. Richmond, CA require an endorsement on your policy as additional interest or additional insured to avoid claims of negligence.

Harbors will carry their own liability insurance so they can protect claims where they may be at fault.

Financing your boat purchase

If you have financed your boat, your bank may require you to carry boat insurance. If the bank is using the boat as collateral for the loan, they will require you to list them as payee for loss or damage of the boat.

Unlike home and auto coverage, some policies dont require you to carry year-round coverage. But if you have financed your boat, your lender will most likely ask you to carry coverage even when the boat is stored. Your vessel may still be exposed to risks, such as theft and storm damage, while in storage.

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Every Boat Needs A Life Raft

Before embarking from the dock, make sure your boat or vessel is properly insured. Representing only A rated companies, and with a combined 75 years experience in providing marine insurance, we are dedicated to offering the most competitive rates with a diverse array of coverage options so you can relax and enjoy your boat.

We offer flexible plans for almost every type of boat or personal watercraft. Find out what coverage is available and how to get the personalized boat insurance protection you need. Let us start building your policy with a boat insurance quote today.

Wallace Welch & Willingham is proud to provide insurance to Floridas boating and yachting community for:

What Is Boat Insurance And Why Is It Important

Boat insurance is a lot like car insurance. It can protect the investment you have made in your boat and can cover your liabilities if you cause a collision while out on the water.

Boat insurance comes in handy more often than you might think. The US Coast Guard reports that boaters in Florida are involved in an average of 700 accidents on the water a year.

In fact, in a recent year, boating accidents led to 514 injuries, 72 deaths, and more than $13.2 million in property damage in Florida alone. That’s a lot of losses for the uninsured.

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Benefits Of Charter Boat Insurance

The state of Florida does not require boat owners to maintain insurance to own and operate a boat, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t still need to have it. One of the biggest benefits of having boat insurance is the peace of mind you’ll have from knowing your investment is protected. Without such insurance, your charter business could take a big loss and be liable for damages in the event of an accident.

Our Boat Insurance Review Summed Up

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Wreckage Removal & Fuel Spill

Wreckage removal and fuel spill coverages are automatically included in every Progressive boat insurance policy. If your boat sinks or youre responsible for a fuel spill, we cover the bills all the way up to your policys property damage liability limits. We only remove your sunken boat if its legally required.

Example: Your old boat sinks while docked. The Coast Guard may require you to remove the wreckage and address any fuel spills. Just contact us to file the claim, and we cover the costs.

What Can Our Agency Do For Boat Owners In Florida

Boat insurance coverage personally tailored to meet your needs.

Premium discounts and savings on your policy.

Personal guidance from one of our experienced local agents.

There are plenty of people living in Brandon that love taking their boat out on the weekend theres really nothing quite like getting out on the open water. No matter what kind of watercraft you might own, youll want to get the right insurance to protect that investment. Charles D. Talley Jr. Insurance can help you find the appropriate coverage to meet your needs at the best rate.

Its best to buy separate boat insurance, rather than adding your boat to your homeowners policy. Many homeowners policies limit or dont cover marine-specific risks, such as salvage work, wreck removal, pollution or environmental damage.

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Progressive Boat Insurance Discounts

• Multi-vehicle discount for insuring two or more watercraft.
• Multi-policy discount if you have a Progressive insurance for your home, condo, car or other property.
• Paid in full discount when you choose the one-pay bill plan.
• Homeowner discount for owning a house, condo, co-op or manufactured home.
• Original owner discount if you are the first title-holder to the watercraft.
• Idle assisted steering discount if your personal watercraft has this feature.
• Boating safety course discount if youve completed a safety course offered by approved organizations like the United States Power Squadron.
• Transfer discount if youve had previous watercraft insurance.
• Responsible driver discount for people who have not been charged for any accidents or violations on the policy.
• Claim-free renewal discount when youve had no at-fault claims the previous policy year.
• Prompt payment discount is applied to new policies and then renewals when youve had no late payments in the last year.
• Advance quote discount that varies based on how far ahead you got your quote before the policy effective date.
• Electronic funds transfer discount when you use the EFT payment bill plan.