Kinds Of Boat Insurance Policies
- Boat
- Boat & PWC Rental – Although this is generally not required, rental insurance will help cover any damage the vessel, as well as the operator and passengers.
- Boat Clubs – covers all members of club while operating a boat.
- Professional – These policies are very customizable and can cover items like travel to a tournament, equipment and more.
Do I Have To Register My Boat
California law requires current registration of most vessels, including moored vessels, whether or not they are used. All vessels must be registered except:
- Boats propelled manually.
- Sailboats eight feet or less in length.
- Ship lifeboats used solely for lifesaving.
- Boats from out of state, registered in that state.
- Sailboards
New California Law Requires Boating Licenses Except For Renters
Right now, almost anyone in California can hop on a boat and drive away without any training or a license.
That will change this January when a new law goes into effect requiring boaters to pass a written test and get a California Boater Card. But the law leaves out a big groupboat renters, who often have the least boating experience.
Among the first group of people to be affected by the new law is 17-year-old Calvin Pedroli, who lives in La Jolla and likes to take his small motor boat out from the San Diego Yacht Club with his friends.
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California Boat License Requirements
While the states mandatory boating license age does not currently include all applicants, boaters must be at least 16 years old to apply. The requirements are different from neighboring states. Therefore, you are required to apply for a license if you operate a vessel on state waterways.
In general, you do not need to be a resident to apply for a CA license. Moreover, a boating education course is not required if the applicant is:
- Operating a rental vessel.
- Visiting from another state or country and operating a vessel for less than 60 days. In addition, the requirements of their own state or country must be met.
- Involved in a regatta, water ski or vessel race.
- In possession of a commercial fishing license.
- In possession of a marine operator license.
Do You Need Boat Insurance
You won’t have to worry about depreciation, and we’ll never tell you your boat or related equipment is worth any less than the agreed value. Operators of small pleasure vessels arriving in the united states from a foreign visitors without travel health insurance will have to pay out of pocket for their medical. You don’t know much about freemasonry, do you, steve? Remember, if you damage a rental car and don’t have comprehensive or collision coverage, you may have to pay out of pocket for repairs. They can’t check every bit of foreign cargo.
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Should You Winterize Your Boat In California
If you keep your boat in California year-round, how to winterize your boat depends largely on where you live. If you store your boat in a cold, mountainous, hillside, canyon or desert area, you should take proper winterization measures. If you live in Southern California or the central coast, may use your boat year-round, and dont want to winterize it. Still, its a good idea to perform yearly maintenance on your boat and pay close attention to the weather.
If youre in Tahoe or other areas where it regularly freezes, you should perform the same boat winterization measures you would if you were living in Michigan. This means changing the oil and filter, adding fuel stabilizer, draining the block, adding antifreeze, checking plugs, belts, hoses, the battery and fuel line, etc. Its also important to protect the exterior of your boat. Fiberglass is extremely susceptible to cold, and can crack if its not properly covered and stored. This is why a good boat cover is a must. Its also a good idea to store your boat in a garage, if possible. Because all boats are different, check your owners manual for full boat winterization instructions and follow them to the letter.
If you live more temperate areas of Southern California, its still a good idea to perform yearly boat maintenance, as described in your manual.
Taking proper winterization precautions is a must for all California boaters. Doing so can save you time and money when the thaw comes.
Consequences Of Operating A Boat Under The Influence
Alcohol use was the leading cause of fatal boat accidents in 2019, according to data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Like drinking and driving, operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in every state. Also, federal law prohibits boating under the influence , which the U.S. Coast Guard enforces. This law prohibits all boaters from operating vessels while under the influence, even foreign boats in U.S. waters.
Penalties for drunk boating vary by state and jurisdiction of the waters but can include:
- Large fines
- Suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges
- Suspension or revocation of drivers license
- Jail time
In addition to facing state and federal penalties, you may get severe consequences from your insurance company. For starters, if you get into an accident as a result of operating a boat under the influence, your insurance company might only pay out a liability claim against you. It might not cover damage to your own boat. Your insurer could also decide to cancel your boat insurance coverage after a drunk boating accident.
If youre convicted of BUI with no accident, your insurer could still drastically raise your boat insurance rates or, worse, cancel coverage. While you might be able to find other boat insurance coverage after a cancellation, youll likely have to pay significantly more for a new boat insurance policy.
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What Kind Of Damage Does Boat Insurance Cover
Boat insurance often covers your boat from physical damage in the water or on the road. Sometimes it covers physical damage to your hauling trailer, either included with your policy or through trailer add-on coverage.
Towing coverage may be included in your boat insurance policy. While not required, boat insurance is usually a good idea for large or valuable boats that would be expensive to cover out of pocket.
Boat insurance covers your boat from:
- Collision
- Vandalism
What Type Of Insurance Do I Need For A Boat/watercraft
A boat/watercraft may cause an accident that harms you, your property, or someone elseâs property or person.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance protects you in case your boat/watercraft injures another person or someone’s property. Remember, accidents do happen.
Boat Coverage
You should insure your boat/watercraft to help with repairs and maintenance. Boat coverage may include:
- Collision
- On-water towing
Uninsured Coverage
Since boat insurance is optional in Newport Beach, California, the chances are high that others on the water may not have insurance to help pay for accidents or damages to your own boat/watercraft uninsured coverage can help pay for property damage or bodily injuries for anyone on your boat/watercraft.
Murvay Insurance Services, Inc. will help you find the best boat/watercraft insurance policy for you. Reach out to our agents to get a quote. Boat/watercraft insurance will help keep your days on the water sunny and smooth. Stop by our office in Newport Beach for a more personal experience!
Request a Quote
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Types Of Boat Insurance
There are two basic types of boat insuranceagreed value and actual cash value. How depreciation is handled is what sets them apart.
An “agreed value” policy covers the boat based on its value when the policy was written. While it can cost more up front, there is no depreciation for a total loss of the boat .
“Actual cash value” policies cost less up front, but factor in depreciation. In other word, the policy will only pay up to the actual cash value of the boat at the time it is declared a total or partial loss. Eventually, as your boat ages, your insurer will likely insist on an actual cash value policyand if often gives a substantial savings.
Does My Homeowners Policy Cover My Boat/pwc
Probably not. Give us a call and we can review with you. Most homeowners insurance policies have size restrictions, limitations on horsepower, and damage coverage. Just remember, if you dont have a separate boat or personal watercraft insurance policy, youre typically underinsured or NOT covered at all.
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What Boat Insurance Will Pay For
You can typically buy liability insurance which pays for damage your boat does to others in amounts from $15,000 to $300,000, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Heres what else you can expect from a policy:
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Check, too, about additional coverage for trailers and accessories, for towing and for damage caused by an uninsured boater.
You can buy two types of damage coverage for a boat:
- Actual cash value. This pays the value of your boat at the time of the damage. If your boat is destroyed, your insurance company determines its market value.
Some important things to know about boating and your policy:
Shopping For Boat Insurance
Start with a little fact-finding. Ask your boating friends which company they use and how their claims have been handled. The way an insurer has handled claims in the past is a good indicator of the quality of service you can expect in the future.
State insurance regulatory agencies are also a good reference and can be found online.
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California Boat Registration Basics
A boat registration certificate may be applied for by mail or in person at the DMV. Applicants cannot apply for a boat registration online. Not all vessels are subject to the states registration laws. However, all eligible boats brought into the state must be registered within 120 days. Exceptions may apply. Applicants must submit the registration application form, proof of ownership and payment before a certificate can be issued. A title may also be applied for using the same form.
The registration and title must be kept on the vessel at all times when in the water. Similarly, stickers must be placed on the vessel in specific locations. Registration and title fees vary. Mussel fees and sales taxes may also be applied.
Who Else May Require You To Carry Boat Insurance
If you intend to finance the purchase of a boat, your bank will require you to provide proof of insurance for the watercraft. Typically, the policy will need to cover the full value of the boat, and your bank may set minimum requirements for specific types of coverage. In addition, you will need to list the bank as a lienholder on the policy so that it will be included as a co-payee on any compensation in the event of a loss payment.
Most ports and marinas will require you to carry boat insurance in order to use their facilities.
For example, if you want to moor your boat at Port of Bellingham in Washington, you must carry a policy with at least $300,000 in general, legal and pollution liability with a policy term of no less than one year. As another example, the Hawaii Division of Boats and Ocean Recreation requires all vessels moored at its facilities to carry at least $500,000 in liability insurance.
Some marinas, such as the Hawaii Division of Boats and Ocean Recreation, may even require that the marina itself be listed as an “additional insured” or “additional interest” on the policy. You’ll normally need to provide proof of insurance before you can sign a contract for a slip or mooring.
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Boat Insurance Emergency Assistance
When you get an Emergency Assistance package you get coverage for labor and delivery of fuel and oil the watercraft may need, battery charge or towing if the watercraft breaks down in the water.
Boats as a hobby are an excellent way to relax with friends and family. You can rest easy knowing that your boat is properly covered. If you still have questions about boat insurance, please contact us.
Sacramento Boat Insurance Broker
It seems as though youre never going to figure this out, or that you are going to have to pay a lot of money for simple protection, but there are somethings to remember.Just like a traditional insurance policy, you will be able to take a look at some worthwhile discounts that will offer you a break on even this kind of insurance.Popular discounts include:
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What Happens If You Dont Have Boat Insurance
No Coverage for Losses One of the biggest issues with not having boat insurance is that you will not receive any coverage for losses that you incur. When you have a boat insurance policy, you will receive coverage for a variety of losses including theft, boat accident damage, weather damage, or even vandalism.11 fév. 2019
Whatdoes A Typical Boat Insurance Policy In California Cover
One thing to remember when comparing insurance providers in California is that the coverage varies from one policy to another. This is why you have to spend time comparing all your options and try to customize your plan based on what you think will perfectly suit your requirements.
Figure out what you need exactly based on your specific situation and circumstances. To help you, here are some of the things often covered in a good insurance policy for boats in California.
A lot of boaters also consider these things as necessary:
Medical Cost A good boat insurance plan will most likely cover a part of the medical expenses linked to boating injuries. This is in case someone gets injured in an accident while in your boat caused by you or anyone who is in control of it.
It covers a chunk of the total medical cost in case you or anyone in your boat got hurt in an accident caused by someone else. It is necessary, especially if those involved did not get insurance for their boat.
Property Damage Your insurance policy will also most likely cover property damage caused by your boat to another vessel or to itself. It will prevent you from paying for the damage using your own bank account. The reason is that your insurance provider will cover any required repairs and/or replacements.
Withall the mentioned things covered, you can enjoy boating in California withpeace of mind since you know that you are insured in case of any untowardcircumstances.
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Does Boat Insurance Cover Theft
Comprehensive boat insurance covers the theft of the boat itself. Personal possessions carried in the boat may or may not be covered, depending on the policy. Therefore, you should carefully review the comprehensive coverage of your policy to determine exactly what is and is not covered.
If you plan to carry expensive fishing equipment or other items of value, you can purchase one or more additional riders, or policy endorsement, to cover those assets.
Howto Lower Your Insurance Rate In California
When searching for a good insurance provider in California, your ultimate goal is to find a company that can provide you better coverage and a deal at a low rate. It is not that hard to find a reasonable insurance rate in the state with the help of these tips:
Find out if you qualify for discounts Before buying California boat insurance, check whether you qualify for discounts in a particular company. Find out if you can get a lower premium in case you pick a high deductible, commit to operating your boat in a smaller or specific geographical area, keep a clean driving record on water and land, and finish an educational course regarding boat safety.
Inmost cases, the mentioned situations allow boat owners to qualify for lowerpremiums. Also, ask whether bundling the insurance for your boat with the onesfor your motorcycle, RV, home, and/or auto can further lower your insurancepayments. By knowing the specific things that can give you discounts, you canfigure out which ones you can qualify for and take advantage of them.
Evaluate the cost of your boat annually You have to get an idea about how much it is worth once yearly. It is because, just like cars, the value of boats tends to depreciate as well. The cost of boat insurance is partially dependent on the value of your boat.
See the below video for tips on how to get an affordable and effective boat insurance policy in California:
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What Boat Insurance Policies Cover
How and where you boat determines the type of coverage you need. An “all risk” policy will offer the best protection. However, an all risk policy does not cover every type of loss. In insurance terms all risk just means that any risk not specifically omitted in the policy is covered. Typical exclusions include wear and tear, marring, denting, animal damage, manufacturers defects, design defects, ice and freezing.
You may also be able to add extra coverage. Available options may include: medical payments, personal effects, uninsured boaters liability, and towing and assistance. Most policies will cover permanently attached equipment, as well as items like anchors, oars, trolling motors, tools, seat cushions, and life jackets. Be sure to discuss these options with your agent.
