The Type Of Policy Being Purchased
We recommend that you buy marine insurance designed to cover property and injury-related specifically to the boat.
However, your boat may be covered by different types of policies.
Here are 4 types of policies that may apply:
1) Homeowners Insurance
People who store their boat on their property may be able to use their homeowners insurance policy should the worst happen.
This is especially true if the boat is small and stored inside the house or the garage.
For example, a kayak stored in the basement of a persons house will be covered if the house burns down and the kayak is destroyed.
In fact, some homeowners insurance policies may protect the kayak even if it is chained up at the homes back dock. However, the same rule might not apply to a larger boat.
A homeowners insurance policy will often only cover up to $1,000.00. This means that if your $700.00 canoe is stolen, your insurance company may reimburse you.
However, it also means that if your $35,000.00 boat is stolen, youll only be reimbursed $1,000.00 for it.
For this reason, most people will get an additional insurance policy to help cover their boat.
On top of this, a homeowners insurance policy cannot cover a boat that is out on the water or out on the road. This means that a person will need to get another policy whenever they intend on using the boat.
Failure to do so will leave them out of luck should something happen.
2) Vehicle Insurance
What If I Already Have Boat Insurance
Whether your trailer is covered under your boat policy depends on many factors. Insurance coverage varies by state and by individual policy, so its important to check the fine print on your boat insurance.
Some boat policies extend to the trailer as long as a boat is on the trailer sometimes not. If you want your trailer covered, but its not specifically covered in the policy, youll likely have to pay a little extra to extend your coverage.
What Does Typical Boat Insurance Cover
More often than not, boat insurance is an All Risk coverage, providing protection against a variety of calamities that could happen to your vessel such as fire, theft, vandalism, grounding, or sinking.
Whats most important about the insurance is its capability to cover any liability that might arise from the use of your boat. This is in addition to the coverage for any physical damage or loss sustained by the vessel of the other party because of an accident.
Hence, it becomes even more important to protect you from financial loss when you regularly use your boat and/or when it is worth a lot of money.
Typically, boat insurance covers the following:
Below is a attorneys advice n the case you get injured on your boat:
After knowing or confirming how important it is to get yourself boat insurance , at this point, lets take note of some essential information about owning and operating a boat in this particular US state, the Keystone State.
You just dont go off buying a boat and hit the water! You need to be knowledgeable about Pennsylvanias laws and requirements when it comes to boating.
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Do You Need To Have Insurance For Your Boat
It depends on your location some states require liability coverage on powerboats with engines over a certain specified horsepower. Other states require personal watercraft to be insured. Usually any vessel kept on public or state-run parks or marinas will be required to be covered by some form of boat insurance policy.
What Is The Difference Between Comprehensive And Limited Boating Insurance
While both types of insurance provide the all-important liability coverage, comprehensive boating insurance provides protection against a far greater number of sources for damage. When you have named-perils coverage, you get a list of damage thats covered. On the other hand, when you have comprehensive coverage, you get a small list of incidents that arent covered while everything else is.
Since comprehensive insurance is only incrementally more expensive yet much more inclusive, it is the best choice for serious boaters.
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Boating Laws & License Requirements By State
Passing a boating safety course will give you a discount on boat insurance and will increase your water safety skills. Boat safety courses are an excellent investment of time and money, regardless of your state’s boating law. Each state has unique boating education requirements, and the boating rules, laws and regulations vary from state to state for obtaining a boat license or safety certification. Be sure to review the full legal requirements for your particular state.
States with mandatory boating law require safety certification for some or all boaters. Only one state requires an actual boat license. However, many prospective students are not aware of state legal terminology, and search for information about a boat license or licence, or a captain or captains license. This page is an excellent resource for boating law for all fifty states.
Do I Have To Take An Online Exam
The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you dont complete the exam in one session, dont worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
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What States Require Boat Insurance
As of right now, only two states have boat insurance lawsâArkansas and Utah. In Arkansas, all motorboats powered by engines of more than 50 horsepower, and all PWC, must be covered by a liability insurance policy. The policy must provide at least $50,000 of liability coverage, and it is illegal to operate the PWC without the required insurance.
In Utah, all motorboats and PWC are required to carry ownerâs or operatorâs liability insurance when operated on Utah waters. Motorboats equipped with engines less than 50 horsepower and airboats are exempt. It is illegal to operate a PWC on Utah waters without the required insurance.
Utahâs boat insurance policy requires the following minimum coverage limits per occurrence:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
- $50,000 for total bodily injury if multiple people are hurt in the accident.
- $15,000 for property damage.
There are some instances of states requiring insurance for boats used in some state parks or kept in some state-operated marinasâcheck with your state marine board or alternative governing agency to see if you are impacted.
Things To Consider And Questions To Ask Your Agent
Here are a few things to consider as you prepare for the discussion:
- How much can you afford to pay if your boat or personal watercraft is in an accident, damaged or stolen?
- Is my boat or watercraft covered for use year-round?
- What discounts and programs are available?
- How much medical insurance and liability coverage is enough?
- Do I have coverage if I need to have my boat towed in an emergency?
- Whats the process for filing and settling a claim?
- Does the insurance company have a good reputation for customer service? Is it known for paying claims fairly and promptly?
Home and auto insurance policies may provide limited coverage for personal watercraft. Talk to your insurance representative about coverage limits. You may want to consider purchasing a personal watercraft policy to protect yourself and your water vehicle in the event of an accident.
The personal watercraft policy covers:
- bodily injury
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Liability Coverage For Boat Insurance: Why It Matters
Boat insurance can be purchased to cover physical damage and protect against liability. Liability coverage can be critical in cases of bodily injury or loss of life. If you are sued by another party claiming you are responsible for an injury or death, the cost of defending against the claim can be paid through your policy.
If you do not have sufficient liability coverage in place, you can lose your personal assets, including retirement funds, investment funds, or the value of your property. You have worked to accrue assets that could be lost in a lawsuit, and liability coverage for a non-motorized boat provides an essential form of protection.
How To Obtain A Boating License In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents may wish to obtain boating licenses in order to legally navigate waterways in the state. Understanding how to get a boating license can make this process easier for applicants. New drivers must meet eligibility standards established by the Fish and Boat Commission. These requirements are based on the age and residency status of applicants. Additionally, residents must complete safety courses in order to be granted boater privileges.
A variety of methods to acquire licenses are available in the state. Drivers may opt to use online boating license courses at their own convenience. Alternatively, in-person classes are available to students. Both types of classes offer valuable safety and boater practice instruction. Applicants must take and pass final examinations to be granted boating privileges. Continue reading to find out more about the application process in Pennsylvania.
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What Does Boat Insurance Not Cover
Boat insurance generally won’t cover maintenance or general wear and tear, including gradual weathering and deterioration, insect damage, mold, or damage from animals or marine life.
Pro tip:
With Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing, Progressive will pay for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery if your boat is disabled on the water. or contact our dispatch center by calling , and we’ll make sure the tow operator is completely paid for and on their way to help.
Why Do You Need Insurance For Your Boat Or Personal Watercraft
Youll enjoy the water ever more when youre not worried about the safety of yourself, your passengers or your investment. Here are a few things to consider:
- If youre in an accident or your watercraft is stolen, it costs money, often a lot of money, to fix or replace it.
- If you or any passengers are injured in an accident, medical costs can be extremely expensive.
- If your watercraft is responsible for damage or injury to others, you may be sued for much more than youre worth.
- Your watercraft also needs protection when its on land. Accidents can happen while towing a watercraft.
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How Much Boat Insurance Do I Need
Beyond any state legislation or binding agreements with your lender or marina, the answer to this question may come down to your individual tolerance for risk. As discussed in earlier questions, some states do have minimum requirements for liability insurance coverage. Check with your state government to see whether you are required to meet a coverage threshold. The amount of boat insurance you may need depends on a number of factors, including the boatâs value, motor size, and age. Like other vehicles, high-performance boats will likely command a higher level of coverage to compensate for the amount of damage they are able to inflict.
Get A Boat Insurance Policy To Protect Your Investment
Boat insurance helps you enjoy peace of mind as you navigate your boat or personal watercraft . So if you travel across lakes, rivers, or ocean waters of the United States we can help. Whether you’re looking for a new boat insurance policy or just to save money on an existing policy, we can help you get started with a free boat insurance quote.
Make boating better, together. Experience and a name you can trust go a long way when you’re shopping for boat insurance. That’s why the GEICO Marine Insurance Company has teamed with BoatUS, the nation’s largest group of recreational boat owners. Since 1966, BoatUS has been helping to make boating safer, more affordable, and fun. Together, we share a passion for all things boating.
We all want cheap boat insurance rates, but customer service is what matters. Protect your investment with boat insurance you can count on and get your free online boat insurance quote today.
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When Boat Insurance Is Required
While most states do not require you to have boat insurance, you might find that there are certain situations that call for you to have your boat insured.
If you use your boat as collateral for a loan, your bank may require you to have insurance for the boat.
Also, you may be required to have boat insurance in order to dock your boat in certain marinas or harbors. Contact marina/harbor officials to learn more about their boat insurance requirements.
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How Does Boat Insurance Work
When you buy boat insurance, you must decide on the amount of coverage you need for your boat, the deductible and the types of coverage you need. In the event that you have an accident, experience a theft, or have another loss that is covered under your policy, you can file a claim and receive a payment covering the loss.
As an example, if you were in an accident with another boat that caused serious damage to your vessel, one of the following things would most likely occur, depending upon the insurance coverage you and the other boater own and the laws in your state:
- If you were at fault, your boat liability insurance would cover the damage up to the limits of the policy.
- If the other boater was at fault, his coverage would pay for your damages, up to the limits of his policy.
- If the other boater was at fault, but did not have boat insurance, or did not have enough to cover your expenses, uninsured/underinsured boaters coverage could pay for bodily injury. You would need the physical damage coverage on your boat policy to cover damage to the boat.
Getting A Boating License In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania boater education cards are easily obtained by drivers who successfully complete each step of the application process. A certain amount of hours must be spent in class or taking an online course for privileges to be granted.
Drivers should anticipate their upcoming responsibilities to ensure the best outcomes are obtained. Follow these boating license certification steps to complete the application process:
When the final exam is passed and fees are paid, certificates are awarded to new boaters.
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Pennsylvania Boat And Personal Watercraft Insurance
Whether you’re boating, fishing, or riding a Jet Ski® on one of Pennsylvania’s 76 natural lakes or 85,000 miles of rivers and streams, you’re bound for water. That’s why we’ve partnered with American Modern, a nationwide provider of specialty insurance. Boat insurance is coverage that offers much more than a standard homeowners policy, with increased liability and physical damage insurance for your boat.
How Do I Report A Claim On My Boat Insurance Policy
*Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. The TowBoatU.S. Towing Coverage Endorsement is offered by GEICO Marine Insurance Company, with towing services provided by the BoatU.S. Towing Program. Towing coverage only applies to the insured watercraft. This endorsement is not available in all locations and is subject to certain restrictions. Towing coverage is subject to availability and service may be restricted based on the location of the insured watercraft. Please speak to an agent to discuss details of towing services, limits, exclusions and coverage availability.
The above is meant as general information and as general policy descriptions to help you understand the different types of coverages. These descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. We encourage you to speak to your insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages.
When you click “START QUOTE” you’ll be taken to the BoatUS website for a secure boat quote. Any information you provide will be subject to the privacy policy posted on their website.
BoatUSâBoat Owner’s Association of The United Statesâis the nation’s largest association for recreational boaters providing service, savings and representation for over 50 years.
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Can My Trailer Be Covered By My Auto Or Homeowners Policy
Your boat trailer may have some coverage under your auto policy or homeowners policy. However, that coverage may not be adequate to protect your investment in your trailer under all circumstances.
Some auto policies will cover the trailer, provided the trailer is attached to an insured vehicle. Homeowners insurance can usually cover a trailer provided it is stored at the home.
Since coverage on a home and on a vehicle is different, you may have gaps in coverage for your trailer if you rely on either policy in the event of a loss.
Check the fine print and talk with a local agent to see if your trailer is covered and how much a boat trailer insurance policy will cost.
