How Does Boat Insurance Work

Boat Insurance Property Coverage

Boat insurance protects a boat against specific risks. Property coverage, for example, might assist pay for repairs to your boat if it is destroyed in an accident. It may also assist in the purchase of a replacement boat if yours is stolen. This type of coverage is typically used to safeguard a boat, whether it is on the water or on land. You could be able to select between 2 types of coverage when purchasing boat property insurance: actual cash value coverage and agreed amount coverage.

Its Kind Of Like A Canopy

Once your boat is out of the water, its insured status can get vague. For instance, if you are driving your boat on a trailer, and get into an accident, the coverage in your auto policy takes effect. However, your boat insurance often does not factor in. So, to make sure you are covered both in water and on land, consider an umbrella policy. Its expanded liability coverage that can help protect you in this scenario .

What Is An Insurance Deductible

Your boat insurance deductible is the amount you self-insure on a loss. In other words, it is what you pay on a claim before your coverage kicks in.

Deductibles are a standard component of insurance contracts are usually written into the policy in one of two ways:

Regardless of the deductible structure, you are agreeing to pay that amount or percentage when you sign up for a plan and your provider may contribute for damages above the applicable deductible up to the policy limit.

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Can I Finance A Pre

Used boats can be financed and most times a Boat Loan Specialists terms are the same as on a New Boat. Used boats need a Survey or an Appraisal, to assess its fair market value. A Title examination will be needed to make sure there are no outstanding liens. A Boat loan specialist can help guide you through the process of Financing a pre-owned Boat in many ways they will act as your Fiduciary and Concierge.

What Does Boat Liability Insurance Cover

Liability coverage for boaters offers protection for a number of incidents that result in damage to another person or property. Typically, liability insurance covers:

Bodily injury liability. Youll be covered for costs associated with injuries to other people that youre responsible for causing. Bodily injury liability can help cover their medical expenses, hospital stay, rehabilitation and more.

Medical expense coverage. This provides coverage for bodily injury sustained in an accident regardless of whos at fault. It can help pay for medical and funeral expenses. $1,000 medical expense coverage is included with your liability coverage, and you can increase limits up to $10,000.

Property damage liability. If you damage another persons boat, dock or other property, property damage liability helps cover the cost.

Claim and defense expenses. If a lawsuit is filed against you, your liability insurance can help cover the legal defense costs you may have.

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Loss Or Damage Of Personal Belongings

You will be covered against any physical loss or damage to your personal possessions while they are on your boat. Your items will only be covered against accident, fire, theft or malicious damage.

Most cover personal belongings up to a set limit, for example £1,000 for all items, with a single item limit of around £200.

Comparing Boat Insurance Providers

Owning a boat is a major expense and you should choose your boat insurance provider with care. Remember to research the company and check out its ratings and reviews. Some other things to keep in mind when comparing providers include:

• Coverage options: What type of coverage is offered? Make sure you understand the different plans and if things like running aground or hitting the dock are covered.
• Pricing: Know how much youre paying for coverage and what that includes. Also, keep due dates in mind and if a downpayment is required.
• Discounts: What discounts does the provider offer? Some things to ask about are bundling discounts, safe boater discounts, age-based discounts, and discounts for experienced boatmen
• Specializations: Know if the provider specializes in marine coverage and make sure the agents are knowledgeable because it is much different than auto insurance. Some companies specialize in recreational boating and others specialize in commercial boating and yachts.
• Coverage Exclusions: Research ahead of time what is not covered so you know before you choose a policy. Some providers wont insure boats that go above a certain amount of knots and others wont insure boats with aftermarket parts.

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What Kinds Of Boats Need To Be Insured

Do you need boat insurance in Minnesota? Yes, you do for just about any kind of boat with a few exceptions such as nonmotorized watercraft 10 feet in length or less .

It doesnt matter if it is a small personal watercraft or Jet Ski or a huge yacht, you should have boat insurance to cover you in a case of a covered loss or damage or an injury to one of your passengers.

Even a boat that is kept locked up in storage or docked most of the time, can be subject to damage, vandalism or being stolen. That means you do need MN boat insurance to pay for those problems if they occur or face high replacement costs for your boat and its contents. Its better to find out what boat insurance cost MN boat owners, then to pay even more if your boat is stolen or destroyed.

What Does Boat Insurance Typically Cover

Boat insurance coverage will depend on what type of boat you have, what insurance provider you use, and what coverage youre willing to pay for. General boat insurance typically covers physical damage to your boat, as long as none of the restrictions of the policy were violated, and liability coverage for damage to other property caused by you while operating your boat. You can add additional coverage types, such as medical payment for injuries you sustain while on the boat.

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What Additional Cover Options Do I Have

In addition to basic cover, insurers offer a collection of other benefits that may be useful to you as a boat owner. Here are the most common:

• Contents cover. Your typical cover doesnt protect your personal belongings. For an extra premium, you can get cover for personal items like clothing, fishing equipment, diving equipment, water sports equipment and electronics.
• Lay-up cover. If you store your boat during certain seasons, you may be able to save on premiums while its stored. With lay-up cover, you basically have two policies in one: one for the timeframe youre using the boat and one for the timeframe youre storing it. Youll be charged a little more up front, but youll ultimately save on your premiums.
• Racing cover . Basic boat insurance doesn’t cover you when you’re racing. The sailboat racing option expands your cover to protect you when you’re racing in an organised event.
• Water skiing liability. A basic boat insurance policy won’t cover you if you’re towing a water skier and that’s what caused the damage or injury. With the water skier’s liability option, you’re covered for injuries to the water skier and for any damage caused to others as a result of this activity.

What Does Boat Insurance Cover You For

Here are a few situations you may be covered for, depending on your level of insurance:

• You crash your boat into someones dock. Your cover could pay to repair the dock and your boat .
• Someone was standing on that dock and broke their leg. Your insurance could pay damages for the injury.
• The person on the dock decides to sue you. The right policy will help take care of your lawyer fees and any damages you end up owing the injured person.

• Someone steals your boat. If someone steals your boat, you may be able to get the full value back from your insurer.
• A few local ruffians spray paint your boat. The right policy will also cover vandalism.
• A flood overtakes your boat. A comprehensive policy will cover damage or loss from flood, fire, hail, explosion, lighting, impact and other natural events.
• Youre towing your boat and you damage it in a crash. The right policy will also cover your boat while its on the road, even if you damage it in an accident.

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Best For Additional Coverage Options: Foremost

Foremost

• No. of Policy Types: 3
• Coverage Limit: Varies

Foremost offers various boat insurance packages with unique add-ons including trip interruption services.

• Unique add ons like onboard pet coverage

• Trailer coverage

• Contact agent for specific coverage maximums

• Website could give more details

Foremost is a part of the Farmers Insurance Group of companies. It is a specialty insurance company that has been in business since 1952, and it’s known for providing affordable coverage for boat insurance in all 50 U.S. states. Foremost offers some unique coverage options for an additional premium, including hurricane haul-out, enhanced towing services, fishing tournament fee reimbursement, additional pollution liability coverage, pet coverage and trip interruption service.

There are several discounts available through Foremost that are designed to save you money on your premium. This includes a lay-up discount, paid-in-full discount, boating safety course, protective device discount, multi-policy discount, multi-unit discount, loss-free renewal discount, prior insurance, insured age , and affinity and alliance discounts for boat operators who are a part of an approved affinity group or alliance organization. Coverage is also available for classic boats over 25 years old.

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 elses 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 damage 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 boaters insurance covers your boats actual cash value, replacement cost, or agreed-upon value.

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What Kind Of Boats Need To Do Have Insurance

All boats should ideally be insured for at least liability coverage. Whatever type of boat you own, it has the potential to inflict substantial damage and property damage, and you could be sued as a result. Up to the policys limits, your liability insurance will pay the costs of the litigation and any settlement.

Apart from liability, the choice of whether or not to insure your boat for physical damage is ultimately yours. Your decision, like purchasing comprehensive coverage for a car, will be based on the value of your boat and how much money youre willing to lose if its lost.

Boat Insurance Costs And Discounts

How much youll pay for boat insurance depends on the level of insurance coverage you want, as well as the size, horsepower, type and value of your boat.

You can choose your deductible, which is the amount deducted from your insurance check if you make a claim. A typical policy has deductibles of $250 for property damage, $500 for theft and $1,000 for medical payments, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Liability claims against you do not have a deductible.

Insurance companies offer a variety of ways to save money, including discounts for:

• Having a diesel-powered boat.
• Not having made a previous boat insurance claim.
• Carrying other policies, such as car or homeowners, with the same insurer.
• Taking safety courses.

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Boat Insurance Coverage Faqs

Small Boat Insurance

What is the best coverage for my boat?

It is best to have what is known as an “All Risk” policy, which will provide coverage for all types of losses except those specifically excluded in the policy. Typical exclusions may include wear and tear, gradual deterioration, marring, denting, scratching, animal damage, manufacturer’s defects, defects in design, and ice and freezing.

How much should I insure my boat for?

You should insure your boat for the amount it would cost you to replace it with like kind and quality. This is called “Agreed Value” or “Stated Value” coverage, and in the event of a total loss, will pay the full insured amount. Beware of policies providing “Actual Cash Value” coverage, which means the value of your boat will be replacement cost less depreciation.

What other coverages can I expect with my policy?

The following are standard coverages with standard deductibles and average limits:

• Medical payments, $5,000
• $1,000 limit Personal effects, $250 deductible
• Uninsured boaters liability, between $300,000 and $500,000
• $500 to $1000 limit Towing and assistance, no deductible
• $1,000 limit Fishing equipment, $250 deductible

Who is allowed to operate my boat?

I live in an area where I can’t use my boat in the winter, but my lender requires it be insured year-round. What can I do?

Large Boat Insurance

What are the differences between boat and yacht insurance?

What should I look for in a yacht policy?

What is a normal deductible?

What Kind Of Insurance Do You Need For A Jet Ski

At a minimum, youll need to consider how much coverage you want or needsome states require liability coveragehow much you can afford, and what type of coverage is best suited for your PWC use. A good policy includes basic liability insurance that protects you against accidental physical damage and bodily injury.

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David Pope For Missouri

David Pope Insurance can help you with all your boat and watercraft insurance needs throughout the Franklin County area. Whether you need insurance for a personal watercraft in Union, MO or youre looking for an instant quote for boat insurance in Iowa, just contact David Pope, and well find the policy youre looking for fast.

Were able to get you a fast, affordable quote from a quality provider for your boat insurance because of our flexible, progressive approach and our network of providers we have built up over 15 years of bringing our customers the best insurance possible in the Missouri area. If you need boat insurance now in Missouri or surrounding states, call David Pope Insurance, since well never leave you waiting for weeks trying to find out if you have a policy or not. Well get you a quote and answer your questions right away, so youll be protected next time you get out on the water.

Theres no time to waste. Whether you have a yacht, fishing boat, pontoon boat, leisure craft, personal watercraft or other water vehicle, contact David Pope Insurance online for your fast, accurate quote now. Or if you prefer, give us a call now at 636-583-0800 to learn more.

Submit Your Hurricane Plan To Your Insurer

So, to wrap this up, dont be afraid of the hurricane form.

Fill it out as best you can. Dont say you are going to do something that you cant do. Be honest about what your plans are.

If the company is not happy with your plan they will say so, and you can revise it till both parties agree.

This form becomes part of your policy so its legal and binding. It is a good way to prepare calmly for an event you hope will never happen. But if the worst happens, you can get your plan out and use it to get ready for the storm.

I hope this helps you understand why the company wants the hurricane plan. And why its a good thing for you also to use as a guide when the storm is headed your way. Lets hope we all have a quiet hurricane season!

Laura Lindstrom-Croop has worked as a Claims Adjuster and as an Insurance Agent for over 35 years. She brings a unique perspective to the insurance business as a liveaboard cruising sailor with an Atlantic crossing and over 20,000 miles under her keel over the last 12 years. Her current cruising grounds are from New England to Trinidad. Laura currently works for Legacy Underwriters in St. Petersburg, FL, an independent broker that specializes in marine coverages. If you have questions youd like Laura to address in future posts, leave a comment below or email her at

Learn the best practices to give your boat a fighting chance against a hurricane with Comprehensive Hurricane Preparation for Boaters:

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The Coverage Is Flexible

Boat insurance coverage and costs are fairly flexible, with a wide selection of liability limits, deductibles, and additional coverages to select from. As per the Insurance Information Institute , a typical boat insurance coverage contains deductibles of $250 for property damage, $500 for theft, and $1000 for medical expenditures, although these rates can vary and affect your price appropriately.

According to the I.I.I., most companies offer boat insurance with liability limits starting at $15,000 and increasing up to $300,000, depending on the preferences of the boat owner. Boat owners can also obtain umbrella coverage to cover their boat and also their home and automobile for additional liability.