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.
How To Obtain A Boating License In Kentucky
Kentucky residents may have to obtain a boating license in KY, if they want to operate a boat or watercraft on state waterways. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources does not issue boating licenses, but encourages individuals to obtain a boat certificate that will serve them as proof while operating their vessels. A boat certification is mandatory for residents who are between 12 and 17 years of age.
Prior to operating a boat, individuals must satisfy certain boat license requirements that may vary based on their age and other criteria. For instance, the requirement for enrollment in a boaters safety course is not mandatory for boaters of all ages. However, completing a safety course may prove to be beneficial for boaters who plan to operate a water vessel. To discover how to get a boat safety certificate in Kentucky, continue reading the sections below.
Is Boat Insurance Required In Kentucky
You are not required by law to carry boat insurance in Kentucky.
However, there are times when boat insurance might be necessary. If you financed the purchase of your boat, your lender might require you to have boat insurance until your loan is paid off. Also, if you dock your boat at a marina, having boat insurance may be a stipulation of your lease agreement.
Regardless of whether it is required, having boat insurance is usually a good idea particularly if your boat is very expensive or if you plan to operate it at high speeds. A local independent insurance agent can help you determine whether this coverage is cost-effective for you.
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Stay Afloat With The Right Watercraft & Boat Insurance
Boat insurance is necessity for those who own boats or recreational watercraft. But if you ever hurt somebody with your boat or damage their property, you could be looking at thousands of dollars in damage and losses due to personal liability.
Get the right watercraft coverage to help look after you, your passengers and your watercraft. You may be eligible for premium discounts based on your history, type of water craft, boating education courses and having multiple insurance policies.
But I Only Have A Small Boat
To gauge whether coverage is necessary, take into account the value of the boat you own. Smaller and less expensive boats are often covered under homeowners insurance policies.
These are boats which are generally extremely small and do not have a motor affixed to them. Yet if your boat is say more than $10,000, boat insurance is highly recommended in Ohio.
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Laws For Public Intoxication
In Kentucky, it is illegal to drink alcoholic beverages in public places . The waterways of Kentucky are considered public places. Additionally, in a public place, a person who is under the influence of alcoholic to the extent that they may unreasonably annoy or endanger themselves or others, shall be subject to arrest.
Who Should Get Boat Insurance
Boat insurance is something that boaters, or those planning to be, should think about. Boat owners who are letting their watercraft get rented out should also check it out. Many individuals may brush this fact off, but their water vessels for leisure can be prone to damage. It can occur even when in storage or use.
When discussing with an agent, boat insurance falls under your personal insurance program. Extend your plan and get the added coverage if you havent already. That way, you can feel secure about going to boating reservoirs and marinas in Kentucky.
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Kentucky Boat Registration Basics
Kentucky DMV boat registration documents are required for all mechanically powered vessels which are used in the state. Boaters cannot operate boats of watercraft without having them previously registered at the county clerks office.
When operating water vessels, KY residents must have their boat registration certificates on board with them. To apply for a watercraft registration, boaters need to get the registration paperwork at either a county office or at the principal county office. Boat registrations expire on April 30 of each year.
Note: Operators of boats and watercraft that are rented from a marina or boat livery must carry a lease agreement with them on board.
Affordable Boat Insurance & Watercraft Coverage
Boat insurance is the coverage that is needed for your boat or any other marine vessel, such as a jet ski. Its important to have the right coverage for when something happens to your watercraft or you while on the water. You dont want to pay out-of-pocket for the damage as it can be financially draining.
A good policy is going to cover most events that can happen to your boat. This includes when the boat is in storage, on the road to go to a dock, and while its in the water. If the boat turns over on the road, the damage could be covered by insurance just the same as if another boat slams into your boat while out on the water.
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Boat And Watercraft Insurance In Winchester Kentucky
Consult with one of our professional agents at Winchester Insurance Agency to make sure you have the right coverage at a competitive price. We can evaluate your boat or jet ski insurance needs to find special coverages you may need or any discounts you may qualify for. Some additional discounts and coverages may include:
- Accident forgiveness
Is Boat Insurance Required By Law
You are not required by law to carry boat insurance in Kentucky. In fact, only three states actually require this insurance, so be aware of that if you take your boat to Arkansas, Utah, or Hawaii.
However, there are times when having boat insurance might be necessary. If you financed the purchase of your boat, your lender might require you to have boat insurance until your loan is paid in full. Also, if you dock your boat at a marina, having boat insurance is sometimes a stipulation of the lease agreement.
Regardless of whether it is required, having boat insurance is usually a good idea. This is particularly true if your boat is very expensive or if you plan to operate it at high speeds. A local independent insurance agent can help you determine whether Owensboro boat insurance is a cost-effective purchase for you.
Save on Boat Insurance
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How Much Does Boat Insurance Cost In Florence Ky
The average boat insurance policy in Kentucky costs around $250 a year. That is very little to pay for the peace of mind that a policy can afford you. Of course, there are several factors that go into calculating costs, so your quoted price may be higher or lower than this average amount.
Rates can be influenced by several factors:
- The type of boat you are insuring
- Your boats length and the size of its engine
- Where the boat will be stored when not in use
- Your driving record and claims history, both on and off the water
- The amount of liability coverage you want to have
- The amount of your deductible
The only way to find out exactly how much a boat insurance policy will cost you is to request quotes from a few insurance companies. Independent insurance agents make this easy by doing the legwork for you. Because they are independent, they can obtain customized quotes from a few competing insurers on your behalf.
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What Would Boat Insurance Cover
Once you have deduced that coverage is necessary, it is important to know what is specifically covered on your plan. Boating insurance often covers the following:
- Bodily damage caused by your boat
- Property damage to docks or other boats caused by your boat
- Damage caused directly to your boat
Most basic policies cover these situations. You can also invest in comprehensive boat insurance as well. Some of the things included in comprehensive boat insurance include:
- Theft, vandalism, fire and flood
- Property damage against fishing equipment
- Roadside assistance, if youre in need of a tow
Naturally, the coverage varies by policy and region, especially depending on the kind of watercraft you own and the type of body of water it is used on.
It is in any boat owners best interest to have their assets covered in any case with a water-tight insurance plan.
Take the mystery out of Ohio boat insurance and contact an agent at Burkhart Insurance to get your free quote today.
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Louisville Kentucky Insurance Specializes In Boat Insurance In Kentucky
Boats and personal watercraft are big investments, but if you love being out on the water, you know theyre worth it.
So protect your fun investment with coverage thats designed with the boat lover in mind. Not with some standard coverage or add-on to your Homeowners insurance.
Louisville Kentucky Insurance can help make your time on the water relaxed and worry-free. We will find you comprehensive protection that protects you, your friends and family, your watercraft and your boating equipment.
The average boat costs less than a dollar a day to insure. Youll enjoy being on the water even more when you arent worried about your safety, the safety of your passengers, or your investment.
Do you know what to look for in a watercraft insurance policy? Louisville Kentucky Insurance can help you determine the right amount of coverage to meet your specific needs. Just contact us today to get started.
Boat Insurance Discount Opportunities In Florence Ky
Independent insurance agents work for you, not for a specific insurance company, so they are dedicated to finding you the best rates for your boat insurance coverage. One way they do this by looking for discount opportunities for which you may qualify.
Some money-saving opportunities that you may be eligible for include discounts for bundling your boat insurance with other policies like home or car insurance discounts for taking and passing a boater safety course and discounts for having certain industry or professional affiliations.
Talk to your local insurance agent to learn more.
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Do I Need Boat Insurance
If you are planning on purchasing a powerboat or a sailboat in the coming months, thereâs a good chance that you are looking into boat insurance as well. If this is the case, you likely have some questions about boat insurance companies and whether you need additional coverage. Well, you came to the right place! In this article, you will find answers the top 9 most frequently asked questions about boat insurance.
Fire Extinguishers Must Be Carried On All Motorboats Which Have Any Of The Following Conditions:
Boats are 26 feet or longer, transport passengers for hire, have one or more of the following:
- Inboard engines
- Closed compartments under thwarts and seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored
- Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation material
- Closed living spaces
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What Does Boat Insurance Include
When you purchase boat insurance, standard insurance will typically cover the following:
- Bodily injury: If someone gets injured while on your boat, this will help cover legal and medical bills associated with the accident.
- Property damage: This coverage will protect you if you are at fault in an accident that caused damage to another boat or property.
- Collision: If youre in an accident, this will pay for the cost of repairing or replacing your boat. This coverage is usually optional however, a lender may require you to purchase it if youre leasing.
- Comprehensive: This coverage will pay for repair costs if your boat gets damaged from something other than a collision this includes floods, storms, fire, theft, and vandalism.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorists: If an uninsured or underinsured motorist causes damage to you or your boat, this coverage will help protect you.
- Medical payment coverage: If youre involved in an accident, this coverage will pay for the medical costs regardless of who is at fault. Some policies will even cover funeral expenses.
There are also additional options you can add to your coverage, such as:
Keep in mind your insurance should cover all operators.
Talk to your insurance provider and make sure you have all the appropriate options added to your plan for your specific situation and climate.
What Kind Of Boat Insurance Do I Need
Like many other insurance policies, boat insurance can typically be separated into a few types: liability, uninsured motorist, and collision/comprehensive coverages.
Liability insurance is the minimum standard required by most states, banks, and marinas. The boat insurance professionals at trustedchoice.com recommend buying at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance. The recommended amount of liability coverage can be even higher if you have a fast, powerful boat that is both riskier and can cause more damage.
With uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, the standard minimum is $10,000. Ensure that you take into account any potential injuries and damages you may need to cover if you or one of your passengers is injured or your vessel is badly damaged.
The last type of boat insurance we will cover is collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. These types of coverages should be based specifically on the value of your boat. Check with your lender or your marina to see if there are insurance policies in place.
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Buying Or Selling A Kentucky Titled Boat
What you will need:
*All liens must be terminated prior to transfer.
If you have lost your Kentucky title you will need to order a duplicate title.
Fees:
What Does Boat Insurance Cover
Common boat insurance coverages include:
- Property damage liabilityâProperty damage liability insurance covers the cost of damages to someone else’s property after an accident you cause. In most cases, your property damage will pay out when you are at fault for an accident that causes damage to someone else’s boat or PWC.
- Collision damageâWhen your boat or PWC is damaged in an accident, collision insurance is an optional coverage that pays the cost of repairing or replacing it, minus the amount of your deductible.
- Bodily injury liabilityâBodily injury liability coverage is the part of your insurance policy that pays for the costs associated with injuries to other people involved, if you are found legally responsible for a boating accident.
- Hull coverageâHull insurance covers any physical damages that occur to your boat and generally includes trailers, equipment, motors, and accessories. Typical claims include fire and windstorm damage.
- Fuel spill liabilityâA separate policy that separates out fuel spill liability and provides coverage for any fines that may occur from an accident involving a fuel spill.
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Kentucky Boating License Fees
Boaters are in most cases required to either pay for their boating license, or to submit payment for the certificate of enrollment to their course providers. In Kentucky, individuals who want to operate boats or vessels are not mandated to pay any fees. However, when requesting a duplicate boat card, residents may have to submit payment for a $5 replacement fee.
Who Needs Boat Insurance
Very few states have mandatory boat insurance laws. But that doesnt mean that you dont need it. Even if you arent concerned about damage to your vessel, there are significant liability risks associated with operating a boat. Should someone get injured while on your boat or as a result of you operating your vessel, you run the risk of exposing your personal assets to litigation if you dont have adequate insurance to protect yourself.
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Customize Your Boat Insurance Coverage
All boats aren’t the same. You need to customize your boat insurance to meet your needs and provide your watercraft with the proper coverage. Here is a list of the most common types of watercrafts.
- Pontoon boats are one of the most popular inland water boats. They are a flattish boat that relies on floats to remain buoyant. Their wide and spacious area is great for many passengers to enjoy the ride.
- Personal watercraft are powered by a water jet pump and the rider generally sits, stands, or kneels on it. There are many types of PWCs which include WaveRunners, Sea-Doos and more.
- Fishing and bass boats are designed and equipped for fishing. Most are powered by an outboard motor and are equipped with power poles, trolling motors, etc.
- Powerboats are the most popular type of boat used for cruising, watersports, and so much more.
- Sailboats are propelled partly or entirely by sails.
If you don’t see your watercraft listed and looking for more information on different types of boats here?
