Choosing the right boat insurance policy is an important step to ensuring that you and your boat are properly protected in the event of an accident. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision when selecting a boat insurance policy:
Boat Insurance Policies
- Determine what type of coverage you need – Different types of boats require different types of coverage. Think about where and how often you will be using your boat and make sure to select a policy that offers the level of protection that meets your needs.
- Know your budget – Boat insurance can be expensive, so it’s important to know how much coverage you can afford before making any decisions. Consider all the costs associated with owning and operating a boat, including fuel, maintenance, storage fees, etc., in order to get an accurate idea of what kind of budget is realistic for your situation.
- Review policy exclusions – Be sure to read through any exclusions listed on the policy before signing anything or paying any money up front. Make sure that there aren’t any activities or conditions excluded from coverage so there won’t be any surprises down the road if something happens while out on the water with your vessel.
- Shop around – Don’t just settle for one quote; compare policies from several companies in order to find one with competitive rates while still providing adequate protection for you and your vessel at sea.
- Ask questions – If there is ever anything unclear about a particular policy or its terms, don’t hesitate to ask questions until everything is clear before signing off on it! This will help ensure that you understand exactly what is covered (and not covered) by each plan so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises later on down the line if something happens while out at sea with your vessel!
Boat Coverages
1. Liability Coverage
This coverage will protect you from financial liability should someone be injured or property damaged as a result of an accident involving your boat. This includes medical and legal expenses, as well as any court–ordered damages that may result from an accident involving your boat.
2. Uninsured/Underinsured Boater Coverage
This coverage protects you when another boater is responsible for an accident but does not have the insurance needed to pay for the damages they caused.
3. Property Damage Coverage
This coverage helps pay for repairs to your boat or replacement of it if it is damaged in an accident, vandalism, fire, windstorm or other covered event. It also pays for damage caused to other boats by your own vessel due to collision or sinking of the vessel.
4. Comprehensive Coverage
Also known as “all risks“ coverage, this type of policy covers losses and damages that are not related to collision such as theft, vandalism and fire damage resulting from lightning strikes or mechanical breakdowns (excluding wear and tear). It also covers debris removal costs after a covered event occurs on–board the vessel (i.e., fuel spills).
5. Medical Payments Coverage
If someone on board is injured during a boating excursion this type of policy helps cover their medical bills regardless of who is at fault in the incident that caused their injuries.
5. Towing & Assistance Coverage
If your boat becomes disabled due to mechanical breakdowns while out on the water this coverage provides assistance with getting it back safely to shore either through being towed by another vessel or via assistance services provided by a professional company such as Sea Tow®.