B
oats and personal watercrafts continue to fill the oceans and lakes all around the region. Just like your homes and automobiles, owners need to make sure they have boat and personal watercraft insurance to protect themselves and others from any liability or damages that may occur due to an accident.
Boat Insurance
Boats can come in all different shapes and sizes. These kinds of vessels include fishing boats, pontoons, yachts, paddle boats and sail boats. Your policy may vary based on the type of watercraft and how it’s used.
What’s Covered?
Boat insurance covers you in the event of a loss or damage to your boat. For small watercrafts, you may find some limited coverage under your homeowner’s policy. You may also be able to add an endorsement or buy separate coverage. Below are some of the situations you may be covered for depending on your policy:
- Liability
- Physical Damage
- Theft
- Medical Payments
- Blow Engine
- Trailer Coverage
- Boat Covers
- Docking Fenders
- Communications Devices
What’s Excluded
Boating insurance does not usually cover kayaks, canoes, or personal watercrafts (PWCs). Below are some of the situations you may be covered for depending on your policy:
- Personal items on the boat
- Water skiers being pulled behind the boat
- Hurricane damage
- Machinery damage exclusions
Personal Watercraft Insurance
Personal Watercrafts (PWCs), are vessels under 18 feet in length that use an inboard motor that powers a water jet pump and is operated by an individual standing, sitting, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than in it. Jet Skis, WaveRunners, and Sea-Doos are a few examples of PWCs.
What’s Covered?
A personal watercraft insurance policy typically insures you against many common liability losses if you or someone else is operating it. Below are some of the situations you may be covered for depending on your policy:
- Property Damage
- Physical Damage
- Wreck removal or towing
- Medical Payments
- Theft
- Water skiers being pulled behind the PWC
- Trailer Coverage
- Guest Passenger Liability
- Bodily Injury
What’s Excluded
It is important to read every part of your policy so you have a clear understanding on excluded items. Below are some of the situations you may not be covered for depending on your policy:
- Any craft that has been modified to enhance speed and performance.
- Operating a PWC when you don’t have a valid driver’s license.
- Operating a PWC after dark—dusk to dawn.
You can typically customize your policy by increasing the amount of coverage or adding additional endorsements. For example, you may want to increase liability coverage to protect your assets in the event that you become involved in a lawsuit after an accident you cause.
Boats and personal watercrafts are a significant investment and a great source of fun for you, family, and friends. Protect those memorable experiences against liability and damages with TJ Woods Insurance. Every boat is unique, and we understand that you have specialized insurance needs. Our agents understand your needs and can answer your questions about what different boat or personal watercraft insurance coverage types would make the most sense for you. Contact us today!
