While having fun on your boat is ideally the goal, safety is always the number one priority. The moment a driver steps behind any wheel, whether it’s on land or in the water, there is always a chance of an accident. Just like owning a home or automobile, you need to have boat insurance in order to protect yourself from any liability or damages that may occur due to an accident. Understanding and learning exactly what is covered under a typical boating insurance policy can make all the difference.
What Does Boating Insurance Cover?
Since the size, type, and value of your boat may add variety to your policy, we’ll be going over the general features within a typical form of boating insurance. First and foremost, the purpose of boating insurance is to cover losses or damages to your vessel. Other situations that are typically covered include:
- Liability
- Physical Damage
- Theft
- Medical Payments
- Blown Engine
- Trailer Coverage
- Boat Covers
- Docking Fenders
- Communication Devices
Boating insurance also covers costs associated with personal injuries, such as:
- General Medical Bills
- Hospitalization
- Rehabilitation
How is Your Boat Covered in The Water?
Property damage liability is coverage for any damages made to another person’s boat, dock, or other personal possessions while in the water. The type of insurance that applies to your boat depends on its location and vicinity to the water. When your boat is being used or stored on the water, boating insurance is responsible for coverage.
How is Your Boat Covered on Land?
During the transportation of the vehicle to and from the body of water, automobile insurance kicks into effect. In specific instances, storing your boat on your property could offer more limited coverage, making it especially important to speak with your insurance representative to learn exactly how much is protected.
Are Personal Watercraft Covered by Boating Insurance?
Personal Watercraft (or PWCs for short) are not featured within this form of insurance. However, certain home and auto insurance policies may provide limited coverage. Also available for purchase is PWC insurance, which specifically covers vehicles that are under 18 feet in length and use an onboard motor for power. Additionally, any personal vehicle that requires the user to stand, sit, or kneel on the vessel as a means of operating it, rather than being inside it, would fall under this branch. A few examples of PWC’s are:
- Jet-Skis
- WaveRunners
- Sea-Doos
At the end of the day, our hope is that your time in the sun is worry-free and being properly insured is a means to that end. To learn more about your coverage and policy options, visit our website’s boat insurance section. The TJ Woods Insurance Agency will work with you to find insurance solutions that work for your situation and budget. Learn more about boating safety and get a free quote today!
