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What is Boat Insurance

 
Most companies provide limited coverage for property damage for small boats such as canoes and small sail boats or small power boats with less than 25 mile per hour horse power under a homeowners or renters insurance policy. Coverage is usually about $1,000 or 10 percent of the home's property value and generally includes the boat, motor and trailer combined. Liability coverage is typically not included–but it can be added as an endorsement to a homeowners policy. Contact one of the Manor Insurance team for more details.

Larger and faster boats such as yachts, and personal watercraft such as jet skis and wave runners require a separate boat insurance policy. The size, type and value of the craft and the water in which you use it factor into how much you will pay for insurance coverage.

For physical loss or damage, coverage includes the hull, machinery, fittings, furnishings and permanently attached equipment as part of either an actual cash value policy or on an agreed amount value basis. These policies also provide broader liability protection than a homeowners policy. But there are distinct differences between the two types of policies.

Actual Cash Value policies pay for replacement costs less depreciation at the time of the loss. In the event of a total loss, used boat pricing guides and other resources are used to determine the vessel’s approximate market value. Partial losses are settled by taking the total cost of the repair less a percentage for depreciation.

Agreed Amount Value basis policies mean that you and your insurer have agreed on the value of your vessel and in the event of a total loss you will be paid that amount. Agreed Amount Value policies also replace old items for new in the event of a partial loss, without any deduction for depreciation.

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Boat insurance also covers...
  • Bodily injury - For injuries caused to another person
  • Property damage - For damage caused to someone else’s property
  • Guest passenger liability - For any legal expenses incurred by someone using the boat with the owner’s permission
  • Medical payments - For injuries to the boat owner and other passengers
  • Theft - Most companies offer liability limits that start at $15,000 and can be increased to $300,000. Typical policies include deductibles of $250 for property damage, $500 for theft and $1000 for medical payments. Higher limits may be available. Additional coverage can be purchased for trailers and other accessories. Boat owners may also consider purchasing an umbrella liability policy which will provide additional protection for their boat, home and car.

Boat owners should also inquire about special equipment kept on the boat, such as fishing gear, to make sure it is covered and verify that towing coverage is included in the policy.
 
Ask about discounts for the following:
  • Diesel powered craft - Less hazardous than gasoline powered boats as they are less likely to explode
  • Coast Guard approved fire extinguishers.
  • Ship-to-shore radios and other navigational aids.
  • Two years of claims-free operation.
  • Multi-policies discounts with the same insurer.  (Car, home or umbrella policy)
  • Safety education courses. - As those offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, or the American Red Cross.

A word about boating safety.
There are thousands of recreational boating accidents per year. Contributing factors to these accidents include traveling too fast for water or weather conditions, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to follow boating rules and regulations, carelessness and inexperience.
 
To prevent boating accidents, we offer these safety suggestions:
  • Check weather forecasts before heading out.
  • File a "Float Plan" for long voyages and Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
  • Check engine, fuel, electrical and steering systems, especially for exhaust-system leaks.
  • Carry one or more fire extinguishers, matched to the size and type of boat. Keep them readily accessible and in condition for immediate use.
  • Equip the vessel with required navigation lights and with a whistle, horn or bell.
  • Keep onboard additional safety devices, such as oars, first-aid kit, supply of fresh water, tool kit and spare parts, flashlight, flares and a radio.
  • Make sure that every person on board the boat wears a life-jacket and knows where they are located in the event of an emergency.
  • Know and obey marine traffic laws, the "Rules-of-the-Road." Learn various distress signals.
  • Keep an alert lookout for other watercraft, swimmers, floating debris and shallow waters.
  • Pay attention to loading. Follow the manufacturers load limits and don’t overload!  Distribute the load evenly; don’t stand up or shift weight suddenly in a small boat; and don’t permit riding on the bow, seat backs or gunwales. 
  • Don't operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Upon request, the auxiliary will conduct a Courtesy Marine Examination (CME) on your boat, checking electrical and safety equipment and fuel hoses. Boats meeting safety standards are awarded the CME decal "Seal of Safety."

 

How about Personal Watercraft?

 
Personal watercraft are not generally covered by homeowners or auto insurance, and where they are, the coverage limits can be fairly low. You may need to purchase a specifically designed policy in order to insure these vessels. The personal watercraft policy covers:
  • Bodily injury
  • Property damage
  • Medical payments
  • Guest passenger liability
  • Theft
Typical policies include deductibles of $250 for property damage, $500 for theft and $1,000 for medical payments, although these may vary from company to company.

Liability limits start at $15,000 and can be increased to $300,000. This coverage will provide financial protection if your personal watercraft is involved in an accident.

Most policies also include water sports liability, which covers risks associated with activities such as water skiing.

Consider buying an umbrella policy which will provide more liability protection. One million dollars in extra coverage costs about $300 a year and would extend to your home and auto insurance policies.

If you have several personal watercraft, you may qualify for a multi-boat discount on your insurance. Additional coverage can also be purchased for trailers and other accessories.
 
Safety Tips for Personal Watercraft.
Each year Sea Doos, Wave Runners and other personal watercraft cause thousands of serious injuries. Because they are fun and so easy to use, you can get a false sense of security.
  • Never follow directly behind another personal watercraft. Stay at least 100 yards behind the vessel in front, and no less than 50 yards to one side. Because these vessels can travel at a very high rate of speed, each rider must be able to react to sudden changes in order to avoid a collision. Eighty percent of all injuries and fatalities occur when two vessels collide with one another.
  • Don’t jump the wake of a passing boat. You could misjudge its speed and cause a collision. Or you might end up in the path of traffic coming from the other direction.
  • Stay alert! Be aware of what is going on around you. Steer clear of other watercraft, swimmers, divers, water skiers and fishermen.