Most states don't require boaters to buy insurance for their boats, but it's still a good idea to keep your boat insured. Comprehensive coverage will protect your vessel from theft, hail damage and other hazards while it's in storage. Plus, you won't have to worry about reactivating your policy once you're ready to get back in the water. However, some insurers will allow you to cancel some coverages if you prefer.
In addition, if you dock your boat or finance it, the marina or lender will likely require coverage from you. Your insurance company may require you to have this type of coverage if your boat is older, for example, when it is more than three years old. A lender may also require boat insurance if you are financing the boat, and many marinas also require protection if you are going to dock there. If this is the case, you probably have some questions about boat insurance companies and whether you need additional coverage. It's important to understand that boat liability insurance is not mandatory in most states.
Therefore, there are many boaters who operate without liability coverage. If you're thinking of buying a motorboat or a sailboat in the coming months, it's very likely that you're also looking for boat insurance. To begin with, if you have an accident as a result of operating a boat under the influence of alcohol, your insurance company may only pay a liability claim against you. The amount of boat insurance you need depends on several factors, such as the age, engine size and value of your boat, lender requirements, marina requirements, state requirements and intended use. We hope this guide will help you make a more informed decision when buying insurance for your boat.
Many insurance companies sell boat insurance, such as Allstate, Nationwide, Progressive, State Farm, The Hartford and USAA. While a homeowners insurance policy typically provides property coverage for a small boat, motor and trailer, it excludes liability insurance. Check with your lender (if you lease or finance your boat) or your marina (if you rent a pier) to see if there are insurance policies. Another comparative insurance resource tells us that a good approximation for your annual premiums is 1.5% of the current market value of your boat. Depending on the type of boat and your personal profile, your insurance costs can be significantly higher.
If you live in Arkansas or Utah, countries that require boat insurance, the answer is yes for most types of boats. If you are the owner of an old boat, the insurer can request a recent maritime study of your boat before quoting or insuring it. In conclusion, having adequate boat insurance is essential for protecting yourself and your investment from potential risks and liabilities. It's important to shop around and compare different policies before making a decision so that you can find the best coverage at the best price.
