While boating season typically only lasts a few months for most boaters, it’s important to insure your boat all year round. Before we break down why we want to help you understand what all is covered with your insurance.
Boat insurance can cover a motorboat, sailboat, or personal watercraft (ex. jetski) if it is stolen, in an accident, or is damaged by a covered peril. Your policy may cover the following parts of the boat: machinery, permanently attached equipment, furnishing, fittings, and the hull. Depending on your policy, your insurance may also protect you in the case you accidentally injure or damage property with your boat. It’s important to note that the following may not be covered and you should speak with your insurance agent for details: trailers, accessories, specialized equipment (ex. fishing supplies), and towing coverage.
We can’t stress how important it is to insure your boat or jetski for the full duration of the year. Here are our top reasons why:
It’s Probably Required: If you’ve financed your boat, many lenders often require your boat to be insured all year. They want to be protected in the event something happens any time of the year. Also, marinas will likely also require you to carry insurance all year as well no matter if you are docked in the water or in storage for the winter season.
There Are Risks Both In-Season and Off: Boat Insurance usually covers things like fire, theft, and vandalism – at minimum. These incidents can happen when your boat is docked in the water or stored off-season. In fact, these sorts of accidents, along with issues from weather-related incidents, happen more often during the off-season.
More Cost-Effective: While it may seem that canceling your boat insurance at the end of the season will save you some money, the reality is starting and stopping your insurance can be more costly. Many insurance carriers offer benefits and discounts for each claim-free year and/or renewing annual policies.
You Need Comprehensive Coverage: Many people believe their homeowner’s insurance will cover their boat, but this is only the case if/when it is on your property. Getting boating insurance will cover you for collision damage, property damage liability, bodily injury liability as well as comprehensive coverage if your boat is damaged, stolen, or vandalized in an incident other than a collision.
Boating Accident? We’re Here If You Need Us
The damages that can result from a boating accident can be both physically and emotionally daunting. If you or a loved one have been in a boating accident and has experienced a physical injury, we encourage you to consult with our team as soon as possible. With our extensive knowledge and expertise, you can rest assured that should you choose to work with us, you will have legal representation that you can trust. Please contact us at (405) 433-7414 for a free consultation.