Boat Insurance Checklist

Summer is around the corner and it is time for adventure seekers to get their boats out and hit the water. However, it is also the right time to review your boat’s insurance and ensure it is up to date for maximum protection during your fun outing. A comprehensive boat insurance coverage protects you from costs associated with physical damage, towing expenses, damage to people and things on the boat and more.

Here is a checklist to ensure you get right coverage for your boat:

• Cost Of Insurance: When determining the cost of boat insurance, a number of factors come into play. These include level of coverage, type of boat (make, model, year, etc.), boating history and experience, prior claims and more.
• Coverage Provided: Seek information about the amount of coverage provided by the insurance. Inquire whether it provides comprehensive coverage for accidental loss, theft, damage, etc. All kinds of boats are covered under boat insurance and you can also get specific coverage such as jet boat insurance, fishing boat insurance, personal watercraft insurance, house boat insurance, etc.
• Replacement Costs: If you are interested in replacing your boat in case of an accident, the amount of coverage purchased should be almost the same as that of its market value. Most insurance companies provide those with comprehensive and collision coverage an amount equivalent to the cost of returning the boat to its original condition.
• Bodily Injury And Property Damage Liability: This coverage provides the boat owner with bodily injury liability when present in a boat accident and also covers liability for injuring others. It compensates with the amount of repairing or replacing the boat, object or property damaged and also the legal expenses involved.
• Additional Coverage: Ask your insurance provider whether additional coverage such as on-water towing, roadside assistance (payment for towing the boat to the nearest repair shop) and more are provided.
• Insurance During Storage: If you are wondering whether you need boat insurance during that time of the year when your boat is stored away, you should definitely insure it. A boat insured during storage is protected from hail damage, theft and a number of other hazards. Ask your insurance agent whether you can drop some coverage while your boat is in storage.