People are surprised to learn that boating accidents happen more frequently than they think. In 2020 alone, the U.S. Coast Guard recorded 5,265 boating incidents, resulting in $62.5 million in property damage and 767 deaths, as reported by the agency.
You can't foresee when an accident may occur, but you can take precautions by getting adequate boat insurance for your situation.
The easiest way to get the best boat insurance policy for your money is to compare plans from more than 20 nationally known brands. After doing a thorough investigation, we came up with a list of the finest boat insurance providers.
Who Needs Boat Insurance Plan?
A boat can be covered by a homeowner's insurance policy in certain situations, although there are restrictions. A modest amount of the insured value of your property is typically covered by most homeowners' insurance plans for boats.
Liability coverage is unlikely to be included in your homes insurance policy, either. A boat insurance policy is usually required for anybody who owns a yacht, a jet boat, PWC, a large sailboat, or a watercraft that travels more than 25 mph.
How to Pick the Best Boat Insurance Providers
Traditional big, national insurance firms and marine insurance businesses that specialize solely in watercraft and boat insurance are the two major categories to consider when looking for boat insurance.
A specialized firm could have better possibilities if you're looking for boat insurance, but you'll save money by going with a nationwide provider. Bundling numerous policies for a discount is standard practice at major firms.
How to Save Money on Boat Insurance
You can find solutions to save money on insurance in the right place. First, enroll in a boating safety training course. Check with your insurance provider to see whether the method you select is eligible for a discount. If you take a safety course, boat insurance premiums can be reduced by as much as 5%.
Consider lowering the overall cost of the system by including specific safety measures. Do not overpay for your policy. Coverage tailored to your boat's exact requirements is the best option. Discounts may be available if you have a boating license or are protected by certain types of buildings.
Your driving record might also affect the cost of your boat insurance policy. Finally, keep in mind that many insurance companies provide discounts for purchasing many policies at a time. That's one of the key advantages of working with a larger insurance company rather than a maritime insurance business specializing in that field.
The Advantages of Having Boat Insurance
There are several advantages of boat insurance, regardless of whether you're just starting to think about getting one or are a seasoned boater. It's just as essential to secure your boat as you protect your automobile in the case of a loss.
Even though boat accidents occur less frequently. Read on to learn about the five benefits of boat insurance to understand better how it may safeguard your investment in the watercraft of your choice.
· Flexible coverage
Boat insurance coverage and pricing are pretty adaptable, thanks to the vast range of liability limitations, deductibles, and additional protections available. According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), a typical boat insurance policy contains $250 in property damage deductibles, $500 in theft deductibles, and $1,000 in medical expenses deductibles.
However, these rates can vary and have an impact on your cost. According to the I.I.I., most firms provide boat insurance with liability limits starting at $15,000 and going up to $300,000, depending on the preferences of the boat owner.
Boat owners can also obtain umbrella coverage to protect themselves and their assets, including their homes and vehicles.
· Boat insurance protects property.
One of the significant advantages of boat insurance is that it covers property damage to your boat, which may cost a lot of money.
The Coast Guard estimates that recreational boating incidents caused $35.5 million in property damage in 2010. Four thousand six hundred four incidents caused this damage, resulting in an average of $7,602 in property damage each accident.
If you don't have access to a local boat smith, the expense of transferring the boat for repair must also be considered in addition to the damage. Fortunately, boat insurance will protect you from having to pay for these costs out of your pocket.
· You and others are protected by boat insurance against injuries
In the 4,604 boating mishaps in 2010, 672 people lost their lives, and 3,153 were injured. Medical payments coverage is another advantage of boat insurance that may help you cover the costs of watercraft-related accidents.
You and your family might find yourself in a financial bind if you are hospitalized due to an accident on the water and cannot return to work while you recuperate.
· Boat insurance covers responsibility
It is common knowledge among boaters that an accident involving another vessel or person may also occur on the water. If you are found liable for an accident involving another boat or person, you will require liability insurance to pay for the resulting damages.
This is a significant advantage of having boat insurance, given the high costs associated with boating accidents.
