Boat Insurance: An Essential Guide

How Much is Boat Insurance?

Boat insurance costs approximately 1.5% of the boat’s total value annually. For example, a boat worth $200,000 would cost roughly $300/year to insure.

What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

Standard boat insurance policies typically cover physical damage and liability. In most (but not all) boat insurance policies, this includes:

• Personal accidents
• Accidental damage
• Loss 
  • or damage of personal belongings
  • Third-party liability

  Factors that Affect the Cost of Boat Insurance

  Standard factors that insurers will look at when determining the cost of insurance include your driving record, your credit history, your level of boating experience, the value of the boat, the age, and boat model (boat types over a certain age can attract slightly higher quotations), whether you are the original owner, and claim history.

  Sailboat Racing

  Some boat insurance policies provide cover for localized sailboat racing automatically at no extra cost. However, others may charge an additional premium based on the estimated cost of replacing the damaged parts. Ensure you enquire to avoid paying for something you are not using.

  Mooring

  Most insurance providers have agreements with specific marinas, which could reduce your premiums by up to 20%. Similarly, ask if there are any discounts for boats moored in marinas. If you decide to change mooring locations after buying your insurance, it is important to inform your boat insurer since it could affect any subsequent claim you make. Certain moorings, such as private marinas or mooring ashore, are considered safer as, statistically, they are less likely to lead to a claim. Conversely, adverse swing or tidal moorings are regarded as high risk.

  Valuation

  One of the critical factors in determining the cost of comprehensive boat insurance quotes is your stated boat value. Ensure you have done your homework and check the true market value of your boat. An insurance policy will either cover the “agreed value” or “actual value” of your boat. Agreed value coverage means that the boat is insured for the value you and the insurer agree upon at the time you get insurance, and the amount of coverage remains the same while you own the boat and maintain the coverage. Actual value coverage, however, depreciates over time. If there’s a loss the insurer won’t reimburse you what you paid for the boat, nor for what it would cost to replace it with a new model. Instead, it will pay out the cash value of the boat at the time of the loss.

  Boat Insurance Excess

  Rarely is the least expensive quote the most effective insurance for your needs; invariably, the cheaper the quotation, the higher the excess. Make sure to know what you’re expected to pay out if you make a claim – you may want to increase or decrease it.

  Cost of Boat Insurance By Location

  Where you live will affect the cost of boat insurance. Interestingly, boat insurance quotes often begin with your ZIP code. Since Florida offers year-round boating, residents will pay a premium for marine insurance, and the costs are some of the highest in the nation. Insurers will also consider environmental factors. For example, the threat of hurricanes or storms in high-risk areas can significantly increase costs. Boaters in the Great Lakes Region have the lowest insurance rates in the country since the boating season is short. Another factor affecting boat insurance costs is where you go boating. For example, if you go boating in salt water, you can expect to pay more than if you do your boating strictly in freshwater due to the corrosion caused by salt. Marine protection is often limited to a specific region. If you travel outside your local area, you must check your cruising range policy to ensure you are still covered.

   

  

  Above: Does your boat insurance cover your new cruising grounds or special activities such as racing? Image via Pond 5.

  Getting a Boat Insurance Quote

  Most major boat insurance companies have online portals to collate a quote for you within a few minutes. The National Boat Owners Association (NBOA) is a great resource. Other well-recognized companies include Progressive, Geico, Allstate, Nationwide, State Farm, Travelers, and Farmers.
  Once you find a rate you are comfortable with, most companies will begin coverage immediately or as soon as you pay the first premium.

  Why Do You Need Boat Insurance?

  Since boats are a high-value asset and a huge financial investment, you will want to ensure you protect them. The costs of boat insurance far outweigh the risks of leaving a high-value item uninsured.

  If you were to have an accident resulting in loss or damage without being covered by insurance, you would end up paying a large and costly repair bill, and third-party costs could be involved too. Knowing that your asset is adequately protected will provide comfort when you are on the water.

  Do You Have to Have Insurance on a Boat?

  While it’s not usually a legal requirement in most waters, it’s almost always a prerequisite when financing a boat. Also, most ports and marinas require boat owners to have boat insurance to use the facilities.

  Getting A Good Insurance Deal

  Establishing a good relationship with an insurance broker is vital. Aim to nurture a long-term relationship and keep them updated regarding new developments, including new equipment. Don’t be scared of getting actively involved at the negotiation stage, it will pay off.

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