Gone boating! Spending time in the sun is one of the best ways to relax and reduce stress. Before you hit the water, its important to make sure you are properly prepared and covered against any maritime
mishaps! Boat Insurance does not have to be costly or complicated. With a little bit or preparation and knowledge you will soon be ready to set sail.
What will you need to get a quote?
Basic Info. Like your name, date of birth, address & contact information. Obviously. *Wink*
Water Craft Information. We will also need to know about the boat itself. Info like: Type of craft (Boat, Jet Ski, Pontoon. Etc.) Make, Model, Year, Length, total horsepower, & total value.
Who will be driving? Carriers may have different requitements for who needs to be listed as a driver in order to be covered. Make sure you know how you are covered before allowing anyone not named to the policy to drive your boat. This includes household members!
Then we can dig a little deeper to look for opportunities for discounts and savings. We will ask questions about
your driving history
boating claims history
prior boating experience
how you will be using the watercraft.
Safety courses and how your boat is stored on & off season can also be factors considered by carriers.
Coverage is key!
It is important that you understand your coverage needs, how it keeps you protected to determine the best limits, optional coverages and deductibles for you. Boat insurance requirements in Oklahoma are specific to the state. Individual states may have their own. Here are some of the common types of coverage that you will consider when purchasing boat insurance.
Boat Liability Insurance. This coverage comes in two components, much like auto insurance.
Bodily Injury. This coverage compensates the people injured in an accident for which you are determined to be at fault. There is typically a person limit and a per accident limit included.
Property Damage. This coverage compensated the property owners for property damaged in an accident for which you are determined to be at fault.
Example:
$100,000 / $300,000 / $100,000
Per Person Bodily Injury / Per Accident Bodily Injury / Per Accident Property Damage.
Alternatively, you can also opt for a Combined Single Limit. Ex. $300,000 CSL. The CSL removes the distinguishment between property & bodily injury and applies a single grand total limitation to the loss limits. This option has is pros & cons, discuss with your trusted agent which one will best suit your needs and risk appetite.
Uninsured Boater. This coverage compensated you or other injured passengers if you’re hit by a boater with no insurance or not enough insurance. Up to the coverage limits selected.
Example accident resulting in a Collision claim, left, and comprehensive claim, right.
We could spend a whole blog on how there is no such thing as “Full Coverage”. However, when most people think of “full coverage” insurance, these are the coverages they are primarily thinking about. These coverages when applied to recreational vehicles like boats, ATV and motorcycles, function much in the same way they do on your standard auto policy.
Collision. This coverage compensates you for the value (typically Actual Cash Value at time of loss) of your insured watercraft after a covered loss cause by a collision. This coverage can be applied whether or not you are at-fault for the loss. Your selected deductible applies.
Ex. Your boat collides with another boat. Or your boat collides with a submerged object.
Comprehensive. This coverage compensates you for the value (typically Actual Cash Value at time of loss) of your insured watercraft after a covered loss cause something other than a collision. This coverage can be applied whether or not you are at-fault for the loss. Your selected deductible applies.
Ex. Your boat is damaged by hail. Or heavy winds rip the sails off your boat.
Other Coverages Available
Towing & Roadside and/or On Water Assistance
Medical Payments
Carried Contents
Total Loss Replacement
Hurricane Haul Out
Trailer Coverage
If you are still wondering if you need insurance coverage for your boat you may consider what could go wrong. Here are some of our favorite maritime fails. Boy do we hope they had good coverage!
Click “Receive A Quote” on the side of your page to request an Oklahoma boat insurance quote now. Select your preferred agent from the dropdown list or a knowledgeable one will be assigned to reach out to you.