A Complete Guide To Boat Insurance
Although not in the generally considered by the general public, boat insurance is more than likely the oldest type of insurance in the world. All aquatic vessels are obliged to be insured against a number of events and it is against The Marine Insurance Act if they are not. Boat insurance policies, just like vehicle insurance come with an excess except the excess for a boat is usually quite a substantial sum which is done in order to discourage small claims which is often the case with cars. Therefore the only real difference between the cover for a boat and that for car is the overall amount of protection involved.
Almost all states make the standard boat insurance a requirement so it is important to abide by the law and obtain boat insurance as soon as you become a boat owner. In the marine insurance industry, houseboats although generally only moored, are categorized as a pleasure boat together with jet boats, ski boats, sailboats, cabin cruisers and party boats. If you are an owner of a speedboat for example, your insurance premium will be higher than for that of a fishing boat owing to the potential for a larger claim.
Actual Cash Value boat insurance policies cover the cost of the vessel replacement les any depreciation form the time of the boats loss whereas most boat insurance plans will pay for the replacement of the craft, the engine as well as the trailer. When the craft is a complete insurance right-off then the second hand value of the boat is used to estimate its market value. If you require insurance to cover for additional situations like emergency services to your vessel, repairs, boat trailer and wreck removal for instance then it is possible to take out an Optional Insurance Cover. Whereas partial damage costs are worked out by calculating the entire charge of the restoration less any deductible items.
A better boat insurance plan is the Agreed Value policy which is where both the vessel owner and the insurance company agree on a value for the boat and should it be written off, then this amount is paid out in full. This type of policy also takes into account that old items have depreciated and have less value but are still replaced with new ones. However, Agreed Value boat insurances policies require a cash value to be given on many onboard items such as sails, outboard motors, dinghies for instance and these will need to be agreed before the policy commences.
Essentially boat insurance covers two distinct areas: that of legal liability and that of damage or loss of property. Liability insurance is there to cover against claims by another person that the insured vessel caused damage or injury to a third party. Remember to try and find a boat insurance agent with a good reputation of getting the best possible policies for his clients and a good record in claim settlement. A final piece of advice surrounds the liability section of the policy and the need to ensure you are covered should legal charges be brought against you relating to a matter that is protected under the boat insurance.
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