You need boat insurance if you own a boat.
Shopping for boat insurance isn't exactly the same as shopping for car insurance, but the idea is pretty much the same. Boat insurance will protect you from losses that happen while you are using your boat or while you are moving it. The boat, the motor, and the trailer are usually all covered by the insurance.
When looking for boat insurance, it is usually best to start with the insurance company that covers your car and home. Most insurance companies give big discounts to people who already have their policies. Most insurance companies will also give people big discounts if they have taken and passed a course on boating safety.
Ask each insurance company you talk to if they offer discounts like this. Most of the time, you have to ask for them to tell you about discounts.
Don't just take the rate that your insurance company gives you. Just ask for the quote and tell them you'll be in touch soon. Using that quote as a starting point, you should look around to see if you can find cheaper insurance elsewhere.
Getting started is easy when you use online resources. Get quotes, and then talk to the agents to see if you can make a better deal. Even if you don't believe it, insurance companies will try to get your business. Don't be afraid to tell them the lowest price you've been offered so far. Make them work for your business.
Before you talk to an agent, you should know what kind of insurance you want and need. Some agents will try to sell you too much insurance, which will drive up your premiums, while others don't know as much about what boat owners need from their insurance and won't sell you enough!
You should be covered for losses caused by things like sinking, fire, storms, theft, capsizing, getting stuck, crashing into something, exploding, and sinking. The policy should cover anchors, oars, trolling motors, fuel tanks, seat cushions, skis, tow ropes, dinghies, tools, canopies, life jackets, and any other equipment that is permanently attached to the boat.
You need Watercraft Liability, Watercraft Medical Payments, Newly Acquired Watercraft Coverage, Coverage for Repairs, Coverage for Emergency Services, and Coverage for Wreck Removal. Most states include both Watercraft Liability and Watercraft Medical Payments as part of the liability coverage.
If you own, take care of, or use your boat in a way that causes an accident, watercraft liability will protect you. It should cover injuries to people, damage to property, and even the cost of defending yourself in court. It should also protect whoever drives your boat, as long as they have the legal right to do so.
If you or someone else on your boat gets hurt in an accident, watercraft medical payments coverage will pay for your and their medical bills up to a certain limit.
Other kinds of coverage are usually optional, but you should strongly think about getting them. When you transport or run a boat, a lot of things can go wrong, so it's important to keep yourself out of legal trouble.
Again, you should know what kind of coverage you want before you talk to an agent, and you should make sure you get the coverage you need.
Compare rates online, and then get in touch with the agents whose quotes are the lowest. Make sure you take a boating safety course and get that discount. Once you've found lower rates than what your current insurance company quoted you, call them back and let them know. Check to see if they can compete. Often, they will match that price just to keep your business. Again, put them to work for your company.
