Do you have to have boat insurance in California?
What is your favourite part of open water? Boaters in California have plenty of opportunity to enjoy their watercraft. When you are cruising the Pacific on your yacht, water skiing on Lake Tahoe in your motorboat, or fishing the San Joaquin Delta on your bass boat, do not let an accident on the water or at the dock undo all of the work you have put in to enjoy your holiday. Boats, like cars, require insurance for increased protection. Do you have to have boat insurance in California? Boat insurance is not a privilege in California; it is a requirement to protect your boat.
A collision, theft, lawsuit, or other boat-related incident may result in a financial loss, but having the proper boat insurance can help out. This blog will help you evaluate everything concerning boat insurance in California.
Why get boat insurance in California?
As a boat owner, you might question why insurance is even needed. Boats rarely get into accidents, which is true. But what about theft, fire, and damage liability? In California, the kind of insurance company owners want is boat insurance. California law has a well-defined method for boat insurance. It covers the costs of accident repairs and hospital bills. Furthermore, it will protect your watercraft if it is stolen or physically destroyed.
Watercraft types that require insurance include sailboats, fishing boats, houseboats, yachts, motorboats, cabin cruiser boats, bass boats, and canoes. Certain marinas may require you to get insurance in order to dock your boat.
What does boat insurance in California cover?
First, the insurance covers physical harm responsibility and medical expenses in the case of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. The insurance will cover any property damage resulting from the collision. It includes the cost of repairing additional docks, vessels, and personal watercraft. Your yacht insurance coverage can be adjusted to what you need. Various boat insurance policies give multiple types and levels of coverage, but most California boat insurance companies offer insurance for the following:
Physical Injury
If someone gets injured while using your boat, you will be compensated for your loss of income, medical expenses, and legal fees if you are found to be at fault.
Personal Items
This can include personal items such as fishing gear, water skis, scuba gear, cameras, cellphones, and portable speakers if they are lost, damaged, or stolen.
Property Damage
If your boat injures someone or damages property, such as other boats, docks, or structures, property damage liability insurance helps pay for repairs.
Collision
If your boat is damaged in a collision, you will receive compensation for repair or replacement costs. Keep in mind that you must pay the deductible before this coverage takes effect.
Comprehensive Coverage
This coverage protects your boat against non-collision accidents such as theft, vandalism, and natural calamities.
Equipment
This can cover the loss or damage of any equipment and accessories not installed by the manufacturer, such as boat hoists, GPS systems, or nautical instruments.
Uninsured/underinsured Boater Insurance
This policy covers you if you are involved in an accident with a boater who is uninsured or has insufficient insurance to cover the damages.
Towing
This can cover the expense of towing your boat back to shore if it gets disabled while on the sea due to engine failure or steering issues.
Hull Coverage
It protects against physical harm to your boat. Fire and windstorm damage are common claims under this coverage.
Fuel Spill Liability
If you are at fault for a boating accident, you will get the finances and resources you need to remove wrecked boats and debris from the water, as well as clean up any fuel spills.
What Boat Insurance in California Will Not Cover
California boat insurance excludes coverage for the following:
Trailer damage
Normal wear and tear
Mold damage
Damage from marine life, insects, or animals
Faulty machinery (unless you have mechanical malfunction insurance)
California Boat Insurance Costs
A boat insurance policy in California normally costs between $300 and $500 per year. Rates rise from here, depending on the boat's type, value, and engine size, its intended use, and the owner's driving record and claims history. You should expect to spend approximately 1.5% of the boat's current market value for insurance each year.
Tips for Saving Money on Boat Insurance
Follow these guidelines to get the most value out of your coverage:
Evaluate the Risk
Examine your boating practices and the waters you navigate. Avoid being over-insured if your boating activity is minimal and involves low dangers.
Agreed Value and Cash Value
Agreed value insurance often has higher premiums but provides more financial protection because it covers the boat's entire insured worth without depreciation, even when there is a total loss. On the other hand, lower-cost cash value plans include depreciation and reimburse only the boat's worth at the time of loss.
Boater Safety Course
Boaters who finish a recognised safety course are considered lower-risk by insurers and might receive reduced rates on premiums.
Safety Gear
Equip your boat with current safety equipment like automatic fire extinguishers, bilge pumps, and GPS systems to minimise the possibility of accidents and emergencies.
Personal Watercraft Insurance in California: Criteria
Personal watercraft insurance eligibility in California varies depending on boat type and registration requirements. Personal watercraft, which are motor-driven vessels under 13 feet and operated by a person standing, sitting, or kneeling, can be insured. Examples include Jet Skis, Wave Runners, and Sea-Doos. Small boats, including sailboats under 8 feet, kayaks, paddle boats, and canoes, are free from insurance requirements. Any small boat under 5 tonnes, even non-motorized ones, must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Additionally, sailboats over 8 feet in length must be registered with the DMV.
Get a Free Boat Insurance Quote Today
Boat insurance can protect your vessel, also known as personal watercraft (PWC), against frequent dangers such as theft, vandalism, and storms. In California, boat insurance is not required by law, but it is something that every boat owner must have. However, buying insurance is not as simple as it appears. You must select a service provider who offers a valuable package that meets all of your requirements. Contact e360 Insurance Services right away to offer yourself one less thing to worry about while also protecting your boat and family from accidents and emergencies. Call now at
888-862-6750 to get a quote, particularly for your watercraft, without spending any extra cash. or Request a Quote here.
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