WATERCRAFT INSURANCE

Watercraft Insurance

The primary purpose of watercraft insurance is to protect against losses resulting from accidents and accident liability. Watercraft coverage can include motorboats, sailboats, yachts, and other small personal watercraft (Jet Skis, WaveRunners, Sea-Doos, etc.).

In many cases, watercraft drivers must have personal watercraft insurance in order to use their vehicles in public areas. Minimum coverage differs from state to state, but drivers are required to buy at least some types of coverages. Watercraft insurance is similar to auto insurance in terms of types of coverage.

Property coverage will pay or help pay for losses incurred from damage to or theft of the insurance owner’s vehicle. Basic property coverage may not include damage from windstorms, dock collision, or accidents incurred in transportation by trailer, so an "all-risk" policy is often the best choice.

Liability coverage will pay or help pay for legal costs to others involved in the insurance owner’s accidents. Watercraft insurance owners should ensure that their liability coverage includes passengers if they drive with others.

Medical coverage will pay or help pay for the insurance owner’s medical bills in the event of a vehicular injury. Personal watercraft (Jet Skis, WaveRunners, etc.) and motorboats are often considered especially dangerous, so medical coverage may be more expensive.

Watercraft insurance owners may want to consider purchasing towing and assistance coverage, since emergency repairs and fuel delivery may be necessary miles from land.