With the great summer weather, many of us are enjoying boating around the SouthCoast. But are you properly insured?
Some things to consider when insuring a boat are the length, age, type (power or sail), condition, and value, among other factors.
As a rule of thumb, a vessel 26 feet or smaller is a ‘boat’, and one 27 feet or larger is a ‘yacht’ for insurance purposes. This is because larger boats often have complex exposures and may require more specialized insurance treatment.
There are two basic types of watercraft insurance, “agreed value” and “actual cash value.” An “agreed value” policy covers the boat based on its full value when the policy was written. “Actual cash value” policies cost less upfront, but factor in depreciation, and will only pay up to the actual cash value of the boat at the time of a claim.
Boats and yachts are exposed to many types of possible losses. An “all-risk” policy will offer the best protection. However, an “all-risk” policy does not cover every type of loss. The term “all-risk” simply means that any risk not specifically excluded in the policy is covered. Typical exclusions include wear and tear, marring, manufacturer’s defects, ice, and freezing. Most stand-alone policies provide “all-risk” protection, but coverage effected by endorsement to a home insurance policy may not.
Numerous factors are used to set the cost of a boat policy and often vary among insurers.
Some key items include:
* Cruising Area – where your boat
* Boating Safety Education – if you have been formally trained or certified
* Good Driving Records – both boating and driving
* Liability Limits – the higher the limit, the higher the cost
* Deductible – the higher the deductible, the lower the premium
There are a few ways to reduce your boat insurance costs. If your boat is in storage during the winter, you can get deductions for winter layup. Many insurers also offer discounts for anyone who has completed boater education classes.
Would you like to learn more? Contact us today:
Paul & Dixon Insurance
388 County Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Weekdays: 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Telephone: 508-996-8593 or Toll-Free in MA: 800-785-8593
FAX: 508-990-1784
File: Insurance New Bedford
