During a global pandemic, there are few places to venture by land that can feel very safe. That’s why many people are heading to the waterways.
During 2020, boat sales exploded, reaching highs not seen since before the Great Recession in the U.S., according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. People are buying fishing boats, power boats, jet skis, and pontoons, just to name a few. And many of these people are first-time boat buyers, looking for recreation on water that they can’t find on land.
As more boats and first-time drivers spend quality time in their very buoyant and COVID-friendly pods, the time to have boat insurance is now more important than ever. As much as we wish we could control the currents of nature or human error, mishaps are bound to happen.
Insurance will vary based on the type of boat you have. Remember that if you’re boating in Washington, you are required to have a Boater Education Card if you’re operating a boat with 15 or more horsepower (this will necessitate a boating safety course).
Contact a Sea Mountain Marine Insurance specialist to learn more about what boating insurance might be best for you. In the meantime, here are a few important reasons to consider getting boat insurance and what it will likely cover:
If your boat hits another boat, you want to make sure that your vehicle is covered for the damage costs. There are two types of coverage to consider in this case: actual cash value, which covers the value of your boat at that time, or an agreed upon amount, which is what you determine with your insurance agent when you first begin your coverage.
If your boat causes an accident that might harm other people or damage their property, insurance will help pay for those costs.
This could help cover any damage caused to your own belongings that your are bringing on and off your boat.
If you have an issue in the middle of a body of water, emergency service can cover things like being towed or receiving a replacement part.
This helps with the cost of your boat spilling fuel into the water or any other costs you might be responsible for if your watercraft causes pollution.
Questions about marine insurance? Contact a Sea Mountain Personal Insurance Specialist today!
