Know Your Boat’s Insurance Coverage from Stem to Stern
Beyond covering a boat owner in the event of theft, boat insurance policies typically provide coverage to repair a boat if it is accidentally damaged or destroyed due to a collision or because the boat struck a submerged object. Property damage to a boat caused by vandalism, a windstorm, or lightning are also covered under most boat insurance policies.
Boat insurers typically assess risk and price their policies based on differing factors. For instance, a boat owner’s operational experience can play a large role in determining a prospective policyholder’s eligibility for coverage and what they will pay for a policy. The boat’s make, model, age and value often influence the cost of a boat insurance policy, too. In addition, boat insurers want to know the boat’s primary cruising areas, also known as navigational territories.
Here at JD Prime Insurance Agency – we counsel boat owners to focus on three lesser-known but important issues when either buying or renewing a boat insurance policy.
- Agreed Value versus Actual Cash Value policies:
An Agreed Value (AV) policy means you and your boat’s insurer have agreed on the value of your recreational vessel. In the event of a total loss, you will be paid that amount.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) coverage is typically less expensive than an AV policy but only pays up to the value of the boat at the time the boat was either lost or damaged. Depreciation and wear and tear are factored into the claim payout’s amount if you have an ACV policy.
- Lay-up period:
Make sure your boat is covered during the off-season. Even when a boat isn’t in the water, there is still the risk of property damage. For example, if a major storm hits and a tree falls on your boat, you may be exposed if you are without insurance coverage.
- Navigational territory:
Ask your insurance professional if this issue is specifically addressed in your boat insurance policy. If you are navigating the boat in a territory not specified in your policy, you may not be covered if something were to happen there.
Other coverages incorporated into boat insurance policies may include:
- Damage your boat caused to someone else’s property.
- Medical payments for injuries incurred by either the boat’s owner or its passengers.
- Hurricane haul-out provisions to keep the boat out of harm’s way before a windstorm.
- On-water towing and assistance for unexpected breakdowns or running aground.
- Fuel spill liability protection for damages caused by a boat’s accidental discharge.
- Personal effects coverage for expensive equipment (e.g., fishing gear).
- Ice and freeze coverage for damage to a boat’s engine and water systems.
With a basic knowledge of how boat insurance may help protect you, your boat and others, you can set sail knowing you have the best policy in place.
What Our Customers Say
“JD Prime has been handling all of our insurance needs for a few years now. Prior to Jim stepping in, we were kind of “winging it” when it came to what insurances we needed and for what values. Jim took the time to clearly help us understand what coverages we needed and more importantly why we needed them. Jim, and his team, are always there to answer all of our questions and they even service our investor’s rental portfolios. I would easily recommend Jim and his team to anyone needing insurance.”
“We started placing our insurance with Jim 2 years ago and we are so glad he found us. We have been so pleased with his service, friendliness, and guidance, more than anyone we’ve ever had.”
“About 12 or so years ago while minding my own business, Jim DelVecchio walked into my office. My original agent was no longer at that agency and Jim was assigned my account. Since I had been in the insurance business at one time, we were able to converse about insurance easily. When he left that agency, I followed him to other agencies and stayed with him when he formed his own insurance agency. I often question myself as to why??? The answer is simple……. He is unquestionably the most knowledgeable person in that field that I have ever met. Plus, he grows on you. If I have a problem, he is my go-to source. And I return the favor. All my insurance in now with JD Prime Insurance Agency.”
“Insurance made easy! Jim is always there to answer questions and to review policies. Kind, courteous, and knowledgeable service!”
“Want to give a shootout to Jim DelVecchio of JD Prime Insurance. He emailed me this morning to let me know that the insurance company I am with just lowered their rates. I’m only a couple months into this year’s policy period so he had to cancel my policy then reapply. I’m sure it was a pain in the rear for him paperwork wise. My premium dropped approximately 40%. My guess is his commission also dropped 40%. He had no good reason to do this except to provide exceptional customer service.”