Boat Insurance: What It Is And Why You Need It
From the warm sun to the cool breeze, there is nothing quite as exhilarating as boating. You’ve created countless memories on your boat and plan on making more for years to come – so having the right insurance coverage for your boat can help you cruise on worry-free.
What is Boat Insurance?
Rockford Mutual’s boat coverage can help protect you and your boat from the unexpected. Typically, coverage includes damage to your boat and/or its equipment as well as injuries to people and damage to property or other boats.
Our boat coverage can protect your sailboat, inboard, outboard and inboard/outboard watercraft *up to 26 feet in length, including boat trailers and boat equipment/accessories. Here is an inclusive list of all watercraft eligible for Rockford Mutual Watercraft coverage:
- Outboards
- Inboards/Outboards
- Inboards
- Sailboats
- Pontoons
- Jet Skis and other personal watercraft
- Rowboats
- Canoes
- Outboard Motors
Why do I need Boat Insurance?
Just as accidents happen on the road, accidents happen in the water. Even if boat insurance isn’t required by your state, obtaining the proper coverage will provide you with financial security on every adventure.
Boats and other types of watercraft typically come with a hefty price tag and without the proper insurance, you could get stuck paying out of pocket (or draining your savings) for the full cost of repairs to your boat (or someone else’s), legal costs and/or medical expenses for others.
Is Boat Insurance Required?
Some states do require you carry liability coverage for your vessel, but not all. Check with your local Rockford Mutual Insurance Agent to see if boat insurance is required by your state. Liability coverage can help pay for damages to someone else’s boat, dock or other property.
Even if boat liability coverage is not mandatory in your state, many marinas require you to have boat insurance to utilize their docking facilities. Additionally, if you take a loan out on your boat, financial institutions typically require you obtain boat insurance.
What types of coverage can I get for my boat?
Similar to your Personal Auto Policy, your watercraft coverage can be customized to fit your specific needs and budget. The type, size, age and value of your boat – including where it is being used – can determine the coverage that is best for you.
Generally, watercraft coverage is designed to provide the following protection:
- Bodily injuries sustained by you or someone else, resulting from the boat
- Medical payments incurred by persons other than the insured, caused by an accident arising out of the ownership, maintenance, use, loading, or unloading of a covered watercraft.
- Property damage to your boat – for example, theft or vandalism.
- Property damage caused by your boat – for example, damage to another boat if your boat causes an accident
- Coverage for damages sustained from an uninsured/underinsured motorist.
Typically, the limits you carry on your Homeowners policy will carry through to your watercraft coverage. Your local Rockford Mutual Insurance Agent will help you understand your options and feel confident about how you’re protecting your investment.
Where is my boat covered?
Our watercraft coverage provides protection for your boat over land, in water and in storage within the United States and Canada, however, coverage is excluded while the watercraft is in coastal waters or oceans.
Is my boat covered in the winter?
Worry not, Rockford Mutual’s watercraft coverage protects your vessel while it’s out of the water and in storage. Many things can happen to your boat while it’s in storage – including fire, theft or other damage – and watercraft coverage is a smart way to protect your investment all year round.
* Coverage is subject to policy provisions. See individual policies for specific coverage details. Certain terms and limitations may apply.
