You might not have thought about it, but boat insurance is probably the oldest kind of insurance there is. Under the Marine Insurance Act, a boat is just as liable for insurance as any other type of vehicle. As with car insurance, policies come with an excess to discourage small claims and for boat insurance, this is usually quite a large sum of money, as the intention of the insurance is to cover you against substantial losses instead of just scratches and dents. So the major difference between boat and car cover is the amount of coverage a policy provides.
As soon as you become a boat owner in America, most states will require you to have a boat insurance policy in force. Strangely, in the eyes of the Marine Industry, a houseboat is in the same category as pleasure boats like sailboats, jet boats and cabin cruises for instance. If you are an owner of a speedboat for example, your insurance premium will be higher than for that of a fishing boat owing to the potential for a larger claim.
Actual Cash Value boat insurance policies cover the cost of the vessel replacement les any depreciation form the time of the boats loss whereas most boat insurance plans will pay for the replacement of the craft, the engine as well as the trailer. Usually when a boat has been damaged beyond repair, its current market rate is calculated using second hand values as a guide. It is possible to take out Optional Insurance which will include additional extras such as emergency services to the boat, cover for reasonable repairs, removal, the motor and trailer. Partial damage repairs on the other hand are calculated by working out the full charge to restore the boat minus deductibles.
A better boat insurance plan is the Agreed Value policy which is where both the vessel owner and the insurance company agree on a value for the boat and should it be written off, then this amount is paid out in full. This type of policy also takes into account that old items have depreciated and have less value but are still replaced with new ones. The majority of agreed amount value boat insurance policies necessitate actual cash value on specific destroyed assets like sails, protective covers, batteries, dinghies, trailers and aged outboard motors, lower drive units etc.
Essentially boat insurance covers two distinct areas: that of legal liability and that of damage or loss of property. When an individual insures his boat for liability, it guards an individual against harm to another person’s assets brought about by the boat. At an early stage it is worth trying to employ the services of an insurance agent who has experience and a reputation for locating the best boat insurance and settlements for his clients. A final piece of advice surrounds the liability section of the policy and the need to ensure you are covered should legal charges be brought against you relating to a matter that is protected under the boat insurance.