Watercraft

You have a boat or are looking into buying a boat. You know you will need some kind of insurance for your boat, but how do you go about finding the best rates? Does your regular insurance guy handle boat insurance too? If so, is it really the best deal or are there companies that specialize in boat insurance that can offer better coverage at better rates? Boat insurance is very similar to auto insurance as the premiums vary depending on the type of boat (speed boat - high premium; pontoon boat - low premium), how old the boat is, any additional equipment or modifications, where the boat is docked and how it will be driven, how long will it be in the water and how long it will be in storage. 

Other variables that will determine whether you can get cheap boat insurance quotes are how much liability insurance you want to carry, whether you want full replacement coverage or actual cash value coverage, medical payments, and towing and mechanical assistance. Another variable is if you do not own your boat outright and have financed it the finance company will require you to carry a certain level of coverage for the loan and it will not matter if you get cheap boat insurance quotes. 

To make sure you can get cheap boat insurance quotes you will need to check on the internet and must have already determined what type of coverage you want to carry and what you want to leave out. Then you can take quotes from several companies and compare them to get the cheapest boat insurance quote. When looking at any of the quotes you also have to look at the financial stability of the insurance company you are choosing. It will not matter much if you have the cheapest boat insurance if when it comes time to make a claim that your insurance company is out of business or is in bankruptcy and can not or will not pay your claim when you need it most. 

When thinking of boat insurance most people are looking at coverage in case of a total loss of the boat. Most people do not consider the partial loss factor. There are times where you may have an incident that only causes damage or loss to a part of your boat. How your insurance company pays for a partial loss is important in what kind of policy you end up getting. Most companies pay for partial losses until a boat reaches a certain age. Each company will also use a different depreciation schedule for paying claims. For example one company may offer 7% depreciation on mechanical equipment and 15% depreciation on canvas (for sail boats). 

Also some companies name specific parts that are considered subject to depreciation like canvas, plastic, sails, etc. Items like stern drives, outboard motors and other internal equipment are usually replacement value items until they reach a certain age. If they are not specifically named in a policy they will usually be replaced less your deductible.

Many people believe that the best move is to stick to one insurance company that provides you with all your insurance needs. It may be true to some cases but this is not a general rule, especially if it's boat insurance you need.

If that is your situation, then the practical move for you is to get the best boat insurance rates that you can get your hands on.

In order for you to have a better idea on the rates that are available for you out there, you need to conduct some research. You need to exert time and effort for you to be in the know.

With you knowing this information, you can easily make a sound decision on which insurance plan is right for your lifestyle and is within your budget.

There are predatory insurance agents who will overwhelm your brain with so many boat insurance rates. If you are not good with numbers, this can be too confusing. Sometimes these predatory insurance agents are also scammers.

But not to disappoint you, there are still some insurance agents who provide you with real boat insurance rates. You just have to know where to look.

That is why we advice you to know as much as you can. Not a lot of insurance agents can pull their trick up their sleeves if you know what it is to know about boat insurance rates.

In fact, you can also get from them the lowest rates possible. This is what education can do for you. It protects you from the scammers.

If you want to be sure with the plan, you can research on the insurance provider. Read the reviews that are written about them. Read the testimonials from their clients.

You can compare the boat insurance rates from the other insurance providers because of the online insurance quotes that are also made available for you.

There are some sites that even include the policies of your boat insurance, thus giving you an idea of the coverage.

If the insurance plan allows you to contact the insurance company then this is a good sign that they are very credible.

If the insurance agents are knowledgeable and can easily answer your questions then you know that the boat insurance rates you read in this plan are accurate and are not scams.

Check whether the insurance they can provide you is within your budget and can comply with your lifestyle. If you answer yes to both question, make the most out of this opportunity and sign up.

The marine insurance survey is the most common and most complete inspection conducted by a surveyor. Designed specifically to meet the demands of the insurance companies and lending institutions, it needs to evaluate and assess the financial risk implicated in insuring or financing the boat. The objective of this inspection is to give details on the boat's condition and value when the survey was conducted. Basically, the marine insurance survey will only involve detailed visual assessment of the boat, except when the insurer or lien-holder necessitates an operational testing or sea trial. It shall examine the safety and se-worthiness of your vessel, on the basis of the present condition of its systems, equipment and structure alongside the assessment of the boat's fair market value. A marine insurance survey will usually be a pre-requisite prior to provision of coverage. A survey similar to that will also be required every five years as a must for renewal of coverage. When it comes to the point that an accident, vandalism or theft occurs, a damage survey shall be conducted to evaluate the extent and cost of damage to the vessel.

One factor to consider in choosing a good surveyor to obtain a good marine insurance survey is the background like for instance the membership of an accrediting organization offering designations signifying that a member has met strict technical, professional and ethical standards. With these at hand, you will have knowledge that the person you are considering is a credible professional. Select a marine insurance surveyor specializing in offering surveys for your specific type of vessel. A surveyor for a Yacht or any small craft for instance, specializes in surveying small vessels with a length of up to 300 feet. Once your surveyor met this standard, the next step is to ask if he/she can provide validation of expertise, work experience and qualifications. You can review and verify the resume with the references from previous clients readily available upon request. A marine survey business may have existing employees or many associates so be sure to choose the surveyor, not the company only. Choose someone whose credentials are on the letterhead or advertisement. You should also evaluate a sample of report from a survey conducted on a similar boat and see to it that it is professionally done.

It is crucial to request this as it is indeed significant to know if your surveyor provides you with a report on your boat without lacking detail and clarity. Be cautious that the marine insurance surveyor can black-out any personal information of the client or specific details of the boat. Also, try to find out if your surveyor has any existing professional liability insurance like the one called Errors and Omissions insurance. It may be limited though, to seek remedy beyond the marine survey company's assets once negligence should come up. Also take note that if your marine survey is for insurance purposes, bear in mind that the insurer will typically reject if once the survey is conducted by a surveyor who is directly associated with a marine or boatyard due to the possibility of conflict of interest.

Are you a current boat owner or are you looking at making an investment in a boat for personal or business use? If you are a current boat owner and you insure your boat with a regular insurance company like GEICO, Progressive or Allstate you may want to consider a company that specializes in boats or watercraft to get the best deal on boat insurance quotes. Conversely many regular insurance companies offer significant discounts if you have multiple policies with them. Everyone knows that the major insurance companies offer a discount if you have multiple vehicles on your auto insurance and an additional discount if you also insure your home with them, but it is a little known fact that you can get and additional discount by insuring your boat as well. 

The only problem with this is that depending on the insurance company you may be able to get a better overall price by buying separate policies for your car, home and boat. Progressive has built an entire ad campaign about how easy it is to get your car, motorcycle or home insured and that they will even give you the premium for the same coverage for up to three competitors and have recently added boats and personal water craft to their commercial base. 

Allstate has accident forgiveness that they are advertising heavily on the radio and television. All of their ads only speak of the provision in relation to cars and do not mention boats, but it is a great feature especially if you will have new drivers on your policy whether it will be for your car OR boat. Your best bet for online insurance quotes are the regular insurance web sites like esurance.com, insureweb.com and others.

They all have options to enter boat in for the type of insurance you are looking for and will then be able to compare premiums from the various major insurance companies. Once you have some of those in hand you should try several boat specialty insurance companies and get their rates as well. 

The best specialty boat insurers are Boat US, United Marine Underwriters and NBOA (National Boat Owner's Association). NBOA offers a membership that includes towing, discounts from their Boat Equipment Store and industry leading advice from many marine experts and a discount over and above the excellent premiums they offer from many marine insurance companies. They offer the following kinds of insurance - Sea Ray Boat insurance, power boat insurance, sail boat insurance, personal water craft insurance, house boat insurance, race boat insurance, ski boat insurance, jet ski insurance, catamaran insurance, fishing boat insurance and more. 

Their main competition is Boat US which also offers a towing service and authorized service from marine dealers around the country. My father in law bought the Boat US membership that cost him $300 for a year and within a month of owning his used boat had to be towed in from the bay and the bill would have been over $600 so he paid for his membership for two years with the one tow.

Although there is no official standard such as ISO within the yacht insurance industry to guarantee complete consistency across carriers, most policies have developed many common denominators.

Hull, protection and indemnity, medical payments, personal effects, uninsured boater's liability, towing and emergency assistance and even pollution coverage have all become accepted as essential elements within a policy. 

However, as we know the devil hides in the detail and the subtle nuances between seemingly similar policies can lead to very costly uncovered loss, in turn resulting in an expensive claim on your own professional indemnity cover.

Environmental damage, Ice and freezing, mechanical break down, and defense costs are some of the key areas that if cover is not adequate can lurk beneath the surface of a policy waiting to cause such exposure if attention to detail is overlooked.

We live in an age of increase environmental awareness and as such the laws designed to protect our beautiful planet are now rigorously purposeful in their intent to hold boat owners accountable for their actions. If you are the owner of luxury sports/fishing yacht in Queensland for example, a minor accident running aground into one of the local reefs could leave a bill that would leave Richard Branson feeling slightly worried.

Environmental damage is generally addressed by carriers in three different ways.

Firstly, total exclusion for the damage to the marine environment, secondly with a stated sub-limit ranging from $60,000 to $150,000 and finally a policy which is 'silent' to the coverage. Obviously the latter is the most generous as it doesn't exclude or sub limit environmental damage, however if the insured yacht is based somewhere such as the more robust shores of England, it can be an unnecessary premium.

Possibly the most frequently argued claim in a carrier's yacht portfolio is almost certainly mechanical breakdown. Although coverage for mechanical breakdown is by no means uncommon how it is adjusted varies widely. There is a thin line between wear and tear and the unforeseen mechanical breakdown. The latter being often being covered and the former more than likely not.

It is essential to establish the variables within the policy such as is the cover adjusted on the basis of its actual cash value or a replacement cost? Also does the valuation change when the boat reaches a certain age and if so, when? Often a policy will begin as replacement cost and then convert to ACV as the boat reaches an age such as 10 years old.

To overlook the threat of ice and freezing as non-critical is all too easy unless you are based in an area where it is common fact of life. This outlook can be compared to the homeowner who doesn't' buy flood coverage because he doesn't live on the water and therefore doesn't see the threat. Too often this nonchalance can come back to haunt us. More often than not Ice and freezing is excluded but there are policies which have no such exclusions or give back coverage based on the berthing standards of the vessel which provide underwriters with more opportunities to control exposure. In this instance some policies may not exclude ice and freezing but rather exclude damage resulting from improper winterization.

Finally it is vital to understand the critical difference between a policy that has defense cost in addition to the limit of liability and a policy where the defense costs are included within the limit of liability, thereby diminishing the limit available for settlement by the cost of the defense. With their still being a lack of standard here make sure you check each policy wording carefully. If the owner runs out of limit often the only feasible step is to make up the difference with your PI cover - and this is not good. 

Obviously it is important to know all of the coverage differences from policy to policy but each of the above occur in real life scenarios and the difference in one policy over another can have dramatic effect upon the amount of loss covered by any particular carrier.

With the yachting sector having seen many top insurers merge, sell on their portfolios or even leave the business altogether across the last five years, now more than ever an examination of policy and what lies beneath the surface can prove to be a invaluable endeavor when placing business.

In some ways, boats are like people, too. They have names, they are special, they can vanish, and most of all, they are an asset because they have value. And because they have value, be it price value or a sentimental value, we are more likely to get an appropriate insurance for them. Not only are your concerns limited to the value of the boat, you are also all the more concerned about the people and the lives that are involved on it. When you are just new to the boating scene, you are more likely to get lost in your search for a good boat insurance quote.

To start with, if there's anything that will send you to confusion when it comes to getting the right insurance for your boat, it will be because there are many insurance coverage and policies to choose from. They are offered by different companies who will each claim that they offer the best among the rest. Which insurance company will give the right quote for you? Every company seems to claim to be number one. Sometimes, it takes a good amount of background investigation and research before you can get settled with a good coverage and arriving at the best boat insurance quote that will make you look forward to sailing.

How do you get a good boat insurance quote from an insurance company? Or should the question be, how do you pick the right insurance company? First of all, the insurance company should be one who has been in the insurance business even years before you started sailing. An insurance company should have an untarnished reputation of being able to comply with their insurance obligations should the boat insurer make his or her claim. In short, you need to check on the credibility of the insurance company.

Before you decide to get insurance for your boat, try any and all other means possible to make a good comparison about the different insurance quotes that are being offered. In fact, you can easily ask for reasonable quotes on the web. Yes, insurance companies are now selling policies online and they usually offer to get you a good quote without the obligation of getting yourself signed up for a policy if you don't really want to.

So, how do you make sure you are not getting garbage for your boat insurance quote? You can start by knowing how much your boat is worth to you based on the age of the boat and the boat accessories that come along with it. You would also want to find out how much you are willing to pay for your insurance premium. It is also entirely up to you if you want to make your insurance coverage as wider as possible. So, get quoted now from different insurance companies, weigh things up, pick the right one, and sail on.

In case an accident should take place while riding a sit-down or stand-up jet ski (also referred to as a Waverunner or personal watercraft), it is always a wise more to have adequate insurance protection in place for all potential incidents.

Jet ski insurance is not merely a basic plan to cover the costs for repairs and damage after a accident, but of more importance to ensure ample protection is there in case of bodily injury to riders or third parties, in which case coverage for medical expenses is a necessity.

To arrange a full risks insurance plan for a personal watercraft it often helps to locate a marine insurer that specializes in boats in general or those completely dedicated to high-speed watercraft, such as jet skis.

Common benefits to a typical personal watercraft insurance plan include - fire, theft, vandalism, and accidental damage protection - uninsured or underinsured liability - medical expenses - a liability extension to tow water skis, wakeboards, kneeboard, or towable tubes.

Small sized powerboats and PWC often attract a high premium rate due to a larger number of accidents often coming down to those boaters owning a jet boat, water ski boat or personal watercraft. Reports indicate some of the common reasons for injury or accident whilst riding a jet ski include a reckless driver, insufficient or limited handling experience, or just a complete lack of attention to a riders surroundings.

Taking out a PWC insurance plan is not a requirement in all states (search a local states.gov website for full information); even though it is a benefit to ensure sufficient coverage is arranged should an accident take place in the future.

If you are like most boat owners, you take great pride in your keeping your boat in top condition. You love the feeling of being on the water. Whether you like the solitude and peacefulness of fishing on the lake or you enjoy spending the day tubing with friends, your boat is the centerpiece of any ideal day. You know it is important to protect your boat with insurance, but you want to make sure that it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg. After all, you probably would like to have more money to spend on the newest boating accessories.

So, what are some ways to get the protection you need at a price you can afford? Your first action should be to shop around. There are many companies that offer boat insurance. Most insurance companies make comparing prices easy by letting you get an instant quote online. When you spend just an hour or two checking out different companies, you could end up savings hundreds on your annual insurance premiums.

Another great idea for saving on your insurance costs is to get a bundled rate. You most likely own a car, so by getting insurance on your car and your boat through one company you will get a discount on the rates for both. The more you can add to the bundle, the deeper the discounts. If you own a home, attaching its insurance with the boat and the car will result in significant savings on your premiums.

You should also consider increasing the deductible on your boat insurance. The deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying should you make a claim. Any amount above the deductible level will be paid by the insurance company. When you increase the deductible on your policy, you are taking on more risk. However, as your risk goes up, the premium will go down. If you decide to increase your deductible, be sure to have enough money in your savings to cover this amount just in case you should have to place a claim.

One of the best ways to keep a lowered rate is not to have to make a claim. Most insurance companies give discounts for claim-free policy holders. So, use your boat responsibly and store it in a safe area. Don't leave valuables on your boat where they can be easily taken. Of course, never operate your boat while you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If you are smart, shop around, combine your insurance and are careful with your boat, you could achieve considerable savings on your boat insurance.

Yachts are obviously very expensive to buy and are valuable items. Therefore it is important to ensure that they are fully insured. Insurance cover should include such things as theft, damage, explosion - always a risk where a lot of fuel is being carried - and outright loss.

It is important to know what kind of cover is required for your vessel. The marine insurance industry classes vessels over 26 foot as yachts and they qualify for yacht insurance. If they are less than 26 foot they are eligible for boat insurance cover.

In order to adequately insure your yacht, you need assess how much it would cost to replace the vessel if it were lost or completely destroyed. Then it is a case of finding out how much it would be to replace the items and equipment on board.

You will also need to make provision in your cover if the yacht is docked in a region that is susceptible to violent weather conditions such as hurricanes. It is also important to consider indemnity coverage in the event that your vessel causes damage to another persons boat or property through a collision.

Yacht insurance will save you a massive outlay in cash should your craft be lost, stolen or cause third party damage. Therefore, like with any other valuable object, it is worth having. But of course, it will be costly, depending on the value of your yacht and the type of cover purchased.

Other factors will also determine the cost of your cover. These include such things as the length of the vessel, its age, where it is going to be sailed, and the type of engine it has. However, there are several factors which can lead to a discount in premiums. They include the provision of on board safety equipment, whether the owners have taken safety courses and if the yacht is laid up for a long period.

Depending on your type of yacht insurance it may contain certain warranties which restrict its use. A navigational warranty will limit the amount of time you can sail your vessel in certain parts of the world. Under a lay up warranty your yacht must be docked during certain times of the year.

Yacht insurance is vitally important for owners should anything unforeseen happen to what is a very expensive item of property. Should you take the time and care to insure your craft properly, the benefits of insurance will then become apparent should misfortune strike. But hopefully you will soon be out at sea sailing again.

One of the key things to realise before embarking on insurance for your watercraft is to be clear about which type of policy you actually need. The way to differentiate between the two is actually fairly easy. A good rule of thumb is as follows:

Boat Insurance - Watercraft that are up to 26 feet in length

Yacht Insurance - Watercraft that are 27 feet and over in length

Once you have established which type you need (you will find that most boat insurance companies will offer both) then here are two important factors that you need to bear in mind before finally settling on which policy to get:

1/ Agreed Value vs Actual Cash Value Settlements - You want to be clear about this ahead of time, because an agreed value settlement is far more favourable to the boat owner, and an actual cash value settlement is much more favourable to the boat insurance company, because it factors in asset value when the loss, theft etc was ACTUALLY suffered.

In practice this is likely to give you a headache, because unless you are an actuary you are going to have a hard job knowing what the insurance would pay out at any particular point.

So, for a quiet life, and the sake of your wallet, you should always get an agreed value policy wherever possible.

2/ Deductible Amounts - Make sure that you are clear how much the deductible on the policy will be. This can vary much more than you might think both from policy to policy, but also depending on the type of accident that the boat suffers that requires you to seek a settlement.

For example, hull damage is likely to be a 3% deductible on a yacht, but windstorm damage is likely to be a totally different amount.

Make sure you know what they are.

The best way to proceed is to get yourself a boat insurance quote right now so that you can immediately get a feel for how much the policy will cost. In this way you will be better prepared, and can better gauge the differences between the policies.

When you are considering yacht insurance the first thing that you have to consider is whether you want a plan that covers a single voyage, or a plan that is based on a particular period of time.

Single Voyage Yacht Insurance - This covers your yacht when you are undertaking a specific voyage that you have agreed previously with the insurance company. This can be a good plan to go for if you don't use your yacht very often, and most of the time it is in mooring. You should however remember that this is NOT a comprehensive policy, and that if your yacht suffers damage in dock (perhaps because it got hit by another boat, or some weather event like a hurricane hit it), then you would NOT be covered.

Time Based Yacht Insurance - This is preferable if you take a large number of trips with your yacht, and hence don't want to have to re-negotiate your boat insurance every time. This also has the advantage that whether your boat is in dock, or at sea you are still going to be covered, and hence it is not as worrying. The downside of this is that you are paying for the privilege.

With either of these two policy types it remains the case that your yacht insurance company will assess any damage based on whether the loss at hand is total or partial. In other words, whether or not it is possible for the yacht to be repaired, or whether it is a total write off.

In each case you should make sure that you get adequate cover for any losses you might suffer.

In considering taking out comprehensive marine insurance you are embarking on an important financial decision, because it is a fact that a boat is probably one of the largest expenditures you will ever make in your life.

If it is damaged in dry dock or out at sea than the cost to repair it will be considerable, and if you have a problem at sea then you also need to make sure that you have some kind of emergency cover in place for storm damage, hi-jacking and recover costs.

When looking for marine insurance quotes online you should endeavour to have certain information readily to hand so that your insurance can be readily arranged. With this the four things that virtually all online marine insurers ask for are:

- Hull Size

- Intended usage for the craft

- Engine Type, and

- Production Year

If you try to get boat or yacht insurance from a boat insurance broker offline then you will find that considerably more information than this is requested, so it is a good idea to get a few online quotes, even if you do end up seeking out more specialist advice from an insurance broker you trust.

You may well find that the quotes that you get online are in fact cheaper, because the amount of information is less, and hence the quotes tend to be more general. Clearly, before you sign any policy documents therefore you should make sure to double check that the policy is as comprehensive as you like, and that it offers both adequate protection, and the nuances of cover that you were seeking.

Securing boat insurance at an affordable price involves many different factors, and here are two of them to ensure that you can get boat insurance that fits your budget.

1. Shopping Around For Lots of Competing Quotes - Whilst this may sound obvious, it is amazing how few people actually bother to get multiple quotes for insurance. They get maybe one quote, and because it seemed like a lot of effort to fill in the form, or talk to a marine insurance broker, they simply purchase it.

What you should do instead is look around for as many different places as possible to give you a boat insurance quote. Because in that way not only do you get to compare the prices of the policies. You also get to compare the terms and conditions, what is covered or not, and the ways that the different marine insurance companies choose to pay out their settlements.

These can vary greatly between the different companies, so watch out for them.

2. Calculate How Much Cover You Really Need - There is no point in spending money on extra boat cover that you really don't need. If your insurance has an option to cover canals for example, but you have never been to a canal in your life, because there are only lakes where you live. Then there is no point in taking out the cover. It is simply an extra expense that you can do without.

Boat insurance policies are crammed with these kind of extras, and you can very quickly lower the costs of your insurance simply by eliminating the items of cover that you don't need.

The costs of boat insurance can be extremely high. In itself this is not surprising, because the cost to buy a boat has always been high, and has been increasing over the years as the costs for shipping yards to build boats has gone up.

However, if you consider some of the following factors then you will get a better idea about how the insurance companies price up boat insurance, and what is involved in the process.

These are steps that you should carry out even before you buy the boat, because they can really help to clarify in your mind how much boat insurance will cost you, and how much it is going to impact on your budget.

1. Start Planning BEFORE You Buy The Boat - It is a good idea to do some online boat quotes for any potential boat that you are considering buying, BEFORE you actually buy it. In that way you can get a clearer idea about what the future costs of the insurance may be, and whether or not you will be able to afford it.

2. Use Your Common Sense - You KNOW that a 50 foot yacht is going to cost more than a small sailing boat, so make sure that the cost of any insurance is factored into any cost price for the boat. Remember, this is more than likely an expense that you will have to meet EVERY year, and so a rough idea of what it will be is important in terms of overall cost implications.

3. Get Clear About Your Usage Patterns - Here are some questions to ask yourself about your prospective boat purchase:

- Where do you plan on using your boat? In the ocean? On a lake? In a canal?

- How old a boat were you planning on buying?

- How big a boat did you want? Are you flexible on the size?

- How experienced are you as an operator?

- Will you need to hire crew?

- Is the area you plan on using the boat prone to storms? If it is then your premiums will be more expensive.

If you consider these questions before you buy the boat, then you will have a much clearer idea about how much the whole boating experience may end up costing you.

Anyone who enjoys spending time in lake or ocean water riding a personal watercraft, often referred to as a PWC, should investigate purchasing watercraft insurance. Although recreational vehicles powered by inboard engines are fun to ride, they can also quickly become a source of financial liability should an accident or injury occur to anyone riding on or standing on a PWC. Although some recreational water vehicles accommodate one or two people at most, many models can hold as many as four individuals which increases the risk of accident or injury while operating the vehicle on the water. Many a friendship has been ruined when a watercraft accident occurs and the vehicle's owner neglected to insure the craft against liability for damage, accident or injury.

PWC or watercraft insurance provides the policy holder with coverage against accidents, liability or vandalism to the watercraft itself. This type of insurance covers the watercraft owner against being held financially liable whether they are riding the vehicle themselves or loan it to another person who misuses it or is involved in an accident or injury event while using it. Not all watercraft insurance policies offer the same benefits. When discussing obtaining insurance coverage for your PWC, there are numerous features to consider.

Watercraft insurance can be obtained to cover any damage that the vehicle does to a public or private dock or by coming into contact with another watercraft. If the PWC's owner is found to be negligent in operating the vehicle properly and an accident or death occurs as a result, watercraft insurance can help protect the owner against legal claims brought for bodily injury or wrongful death. A PWC owner can be protected by having insurance if they loan the vehicle to another party who is ruled negligent in operating the craft, causing damage, death or injury to other parties.

Another benefit to having proper insurance is if the watercraft is used to tow water skiers or wake boarders who are then injured. Another benefit to having insurance coverage to handling the cost of any physical damage that takes place to the vehicle's engine equipment, machinery or hull. A watercraft insurance policy can also provide protection against another watercraft operator who is uninsured, yet causes injury to your vehicle or anyone riding aboard the vehicle. Insurance coverage also means peace of mind when out on the water by providing towing assistance should the craft become disabled or run out of gas.

When reviewing any type of watercraft insurance policy, it is equally important to know what conditions are excluded from coverage. Some of these may include any vehicle that has been modified for speed and performance, if the watercraft is involved in an accident or injury while operating after dark, or if the operator of the vehicle cannot show a valid and current driver's license.

The type of watercraft that an individual owns also dictates the kind of watercraft insurance that they can purchase. Stand up PWCs in which the driver stands or kneels while riding on the craft is one type, while the other type PWC is the sit-down model which accommodates up to 4 people on the vehicle. PWC owners who already have boat insurance can often simply add a watercraft insurance policy to their existing boat coverage.

Super yachts are some of the most luxurious marine vessels that exist today, often being equivalents of a five star floating hotel. Usually super boats like this come with plasma screen TV's, internet connection, jet skis, wind surfers, scuba gear and even personal cooks. Knowing what a huge investment a super boat can represent, one should definitely insure it with super yacht insurance. Having your super yacht insured will provide you with peace of mind because in case of accidents that might cause losses you will be covered by the insurance company.

It is important to know what exactly super yacht insurance can cover for. Basically this type of insurance will provide the necessary coverage for any injury or damage caused by accidents that might affect your super yacht. Other perils that might be covered include explosions and fires, sinking and theft. As you never know what lies ahead, you can also choose a policy that covers for natural disasters such as storms and lighting. Depending on what your need is you can basically tailor super yacht insurance to fit your specific needs. For example you can choose a policy that will cover for the items that you have on your super boat. Considering that those items are usually very expensive, adding this kind of coverage will prove to be very wise. You can also add a third party liability clause in case your yacht might cause damage to a third party.

In order to get the best out of your super yacht insurance, you should have a clear mind about what all the things you want the policy to cover for. Once you established that, you can start searching for companies that offer super boat insurance. Never choose the first policy you find as you might miss out on better offers. Always compare policies before buying one so you know you made the best choice. You can compare various policies by going online. There you will get all the information you need and if you buy the policy online you might get discounts as well.

If you wish to obtain lower quotes on these insurance, make sure that your boat is in perfect condition. Also make sure you have safety equipment on board, best would be fore extinguishers and life rafts. Try to hire people that have been trained by a recognized institute and that have experience in sailing. All these things will attract discounts and lower premiums for super yacht insurance.

If you own a boat, you need boat insurance. It's just that simple. Before you actually purchase a policy, however, consider the following facts.

It pays to shop around when you're buying insurance. First, contact your current insurance company for a quote, and then research the rates of its competitors. Insurance agencies and insurance agents want to sell insurance, so it's likely that they will offer you incentives if you add boat insurance to your existing policies. If you can find comparable insurance at better rates from another agency, be sure to tell your agent. A counteroffer that benefits you both might be the result.

Some insurance companies will only cover the owner of a boat insured under their policy. In other words, if someone other than the owner operates the boat and an accident occurs, those insurance companies will disallow coverage. Ask your agent who is covered by your insurance company's boat policies. If they will only cover you, the owner, you may want to shop for a new agency.

Today many states require that boat owners carry watercraft liability coverage. This coverage protects owners against any damage caused to people or property by their boat due to its use, maintenance or ownership. Watercraft liability coverage also provides legal defense, and it protects owners in the event of collision, stranding, sinking, fire, theft and vandalism.

Insurance requirements, of course, are different in each state, so check with your insurance agent to see if watercraft liability insurance is mandatory where you live.

Wreckage removal coverage is an excellent optional policy for every boat owner to consider. In the majority of locales, wrecked or sunken boats must, by law, be removed, usually at the owner's expense, a process that can be quite costly. With wreckage removal coverage, however, the insurance company pays the bill.

In addition to wreckage removal coverage, boat owners should consider purchasing coverage that will pay for normal repairs as well as mechanical failure and towing.

Boats are pricey investments. They are not only costly to buy, but they are also expensive to maintain and repair. Likewise, replacing a wrecked or inoperable boat would not be cheap. That's why it is so important that you, as a boat owner, get the coverage you need to protect yourself from costly damage or loss that could ground your boat forever.

Along with man, all that he has created are being continuously evolving. This includes the houses, the tool, the vehicles so on and so forth. For example the Noah arks, which was the most ancient water craft mentioned in Bible has evolved into small personal boats. Along with the continuous evolution of man and his creation the level of danger has also risen. this is the very reason why man in modern day should take all precaution to protect himself and his property. One of the best way to do it is to purchase a good insurance policy. This way at least if any thing is damaged the insurance company will provide financial coverage towards the repair. In this article I will be talking about one such policy - the ski boat insurance policy.

Ski boats are basically high horse powered boats which are used to tow one or more water skiers across any water body. The boat is built in such a way that it can achieve high speeds within matter of time. These boats can also be used for personal use without have to tow skiers. Investing in such a boat is truly rewarding. If you plan to buy such a boat then you need to consider purchasing ski boat insurance.

There are many companies providing ski boat insurance. However it is important that you select a policy which is cheaper but still offers maximum coverage. The simplest policy available is the physical damage policy. This policy provides coverage if the boat is damaged due to accident or acts of vandalism. The second type of policy provides coverage if the damage is caused due to fire accidents. The third type of policy available is the third party liability policy, which protects the boat owner from being liable if the boat is involved in damaging third person property or injuring third person.

Once you have decided the type of policy which you need, it is time to go searching for a place where they offer cheaper quotes on ski boat insurance. The best place to start is the internet. There are a number of websites which provide a complete information on various ski boat insurance. Most of the websites also offer discounts and offering on various policies if they are purchased form there websites. The first thing to do is to log on those sites and then provide some basic information regarding the water craft and then they can start selecting the policy which suits their needs.

Before actually purchasing your new boat, check out the different types of boat marine insurance as marine insurance varies depending on the type of boat you are purchasing and different companies have bonuses and rewards that may not apply to all types of boats. The price of the many different types of boats available today will also have an effect on the type of policy and terms and conditions available to you.

Choose at least 3 reputable marine insurance companies to check out all relevant details for your boat.

Be sure to read fine print of each policy - you don't want any surprises in the event you need to make a claim.

To get a competitive price for your marine insurance quote ask at least 3 well known companies for a quote.

Check no claim bonus and if there is full cover on and off the water, also if boat excess is waived if your boat and car are both damaged and both insured with the one company.

You would want flexible payment options including monthly payments. Access to 24/7 Helpline assistant service would be important also and check the 24/7 claims service is paperless, making claims quicker and easier to finalise.

you need to check out every detail on the type of marine policy you choose as they are all worded differently depending on type of boat, sleeping capacity, number on board at any one time, facilities available, modifications, safety equipment and procedures etc.

It is important you choose the correct one to suit your vessel to make sure you are covered for absolutely any emergency when moored or at sea and check you have all the necessary equipment on board and policies are paid up and everything is in place before venturing out to sea.

if you are buying a second hand vessel it is advisable to have an expert go over the boat to ensure everything is in top shape before you hand over any money and make sure your marine insurance company is aware of all the details of sale and condition of the boat or the boat marine insurance may be invalid, which may possibly involve a lengthy and costly refit to ensure the vehicle meets strict marine insurance regulations.

Summer's almost here and millions of Americans will be taking to the nation's waterways in boats. However, before they back down ramps at lakes, rivers and at coastal communities, boaters should be aware of an additional concern other than seals, fuel systems, GPS units, live wells, fishing tackle and engines. That would be insurance. There's boat insurance and then there's better boat insurance.

The Boat Owners Association of America lists five questions boaters need to ask before purchasing an insurance policy. Making sure a policy covers these basic questions could save a boat owner thousands of dollars and lots of worry. The answers also could reveal whether or nor a current policy has much value.

The first question to ask a boat insurance agent is does his company pay salvage costs or does the policy put that burden on the policy-holder's shoulders? Most people purchase insurance to cover big-ticket items, such as the total loss of an automobile or home because of a wreck or natural disaster. In these days, with tornadoes flying around the South like pinballs, nothing could be more important.

In the case of boats, the most common catastrophic insurance claims involve sinkings or devastating wind storms such as hurricanes or tornadoes. They can destroy a boat, sink it or lift it into the next county and leave it in small pieces. In any of these cases, a policy's "salvage" coverage should pay to hoist the boat from the bottom of a body of water or from a neighbor's property. An effective policy should have separate and full salvage coverage up to the policy limits for the costs to remove the boat that isn't less than or limited to a percentage of its hull value (the part of the policy that reimburses for actual loss of the boat).

A less-than-adequate policy could reimburse for the loss of the boat but could make a boat owner pay some salvage fees out of his own pocket. Another question to ask an insurance agent is how much help will his company provide when a claim is filed?

In other words, insurance companies have two schools of thought when it comes to handling claims. One is a hands-off approach that makes the claimant do all the work. With a large claim, one type of insurance could make the boat's owner responsible for finding a salvage company, a crane company or barge and trucking company. The policy then would reimburse the policy holder for submitted expenses.

On the other hand, a hands-on company - usually a specialty marine insurer - has access to these services and knows how to negotiate pricing, hires and pays contractors, and can arrange for and guarantee repairs. A third question to ask is does a boat insurance policy contain consequential damage coverage? In the boat insurance universe, catastrophic losses such as fire, explosion, sinking, de-masting, collision and stranding are classified as a consequence. For instance, if a boat sinks because its hull fittings are rusted and break off, that's a consequence of the broken-through hull. Good boat insurance policies include consequential damage clauses that cover such specific catastrophes. More simply, if consequential damage isn't covered in a policy, expenses caused by a sinking or fire could be excluded totally because of a finding of wear and tear.

A fourth question involves how much involvement a boat owner needs to supply after an incident occurs. A good insurance policy offers immediate emergency claims response that can step in with resources needed to prevent further damage.

In the case of boat owners living in a hurricane-prone area, such as the North Carolina coast, the policy should share the cost of a haul-out to move a boat to high ground or pay a captain to move it to a safe place.

The last question to consider is what an insurance company does over time for a boat owner who doesn't have any claims and regularly makes premium payments. A good insurance policy should give such an owner credit for not having claims and offer diminishing deductibles for each year the boat owner files no claims. A boat owner who isn't satisfied with his agent's answers to these questions should start shopping for a better policy.

Your heart's racing, you're sweating profusely and you know all eyes are on you. First day on a new job? That recurring dream where you're standing in front the school in just your underwear? Nah, you're just riding high on your motorcycle, boat or watercraft.

You've waited all winter to feel this exhilaration, and now spring has finally sprung. But, before you back that trailer down the ramp or take your bike out of storage, you'll want to ask yourself one thing. Are your "toys" ready for spring?

Know Your Motorcycle

Whether you still ride with a death grip or have so many bikes in your garage there's no room for a car, you should know what to look for before twisting that throttle. Before you even step outdoors, you'll want to make sure you are covered with quality New Jersey motorcycle insurance. Of course you don't plan on having an accident or getting it stolen, but if bad luck comes your way, you'll be thankful you have the right bike insurance plan. Coverage of everything from Collision, Comprehensive, Medical Payments, Property Damage, Bodily Injury Liability, Pedestrian PIP/ Guest Liability and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury will go miles for you when you encounter unlucky situations.

Once you have your insurance squared away, it's time to think about your bike on the open road. Motorcycles, if winterized and stored properly, are relatively easy to get ready for the upcoming riding season. Here are a few quick-and-easy tips to get the most out of your motorcycle this season:

•Check battery terminals (clean, if necessary, with baking soda and water).

•Dry or apply an after-wash product, then dry.

•Check oil and other lubricants.

•Check cables and lubricate with applicable lubricants.

•Check tire pressure and wear.

•Check, charge or install the battery (positive/red lead first).

•Check all lights and signals to confirm operational and not cracked or broken.

•Check brake fluid level and brake pads/shoes for wear.

•Wash or apply a pre-wash and then thoroughly "bathe" your ride.

•Apply leather treatment to leather components.

•Check drive belt, chain or shaft.

•Polish and wax all chrome and painted parts.

•Add "octane" booster (if desired) to fuel according to directions.

•Clean inside of helmet with mild soap and let dry. Shine outside of helmet.

•Write down beginning mileage.

•Review any notes written before putting your motorcycle in winter storage.

BRACE YOUR BOATS

Whether you like it warm or cold, fresh or salty, the water is calling you and you boat. Are you someone that lives for the power you feel as you throttle up your twin outboards? Or do you enjoy harnessing the wind in your sailboat?

No matter your boating preference, before you jump in this spring, you'll want to be sure you have the right boat insurance policy to suit your needs. Accidents happen, so you'll want to insure yourself and your boat against liability and damage. New Jersey boat insurance agency Sharer & Associates can help you navigate the options for affordable boat insurance. Many policies provide coverage for Damage to other boats or docks, Bodily Injury or Death, and Medical Payments.

If you winterized your boat, you saved yourself some spring boat prep time and headaches. And that means the road between your boat and the water is shorter. What things should go on your to-do list and the shopping list? Here are a few general steps to take before you take the plunge:

•Do a general cleaning of hull, deck and topsides using a mild detergent.

•Make sure drains and scuppers are clear.

•Put on a good coat of wax.

•Clean and polish metal with a good metal polish.

•Clean teak and oil.

•Clean windows and hatches.

•Clean canvas, bimini and dodger.

•Clean interior including bilges.

•Check spare parts and tools, and replace as necessary.

•Inspect the deck making sure your lifelines, pulpits and stanchions are good.

•Make sure your life raft and dinghy are in working order.

•Check and replace wiper blades if necessary.

•Make sure registration is current and onboard.

WARM UP YOUR WATERCRAFT

Part boat, part motorcycle, all fun! Whether it's a jet ski, WaveRunner or Sea-Doo, your personal watercraft lets you keep cool and feel cooler as you glide across the water getting soaked by the spray. While these sporty water rides can make you feel like you own the waves, you won't want to get thrown off by an accident that leaves you and your toy landlocked.

Before you hit the ramp this spring, do yourself a favor and get covered with a watercraft insurance policy. New Jersey jet ski insurance helps insure you and your watercraft against accidents, vandalism and liability. Whether you operate it yourself or loan it to a friend, you can be covered for situations including Damage to other crafts or docks, Bodily Injury or Death, and towing assistance.

The warm weather and use of personal watercraft are supposed to be all about fun. But as any jet ski owner knows, things don't always as planned. Put the odds in your favor this season by following these simple steps:

· Check and maintain your battery. Beware of sulfation, which decreases the battery's ability to hold a charge.

· If buying a new battery, consider newer alternatives like gel and AGM (absorbed glass mat).

· Check for corrosion, dirt or moisture built up on the terminals, which drain power.

· Clean the terminals with a solution of baking soda and water, and rinse with fresh water. Once dry, apply a light coat of waterproof grease to protect the terminals.

· Flush your engine.

· Check your engine, check your oil and make sure all your clamps are tight.

· Wash and wax.

· Use a quality vinyl protectant to condition the vinyl seat.

· Don't forget your trailer. Check tire pressure, check bolts and nuts to make sure things are tight, inspect bunk boards and trailer lights.