With 4,463 boating accidents occuring in 2016, according to the American Boating Association, it’s important that you stay covered. There were 2903 injuries and 701 deaths that occurred the same year. With that in mind, it’s imperative that you know exactly what and where your boat insurance policy covers. Boat insurance will cover you for all the basics. What type of policy you get will determine how much coverage you have out in local waters and beyond. Mariners offers insurance coverage for California boaters and boaters that also want to venture out a little farther. Make sure you always read your policy to ensure you know exactly what type of coverage you are getting.
Your Boat is Not Covered Everywhere
The area where your boat is going to frequent will ultimately affect the price of your policy, and unfortunately, your boat isn’t going to physically be covered anywhere. Most types of boat insurance do not provide comprehensive coverage for your watercraft in every location, according to Voyager Insurance Services. That means there will be certain areas where your coverage will not apply. You should ask your agent whether you have a navigational warranty or not. Navigational warranties cover inland waters and most coastal cities, meaning you’ll almost be completely covered everywhere. The logical thing to do is to know your boundaries, or to purchase extra coverage so you can go out beyond your current cruising area.
Why Insurance Costs Vary
Your insurance costs will vary depending on multiple factors, according to Trusted Choice, including:
- The size, type and age of the boat you wish to insure
- The state you’re in
- How big the motor is and how it runs
- Whether you are using it inland or out on the open sea
- If you have extra coverage options
Overall, you can spend anywhere from $75 to $500 a month on insurance for California boats. Other factors that also come into play with boat insurance costs include boating safety education, good driving records, liability limits and deductibles, according to Discover Boating. There’s so many things that can alter the cost, and you need to know exactly what’s covered in your policy.
Traveling to Mexico
Mariners offers boaters the opportunity to have coverage down in Mexico. Mexico has their own specific type of watercraft liability policy, required by the Mexican government that you have to have when you’re a California boater. Their policies are written for both local and international waters, meaning you’ll have the best insurance possible.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (800) 992-4443 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
