Owning a boat can bring hours of enjoyment on the lake. It can also mean big headaches if something goes wrong, and you don’t have the right insurance coverage. To ensure you’re fully protected, talk to your insurance agent about the right coverage for your vessel and avoid these common errors. 

How Can You Make Sure Your Boat Is Fully Covered?

1. Don’t Assume You’re Covered

Some people assume that their boat is covered by their homeowners insurance. This is rarely the case; in fact, many policies specifically exclude boats and boating accidents from coverage. Even if your policy does cover boats, it’s usually limited to small, non-motorized vessels like canoes or kayaks. To ensure you’re covered for accidents, damages, and liability, you need a watercraft-specific policy. Talk to your insurance agent about what your homeowners policy actually covers, and then go from there.

2. Know the Limits

Some insurance policies include what’s known as “navigational limits.” This means that the coverage is only in effect when the boat is used within a certain distance of the home dock or a specific launch site. It might also place limits on how far you can be from the shore. Before purchasing a policy, make sure it’s appropriate for how you use your vessel. If you like to move your boat to different lakes around the state or region, for instance, a policy that’s only effective when you set sail on the lakes closest to home isn’t going to offer much protection. 

3. Avoid “Part-Time” Coverage

You might be tempted to only carry boat insurance during boating season to save money. This isn’t the best idea, though. If something happens to the vessel over the winter, you’ll be on the hook to pay for the damage. Canceling and restarting coverage can also cost you more in the long run, as it creates gaps that drive up rates. Talk to your insurance agent about changing the terms of your policy in the off-season instead. Switching to a comprehensive-only policy can reduce your rate while still covering any damages. 

4. Insure All of Your Equipment 

Boat insurance covers everything associated with your boat, including the trailer, safety equipment, electronics, and sporting gear (like water skis and tubes.) These items can be expensive to replace or repair, so make sure they are listed on your policy as well.

To get the best boat insurance for your needs, you need an experienced insurance agent. Since 1944, Hummel Insurance Services has helped people in the Oakland, IA, area make the best insurance decisions for their needs and budgets. This independent agency also offers a full range of car, home, life, and farm insurance policies, and they are dedicated to providing clients the best policies at the best prices. Learn more about your insurance options by visiting the website, or call (712) 482-6424 today to get started on a quote.