Insurance is an excellent way to protect any vehicle because it provides financial protection during an accident or theft. It will come in handy because it will pay for these occurrences, so most car owners get collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance, which gives them peace of mind. However, insurance is not limited to cars because it can also apply to water vehicles, particularly boats and jet skis.
Boats and jet skis are among the most accessible sea vehicles people can own, and insurance is necessary for them because they can be expensive and vulnerable to damage when frequently used. They generally work the same as car insurance, with a few exceptions. After all, a boat and a jet ski are still different types of water vehicles, meaning their insurance policies and coverages are also different. Few people know how this works, so we will discuss the details in this article.
How Boat Insurance Works
Boat insurance is a type of insurance that covers watercraft like yachts, sailboats, or other larger vessels that can carry multiple people. It is similar to car or SUV insurance in that it protects the boat used for recreational purposes and any people or cargo on board.
Boat insurance typically includes liability coverage, which provides financial protection in case of an accident or damage caused by your boat. It covers any costs related to damage done to another person’s property or person while operating your boat, damage to your boat or its motor, and possibly even the trailer used to transport it.
How Jet Ski Insurance Works
Most insurance companies use the term “personal watercraft insurance” to describe coverage for jet skis. These vessels are designed to hold only one or two people and can reach speeds of 25 miles per hour or faster, which is why they need specialized insurance.
It is also worth noting that the same kind of insurance should be taken out if you have a personal watercraft, such as a wave runner with a powerful engine and top speed of over 25 mph. In short, any personal watercraft that can exceed 25 mph falls under jet ski insurance.
Are There Exceptions?
Non-motorized boats, such as canoes and kayaks, do not require separate insurance coverage because a standard insurance policy usually covers them. However, motorized boats, such as jet skis, are considered a higher risk due to their potential to cause damage to other people’s property and therefore require their own insurance policy.
Personal watercraft insurance helps protect you against the potential costs of damage caused by your jet ski and damage that you might cause to others. It can cover the cost of repairs to your craft, other watercraft, and property, as well as medical bills and your own damage in the event of a collision. Rates for this type of insurance may differ from other types of watercraft insurance since personal watercraft come with unique risks.
Is Watercraft Insurance Necessary?
While watercraft insurance is generally deemed necessary, it goes deeper than that. For one, jet skis are particularly prone to damage because of their high speeds and maneuverability. You could end up causing thousands of dollars in damage to another person’s property or even injuring someone. Jet skis are expensive pieces of equipment and can easily be stolen or damaged by severe weather. Watercraft insurance can help you recover the cost of repairs or replacement in such cases.
The same principle applies to boats because they can also be damaged or stolen. Boats are usually much larger and more expensive than jet skis, so insurance coverage is even more critical. However, getting more coverage is recommended because standard policies may not cover all your needs.
Conclusion
Boats and jet skis may differ, but they require adequate insurance coverage to protect the owner from potential losses due to theft, damage, or liability. Even if you don’t use your watercraft that often, it’s important to have the right coverage to protect your investment. This way, you can enjoy your time on the water without worrying about the financial repercussions of an accident.
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