Before Buying Watercraft Insurance

Posted by Lisa Nichols Sep 4, 2007

Can you afford to be out on your boat without proper watercraft insurance? The average boating accident costs a minimum of $5000 for uninsured boaters. And many boating accidents cost boaters a lot more. According to the Coast Guard, boating-related deaths, accidents and injuries increased for the second year in 2006. There were more than 700 boating deaths in 2006, over 3400 injuries and almost $44 million dollars in property damage related to baoting accidents.

Most states require that you carry watercraft liability insurance on your boat. But boater's liability insurance won't cover the many other problems that can arise once you’re on the water.

Ease the cost of boater's insurance with discounts offered by major insurance companies:*

• Boater's education course completed;
• Boats less than 10 years old;
• Mature operators;
• Married operators;
• Increased deductibles;
• Protective devices like alarms and fire extingushers;
• Boats with less than 250 horsepower .

*Available discounts and eligibility for discounts vary by insurance company and insured.

Learn more about the watercraft insurance policy before you buy.

Talk back with the writer, Lisa Nichols, and tell her about your experiences boating with- or without- buying watercraft insurance this year and submit your news, tips and story ideas to the insurance blog.