10 Most Likely Boat Insurance Claims
Categories: Boating, Insurance|Published On: March 13, 2024|3.4 min read|

10 Most Likely Boat Insurance Claims

Ahoy, fellow seafarers! As we set sail into the vast blue, it’s essential to ensure that our vessels are anchored in protection. Welcome aboard On The Water Marine Insurance, where we specialize in safeguarding your maritime adventures with comprehensive boat insurance. In today’s voyage, we discuss the 10 most likely boat insurance claims that may happen to you!

Collisions

The open waters can be bustling with activity, increasing the risk of collisions with other boats, submerged objects, or even docks. Boat insurance provides coverage for damages resulting from such incidents, ensuring that you can sail smoothly without financial worries.

Weather Damage

Mother Nature’s temperament can be unpredictable, subjecting your boat to the wrath of storms, hail, or lightning strikes. Boat insurance offers protection against weather-related damages, safeguarding your vessel against unforeseen natural calamities.

In coastal areas, many policies will include a special deductible for hurricane and tropical storms. Some insurance policies are now including a special lightning deductible as well.

Theft and Vandalism

Unfortunately, not all sailors have noble intentions. Theft and vandalism are common risks faced by boat owners, especially when the vessel is docked or stored. Boat insurance provides reimbursement for stolen equipment or repairs due to acts of vandalism, offering peace of mind even when you’re ashore. Not all policies cover this the same way, some require GPS tracking devices on board to include theft coverage, some will require special theft deductibles.

Sinking or Capsizing

Despite your best efforts, accidents leading to sinking or capsizing can occur. Whether it’s due to rough seas, equipment failure, or human error, boat insurance ensures that you’re financially covered for the salvage, recovery, and repair costs associated with such incidents. Ensuing loss is an important coverage to have on boat policies to ensure that a sinking is properly covered!

Fire Damage

A fire onboard can quickly escalate into a maritime disaster, causing extensive damage to your vessel and belongings. Boat insurance offers coverage for fire-related damages, enabling you to rebuild and recover from the ashes without bearing the financial burden alone.

Stranding and Grounding

Navigating through shallow waters or unfamiliar territories poses the risk of stranding or grounding your vessel. Boat insurance provides assistance in towing and salvaging operations, helping you navigate out of troubled waters without sinking your finances.

Personal Injury Liability

Accidents involving passengers or other individuals can result in costly legal liabilities. Boat insurance offers liability coverage for bodily injury or property damage caused to third parties, ensuring that you’re protected against potential lawsuits and legal expenses.

Fuel Spills and Pollution

As responsible stewards of the seas, it’s crucial to mitigate the environmental impact of fuel spills or pollution caused by your vessel. Boat insurance provides coverage for cleanup costs and environmental damages, helping you uphold your commitment to preserving marine ecosystems. Make sure to check out our fuel spill blog post for more information here!

Equipment Malfunction

From engine failures to electrical glitches, equipment malfunctions can leave you stranded at sea or vulnerable to accidents. Some boat insurance policies will cover mechanical & electrical breakdown, ensuring that technical failures don’t derail your maritime pursuits.

Emergency Assistance and Towing

When unforeseen emergencies strike, having access to prompt assistance and towing services can be a lifesaver. Boat insurance often includes provisions for emergency towing, ensuring that you’re never left adrift in times of distress.

We understand the intricacies of maritime risk management and the unique challenges faced by boat owners. Our comprehensive boat insurance policies are tailored to provide extensive coverage, giving you the confidence to navigate the seas with peace of mind. Anchored in protection, our motto encapsulates our commitment to safeguarding your maritime adventures against the uncertainties that lie ahead. Don’t wait until the tides turn against you—request a quote from us today and embark on your maritime journey with confidence.

**Not all boat insurance policies are the same and will include all the coverage mentioned above. Be sure to check your own policy for what applies to you.

Eric Fisher

Written by Eric Fisher

Agency President at On The Water Marine Insurance.

Related Articles

  • Fishing Guide Insurance
    Published On: October 10, 2024

    If you run a small fishing charter in states like Ohio, Indiana, or Kentucky, having the right insurance is crucial. Whether you're offering bass, walleye, crappie, or catfishing charters, a personal boat policy with a charter fishing guide endorsement can provide the coverage you need—without breaking the bank. In this post, we’ll explore real-world rate examples and why our policies stand out, including no forced winter layup periods and matching uninsured boater coverage to your liability limits.

  • Bass Boat Insurance: What You Need to Know as a Bass Fisherman
    Published On: September 19, 2024

    Whether you’re a seasoned bass fisherman or just getting started, having the right bass boat insurance is crucial. This blog covers the essentials, from agreed value coverage to protect your boat’s full value, to insurance for electronics and fishing equipment. We also explore common claims like lower unit damage, the importance of tournament coverage, and medical payments protection.

  • Admitted vs. Surplus Lines Boat Insurance
    Published On: September 18, 2024

    When it comes to insuring your boat or yacht, understanding the difference between admitted and surplus lines insurance is crucial. Admitted carriers offer state-backed protections and often more comprehensive coverage, while surplus lines step in for higher-risk situations, but with more restrictive rules and higher costs. In this post, I’ll share a recent experience with a client who nearly switched to surplus lines, even though they qualified for admitted coverage—and why it’s important to know the difference when protecting your investment.