The time it takes to process a boat insurance claim depends on the complexity of the incident and the type of claim. Simple claims may be resolved within a few days or weeks, while more complex claims can take longer. We work with you every step of the way to ensure timely resolution.
Liability boat insurance covers you if you’re responsible for causing damage to someone else’s property or injuring someone while operating your boat. It helps pay for legal fees, medical bills, and property repairs if you’re found at fault in an accident. Liability coverage is crucial for protecting you financially from costly lawsuits or damages.
Mechanical breakdown coverage is typically an optional add-on and may not be included in standard boat insurance policies. This coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement if your boat’s engine or mechanical systems fail due to wear and tear or breakdown. Be sure to check your policy to see if this coverage is included or available as an endorsement.
Check out our Blog on Mechanical Breakdown for more information.
Fuel spill liability coverage protects you if your boat accidentally leaks or spills fuel into the water, which can cause environmental damage. This coverage helps pay for cleanup and legal fees if you’re held responsible for an accidental spill. Some policies cover fuel spills up to the limit set by the Oil Pollution Act (OPA 90), while others may cap coverage at a lower amount.
Check our Blog on Fuel Spills for more information.
Yes, most boat insurance policies offer coverage for on-water towing, but the details vary by policy. Some policies provide direct towing services with no out-of-pocket costs, while others offer reimbursement after you pay for the towing. Check your policy to see what type of towing coverage is included or available as an add-on.
In most states, boat insurance is not legally required. However, it’s always recommended to at least carry liability coverage to protect yourself in case of an accident.
If you have a loan on your boat, your lender will likely require you to carry insurance to protect their financial interest. Additionally, many marinas require proof of insurance as part of their slip rental agreement to safeguard their property and other boats.
After a boat accident, ensure everyone’s safety first. Once safe, take these steps:
- Check for injuries and call for medical assistance if needed.
- Report the accident to the local authorities or coast guard, if required.
- Document the scene by taking photos of the damage and obtaining witness contact information.
- Contact us or visit our Claim Filing Page to start your claim process.
No, your boat is generally not covered under your homeowners insurance. A separate boat insurance policy is needed to protect against accidents, property damage, medical costs, and more. Without proper boat coverage, you may be at risk for significant financial exposure.
Boat insurance typically covers a variety of risks, including:
- Physical Damage: This covers repairs or replacement if your boat is damaged by events like storms, accidents, fire, theft, or vandalism. It includes the boat itself, engines, and often trailers or other equipment.
- Liability Coverage: If you’re responsible for injury to someone or damage to someone else’s property while operating your boat, liability coverage helps cover the legal costs, medical bills, and any damage repairs.
- Uninsured Boater Coverage: This protects you in case of an accident with a boater who doesn’t have insurance.
- On-Water Towing: Coverage that helps pay for emergency towing and assistance if your boat breaks down while on the water.
- Fuel Spill Liability: Some policies cover accidental fuel spills, protecting you from environmental damage claims.
Other coverages can include medical payments, personal effects, and special endorsements for high-value boats or yachts. Always review your policy to understand what is included and if additional coverage is necessary for your needs.
We work with a variety of top-rated insurance carriers to provide the best coverage options for your boat or yacht. We partner with around 20 different companies to ensure you get the best policy for your needs. Some of the regular companies we work with include:
- Chubb
- Travelers
- American Modern
- Ahoy Insurance
- Progressive
- Foremost
As an independent marine insurance broker, we shop multiple carriers to find you the best rates and coverage.
At On The Water Marine Insurance, we specialize exclusively in boat and yacht insurance, offering over a decade of experience in the marine industry. We partner with top-rated carriers like Chubb, Travelers, Progressive, and others to provide personalized coverage that meets your specific needs. As an independent broker, we shop multiple carriers to find you the best rates at no additional cost. With a focus on customer education and service, we provide expert guidance and custom video proposals to make the insurance process easy and transparent.
Yes, where you store and use your boat can significantly impact your insurance policy and premium. Boats stored in areas prone to severe weather, like hurricanes, often have higher premiums and may include windstorm deductibles. State regulations or marina requirements could also dictate specific coverages. Additionally, inland boats usually have lower premiums compared to boats used on coastal waters, where risks are higher. Always check how local conditions and requirements affect your coverage.
A good rule of thumb is to expect somewhere around 1% of the hull value. For example, for a $100,000 boat, the cost of insurance will be somewhere around $1,000 a year. Keep in mind this can vary significantly based on many different factors such as where the boat is used, your boating experience and other factors.
You can file a boat insurance claim 24 hours a day on our website. Simply visit our Claim Filing Page to submit your claim anytime.
To get started:
- Submit Online Anytime: Upload any necessary information, such as photos of the damage, accident reports, and receipts for repairs or replacements, through our online portal.
- Call During Business Hours: If you prefer to speak to someone, you can call us during normal business hours for assistance at (513) 653-3800.
After submitting your claim, the time it takes to process will depend on the complexity, but many claims are resolved within a few weeks.
We are licensed to provide boat and yacht insurance in the following states:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
You can reach us by phone, email, or live chat:
- Phone: (513) 653-3800
- Email: Sales@OnTheWaterMarine.com
- Live Chat: At the bottom of this page, you can access our live chat option during normal buisness hours until 5pm each weekday. If after business hours, you can still a chat, if our team is availabel we will answer quickly, if not leave your name/email/phone and we will contact you back.
You can request a quote at www.OnTheWaterMarine.com/Boat-Quote
Agreed Value: This is a predetermined amount that both you and the insurance company agree on when the policy is issued. In the event of a total loss, you will receive this agreed amount without any deductions for depreciation, ensuring you’re fully compensated based on the original value set in the policy.
Actual Cash Value: This coverage takes depreciation into account. If your boat is a total loss, you will be paid the current market value of the boat at the time of the loss, which could be less than what you originally paid, depending on the boat’s age and condition.
Filing a claim may affect your boat insurance premium, depending on the nature and severity of the claim. If you have a loss-free discount, filing a claim may result in losing that discount, which could increase your premium. Multiple claims within a short period can also lead to higher premiums. However, each situation is unique, so feel free to contact us to discuss how a claim might impact your specific policy.
Boat insurance companies have different requirements regarding when a marine survey is needed. Typically, an out-of-water survey is required for boats 27 feet or longer and over 10-15 years of age.
However, we offer options that do not require a survey and can insure boats up to 50 feet in length. Be sure to check with us to find out if your boat qualifies for insurance without a survey.
You can locate a surveyor and other helpful items on our boating resources page.