No responsible, civic-minded driver anywhere would consider getting behind the wheel of a car without proper auto insurance. If you’re a boat owner, taking to the water without adequate coverage is no less risky.

Owning a boat or watercraft is loads of fun—water and sun, memories and fun—but boat ownership comes with serious responsibilities, risks and liabilities. If you own a boat, you need to secure proper coverage to protect not only yourself, but also your family, your property and investments, too.

You’ve also got an obligation to others sharing the water with you. Suppose you were in an accident out on the water for which you were judged legally liable for damages and/or injury to others. What would happen if you didn’t have proper boat insurance? Financial ruin is a real possibility. Don’t let it happen!

What Does Boat & Watercraft Insurance Cover?

Typically, boat and watercraft insurance covers the most common perils related to physical damage to the boat:

• Sinking

• Fire

• Storms

• Theft

• Collision

Standard boat and watercraft policies also provide reimbursement for damage to numerous items related to boating. Such items include the boat itself, of course, and the motor too. Coverage also extends to the trailer deployed to pull the vessel to water. The list of covered items also includes equipment permanently attached to the boat, along with anchors, oars, trolling motors, extra fuel tanks, tools, removable canopies, seat cushions, life jackets and preservers, skis and tow ropes, dinghies, and more.

Many watercraft insurance policies also cover labor costs for repairing and/or replacing the boat and any related equipment. Most standard boat insurance provide basic liability coverage, too. Liability isn’t required by Alabama law, but you risk losing everything without some degree of liability protection. Bodily Injury Liability is an important coverage when you're on the water. If you get into an accident, and injure someone, this is the coverage that is going to protect you. It will pay for the other party’s medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The cost for your legal defense can come out of this coverage amount. Insurance Express can help you check your Alabama boat insurance policy to make sure you have enough coverage to protect your assets.

Some boat and watercraft policies also cover damage done by uninsured boaters, akin to auto insurance. Uninsured Boater coverage protects you, your resident relatives, and occupants of an insured boat in the event of a bodily injury, including any resulting death sustained in an accident caused by the owner or operator of a boat that does not have insurance (Uninsured) to cover your injuries.

How Much Does Boat & Watercraft Insurance Cost?

Premium costs for a boat and watercraft policy will depend on the agreed-upon values of the policy, chosen deductibles, insurability, and other factors. These limits can be extremely important in the event of severe damage or of a total loss, so it’s important to choose carefully. In this way, boat insurance is quite similar to other insurance policy types.

Does Alabama/Mississippi Require Boat Insurance?

Technically, no. However, Alabama and Mississippi law isn’t the only factor to consider. If you purchase your boat on loan, for example, the creditor will likely stipulate that you maintain boat coverage. Many boat owners store their vessels at marinas or boatyards. Such facilities also routinely require owners to carry a certain degree of boat insurance.

Why Comprehensive Boat Insurance? It’s the Right Thing to Do!

Need another compelling reason to carry boat insurance? How about this: It just makes sense. Protecting your passengers and property and looking out for the wellbeing of your fellow Alabamans out on the water is, quite simply, the right thing to do. And what about the financial aspect of boat ownership? For many people, owning a boat can represent a sizable investment. If your boat were totaled in an accident, do you have the liquid assets to simply replace it without insurance monies?

Contact Insurance Express for a Free Quote on Boat Insurance

Insurance Express offers free, comparative quotes on personal boat and watercraft insurance from multiple insurance carriers, assuring you of the best possible rates. We proudly serve all of Alabama & Mississippi, with a primary focus on Choctaw, Washington, Marengo, Sumter and Clarke counties, including the cities of Gilbertown, Butler, Silas, Millry, Chatom.

If you’re ready to start a new friendship with an Alabama boat insurance agency that puts your best interests first, call Insurance Express today at (251) 843-2299. Or for a free online boat insurance quote, just fill out the "Request a Quote" form on our Contact Page. We can’t wait to work with you!