Boat insurance is not a type of cover that the majority of people ever have to concern thmselves with but you may be surprised to learn that it is the earliest type of insurance policy. A boat, just like all vehicles is liable for an insurance policy, under the Marine Insurance Act. Boat insurance policies, just like vehicle insurance come with an excess except the excess for a boat is usually quite a substantial sum which is done in order to discourage small claims which is often the case with cars. So the major difference between boat insurance and car insurance is the amount of coverage a policy provides.

As soon as you become a boat owner in America, most states will require you to have a boat insurance policy in force. Houseboats are a strange case because although they are not generally moved that are required to have an insurance policy which covers pleasure boats like cabin cruisers, sailboats and ski boats etc. However, a speedboat is in a completely different category to say a fishing vessel owing to the nature of its activities and a higher insurance premium is likely.

Almost all boat insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing the vessel, engine and the boat trailer but Actual Cash Value boat insurance plans only pay for replacement less any vessel depreciation from the point of loss. Usually when a boat has been damaged beyond repair, its current market rate is calculated using second hand values as a guide. It is possible to take out Optional Insurance which will include additional extras such as emergency services to the boat, cover for reasonable repairs, removal, the motor and trailer. Partial damage repairs on the other hand are calculated by working out the full charge to restore the boat minus deductibles.

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A better boat insurance plan is the Agreed Value policy which is where both the vessel owner and the insurance company agree on a value for the boat and should it be written off, then this amount is paid out in full. Another benefit of Agreed value policies is that old items are replaced with new, irrespective of the value of the items being replaced. With most Agreed value policies, the boat insurance company will require replacement value of some items like dinghies, sails, covers, drive units to name a few, before the policy payout value is agreed.

Most boat insurance policies can be broken down into two main areas; value of the property lost or damaged and that of liability. Liability insurance is there to cover against claims by another person that the insured vessel caused damage or injury to a third party. It is just as important to find a boat insurance agent that looks after his clients by finding the best policies and obtaining the best settlements should they need them. A final piece of advice surrounds the liability section of the boat insurance and the need to ensure you are covered should legal charges be brought against you relating to a matter that is protected under the boat insurance.

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Insurance for Dummies…

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