Although not in the generally considered by the general public, boat insurance is more than likely the oldest type of insurance in the world. A boat, just like all vehicles is liable for an insurance policy, under the Marine Insurance Act. As with car insurance, policies come with an excess to discourage small claims and for boat insurance, this is usually quite a large sum of money, as the intention of the insurance is to cover you against substantial losses instead of just scratches and dents. 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. Strangely, in the eyes of the Marine Industry, a houseboat is in the same category as pleasure boats like sailboats, jet boats and cabin cruises for instance. If you are an owner of a speedboat for example, your insurance premium will be higher than for that of a fishing boat owing to the potential for a larger claim.

Most boat insurance policies should cover your boat, the motor, and the trailer used to transport the boat, but Actual Cash Value boat insurance policies finance replacement costs, minus depreciation at the point of the loss. In the event of total damage, second-hand boat pricing directions and additional funds are used to decide the estimated market rate of the boat. If you require insurance to cover for additional situations like emergency services to your vessel, repairs, boat trailer and wreck removal for instance then it is possible to take out an Optional Insurance Cover. Where there has only been limited damage to the vessel, partial damage repairs include the restoration less any items that can be deducted.

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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. This type of policy also takes into account that old items have depreciated and have less value but are still replaced with new ones. 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. The liability section covers the owner against claims by a third party if any damage is caused to that person or his property by the insured vessel. Remember to try and find a boat insurance agent with a good reputation of getting the best possible policies for his clients and a good record in claim settlement. Equally important when searching for a boat insurance policy is to have one with good legal backup should it be necessary as a liability claim that is covered under the boat insurance policy be brought against you.

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