Boat insurance is not a type of cover that the majority of people ever have to concern themselves with but you may be surprised to learn that it is the earliest type of insurance policy. All aquatic vessels are obliged to be insured against a number of events and it is against The Marine Insurance Act if they are not. Policies like this, and many other types, come with an excess designed to stop individuals claiming on it for small amounts so it is usually much higher than it would be for a car say. Overall, the only difference between automobile insurance policy and that for a boat is the amount it is covering.
Almost all states make the standard boat insurance a requirement so it is important to abide by the law and obtain boat insurance as soon as you become a boat owner. In the marine insurance industry, houseboats although generally only moored, are categorized as a pleasure boat together with jet boats, ski boats, sailboats, cabin cruisers and party boats. 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.
Actual Cash Value boat insurance policies cover the cost of the vessel replacement les any depreciation form the time of the boats loss whereas most boat insurance plans will pay for the replacement of the craft, the engine as well as the trailer. 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.
To guarantee the value of the boat should it happen to be an insurance write off then an Agreed Value boat insurance policy can be taken out where the boat owner and insurance company come to an agreement about how much the vessel is worth and compensate to this value. 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. Liability insurance is there to cover against claims by another person that the insured vessel caused damage or injury to a third party. 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 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.