Do You Need Insurance on a Boat？

Buying a boat is something that everyone dreams of, but buying a boat is a major investment and it is important to consider not only the size and equipment of the boat, but also the cost of the boat in terms of purchase price, maintenance, mooring and Yacht insurance costs. When buying a boat, insurance is very important to protect your boat and the people on board in the event of an accident. This article provides all the information about boat insurance and makes it easy for you to know if you need to buy insurance for your boat.

Importance of insurance when buying a boat

It is very important to buy an insurance policy for your boat when buying a boat, boat insurance is not mandatory, it is based on your needs. It is generally recommended that you purchase an insurance policy for your boat to prevent you from financial loss in case of a claim on your boat. Some marinas will also require third party insurance when the boat is moored to protect you in the event of property damage or personal injury. You can learn about local laws and regulations before purchasing boat insurance.

Types of boat insurance

Boat insurance comes in many forms, each offering a different level of protection. Understanding these types can help pick the right policy for your boat. Here are the types of boat insurance:

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is an important part of boat insurance, and this policy covers any damage or injury you may cause to a third party. Whether you're sailing through the waters or docked at a marina, accidents can happen, and liability insurance protects you from legal claims and can pay for you to cover the costs associated with property damage, bodily injury, or pollution of the environment caused by your boat.

Hull Insurance

Hull insurance can give you coverage for physical injuries to your boat. Physical injuries include collisions, storms, fires, and a number of other unforeseen disasters. If your boat suffers extensive damage during one of these disasters, hull insurance can help you pay for repairs or replacement.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive insurance is the best option for those who are looking for all-around protection. This type of insurance includes coverage for a number of things, including theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, giving the boat a broader range of protection and ensuring that it is not affected by any disasters.

What kind of coverage can I get with a comprehensive insurance policy?

Boat insurance offers several types to purchase, including liability, hull, and comprehensive insurance. Purchasing comprehensive insurance provides the following protection:

1. In the event of an accident on the boat, you, the crew and passengers may suffer from property damage or third-party injuries. Comprehensive insurance can prevent you from incurring expenses in the event of a dispute.

2. Medical expenses and repatriation costs for injured persons on board in the event of a ship's accident.

3. Assistance and salvage costs in the event of boat breakdown.

4. Personal expenses for loss of the boat due to theft or intentional damage.

5. Repair costs in the event of damage to the boat caused by collision.

6. Costs of obtaining legal protection in the event of a dispute or litigation with a third party.

How to claim from the insurance company in case of an accident?

When an accident occurs, make sure your boat is damaged, determine the damage and notify the insurance company, fill in the claim form, explaining clearly how the accident occurred and the damage or injury caused. For example, time, place, people involved, etc. When making a claim to the insurance company, remember to bring along supporting documents including the boat insurance policy, registration documents, photographs, invoices at the time of repair as well as your hospital certificates, sailing licenses, etc. to ensure that you can get satisfactory compensation from the insurance company. It is best to initiate a claim with your insurance company within the time period stipulated in your boat insurance contract and confirm that it is received by the insurance company and they will process your claim within 5 working days.