Charter Boat Insurance Basics

Maritime law broadly defines the responsibility of charterboat operator as being responsible for all damages resulting from "negligence". This all-encompassing definition leaves the operator exposed to the possibility of costly and endless court cases.

This why the value of selecting a charterboat insurance policy which protects your legal rights, property and that ensures damages to your boat are reimbursed, can not be underestimated.

How can you identify which components should be in your policy? First, identify all your business activities and the risks involved in operating your charterboat business. This information will help you decide the types of components, the range, and amount of coverage needed.

Hull and Machinery Clause

This refers to the coverage of the vessel, and all its' parts. Its' main purpose is to quickly get your business and boat operational after accidents. If you afford to pick a policy, which covers the following damages your charterboat, can sustain:

· Combustion, sinking or collision of your boat.

· Deck machinery, boat engines, and electronics.

· Coverage for an engine that breaks.

However, the following are not included in the hull and machinery component: Damage to your engine due to inappropriate use or neglect, wear due to every day use of the boat or reimbursements because your engine broke down.

Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clauses

These clauses enable you to pay passengers and other people who could have suffered personal injuries or property damage caused by your vessel.

The basic clauses you should consider are the following:

Coverage limit

How much is your business worth? A wise agent will tell you, the best coverage limit is one that you can get. It does make sense since marine P&I policy covers you on a per incident basis, not for each person.

Shore excursion

If your insurance policy doesn't have this clause, your passengers are not insured once they get off your boat.

Crew coverage

You must pay coverage for each crewmember, or you will be liable for the uninsured crewmembers' injuries in the performance of their duties.

Passenger medical payments

A good clause to have, for you're protected from irate passengers who even if they have suffered minor injuries, will file for big damages.

Personal effects

The loss of clothes, fishing equipment or cameras might seem a minor inconvenience, but not to the passenger who suffered the loss. This clause ensures that you are properly covered and your passenger's leave happy.

However, talk to your agent so that you know what items are covered in the personal effects clause and if these are appropriate to include.

Remember, the right charterboat insurance policy for you is one that insures both your boat and charterboat business.

Boat Insurance 101   The Benefits Of Having More Than One Boat Insurance Quote   Boat Insurance Coverage   Why You Need Motorboat Insurance   

Motor Boat Insurance Basics

Sailing off into the blue yonder, has the salutary effect of blowing cares and stresses away with the winds. However, before you sail away in your new boat, consider the merits of these questions. Do you have boat insurance? Moreover, are your insurance needs fully met?

Marine insurance defines vessels according certain measurements. A boat is defined as one measured between 16 feet and 25 feet, 11 inches in length. If that's the length and width of your seaworthy vessel, then you have a boat.

Here are the pertinent components your boat insurance policy should have:

Physical Damage Coverage

The insurer pays you for the repair or replacement of your boat, under the following circumstances: Theft, vandalism, lightning, fire, tornadoes, or hurricanes. Included in this coverage is the boat itself, outboard motors, engines, and your boat trailer.

Excluded from the coverage are the following items, which are not, considered a part of your boat's operations: camera or video equipment, clothing, fashion accessories, or jewelries, food or beverages, cell phones, stereo equipment, portable television, personal computers or scuba gear. Alternatively, you can ask for separate coverage for these items.

Tip. Read the fine print and so that you know what restrictions could apply to your coverage. Can your boat be stored at your place of residence? Alternatively, should the boat be at your vacation spot? Where does the coverage begin? Some policies specifically limit the uses of your boat and list the exceptions.

Liability Coverage

You'll find this coverage quite useful. You may also wish you'd paid a bigger premium, when there's an accident and your boat is liable for damaging another boat, property, or injury.

Uninsured Boat Coverage

This is the marine insurance equivalent of the road vehicle's uninsured motorist coverage. In this case, your boat's repairs are covered, in the event the owner of the property your boat collided with has expired insurance or worse, doesn't have it.

Passenger Medical Coverage

This coverage pays for the medical expenses incurred by people on your boat. This is a must-have clause and the limit can be inexpensive, from $450.00 to $10,000.00, is quite common.

Towing & Assistance Coverage

With this coverage, you'll get reimbursement for the costs you've incurred for availing of emergency services. Examples of these, your vessel breaks down, and a commercial outfit tows your vessel to the port, you've paid for delivery to replace your fuel, oil, or engine parts, or for someone to repair your engine.

The bottom line to all this? Be pro-active and arm yourself with knowledge, which among the different policies possible, your boat insurance should have.

Then, you'll sail confidently into the sun, because your insurance policy will cover you where it's most necessary.

Boat Insurance 101   The Benefits Of Having More Than One Boat Insurance Quote   Boat Insurance Coverage   Why You Need Motorboat Insurance