So, you finally got it. Maybe it’s a shiny speedboat, a cozy little sailboat, or even a party pontoon with disco lights and a cooler that’s always full. Either way, you’re now a boat owner, and that means you’ve got one more thing to worry about: boat insurance.
Don’t worry. This isn’t like your homework from Mr. Jenkins’ class. It’s way more important and way less boring (scout’s promise). If you’re boating around Washington, whether on Lake Washington, Puget Sound, or one of those mystery lakes your uncle swears is “full of fish,” then you’ll want to know what full coverage boat insurance is, and why it could be your life jacket when things go sideways. Get a quick quote on Washington boat insurance today!
Let’s start simple: Full coverage boat insurance is like putting your vessel in a giant invisible bubble made of safety and good decisions. It’s not just “oops, I hit a rock.” It’s “oops, I hit a rock, and then a seagull sued me” type of peace of mind.
Basic boat insurance usually just means liability, so if you damage someone else’s watercraft or dock, or hurt someone, your policy helps cover the costs. But full protection? That’s the deluxe package. That covers damage to your watercraft, too, plus all the chaos that comes with storms, theft, vandalism, and maybe even your cousin Kevin trying to do a backflip off the bow. And if you’re wondering, “Do I need boat insurance even when my vessel is drydocked at season’s end?” — the answer is yes.
What does full coverage boat insurance cover, anyway? Well, “full” can mean different things to different people. To your agent, it means “all the bells and whistles.” To you, it might mean the amount of coverage you need to keep your personal finances safe (in other words, the difference between what you can’t cover out of pocket and what you can self-insure).
That being said, the most common definition is the “big three.” Full coverage usually means you’re protected in these ways:
Basically, full coverage means that even if your boat takes a wild ride or a rogue moose with a grudge comes out of nowhere (hey, it’s Washington), you’re not stuck paying thousands out of pocket.
Even full coverage with a solid boat insurance policy isn’t a magic spell. There are still things it won’t cover … so don’t go thinking your policy is a license to do donuts around the Space Needle on a jet ski. Here’s what to keep in mind when you’re on the trek to find cheap boat insurance in Washington.
There are four basic exclusions to know about. Also, be sure to ask your agent. They can guide you in the right direction on these common marine insurance exclusions:
Want more peace of mind? You can even get some protection for pollution liability if your vehicle leaks fuel. That’s right. This type of product is eco-conscious now. You can add extras to your policy like:
OK, so it’s time to figure out what makes sense for your specific situation in the Pacific Northwest. When you’re deciding on what to cover (and how much), you should ask yourself a few key questions. Here’s what to consider when exploring the uncharted waters of boat insurance.
If you’ve got a brand-new powerboat, it’s gonna cost more to insure than your grandma’s old canoe with duct tape on the side. Also, using your craft every weekend for crab fishing in the Sound? Higher risk than someone who only takes their craft out once a year for Fourth of July fireworks (and possibly regrets it).
Washington’s weather is famously moist. Rain, wind, and seasonal storms can all increase your risk and your premiums. Storing your watercraft safely in the off-season can sometimes score you a discount, though. That’s why where and when you go matter just as much as how you take your vessel out. And yes, insurance companies know about “boating season.” No hiding behind cloudy days.
You wouldn’t head out into Puget Sound without a life vest, right? So don’t take your vessel out there without solid insurance, either. Whether you’re into fishing, sailing, waterskiing, or just floating around with a sandwich, the right full coverage policy keeps your ride safe. Ready to cruise with confidence? Give Vern Fonk Insurance a call at (800) 455-8276, get a quote online, or visit one of our many offices in Washington.
You’ll float better knowing you’re covered … unless you’re on a submarine, in which case we have questions. See you soon.
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