Watercraft Insurance Explained Step-by-Step

Watercraft insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect boat owners and their watercraft against a wide range of risks and perils. From damage caused by storms and accidents to theft and liability, watercraft insurance offers coverage to help boat owners protect their investments and ensure peace of mind while out on the water.

If you own a boat, whether it’s a small fishing boat or a large yacht, watercraft insurance is essential to protect you from financial loss in the event of an accident or other unexpected event. Without insurance, you could be left responsible for costly repairs, medical expenses, and other damages, all of which can quickly add up and put a significant strain on your finances.

The benefits of watercraft insurance are numerous and include:

• Protection for your watercraft: If your boat is damaged, stolen, or destroyed, watercraft insurance can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
• Liability coverage: If you are involved in an accident and are found to be at fault, watercraft insurance can help cover the cost of any damages or injuries sustained by others.
• Medical expenses: If you or a passenger is injured while on your boat, watercraft insurance can help cover the cost of medical expenses.
• Uninsured boater coverage: If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured boater, watercraft insurance can help cover the cost of damages.
• Personal property coverage: If you have personal property, such as fishing gear or life jackets, on board your boat, watercraft insurance can help cover the cost of replacement if it is lost or damaged.

When choosing a watercraft insurance policy, it is important to consider the type and size of your boat, as well as your specific needs and budget. Some policies may include additional coverage options, such as towing and roadside assistance, while others may be more basic.

By investing in watercraft insurance, boat owners can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are protected against a wide range of risks and perils. Whether you are a seasoned boater or just starting out, watercraft insurance is an essential investment that can help you protect your investment and your financial well-being while out on the water.

The sudden death of Ciara Eiriz, a 20-year-old woman from Pittsburgh, highlights the dangerous and unpredictable nature of watercraft activities. The tragic incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, involved a collision between two Jet Skis and resulted in Eiriz being pronounced dead at the boat dock due to a head injury.

The popularity of watercraft activities such as Jet Skiing, boating, and other water sports has risen in recent years, but with it, the risk of accidents and injury has also increased. In fact, the U.S. Coast Guard reported that in 2019, there were 4,168 recreational boating accidents, resulting in 613 deaths and 2,559 injuries.

It is imperative that all watercraft enthusiasts take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the water. This includes wearing personal flotation devices, checking weather and water conditions, and adhering to boating regulations and laws. Additionally, those who own watercraft should consider purchasing watercraft insurance, which can provide coverage for physical damage to the watercraft and liability for injury to others.

Watercraft insurance policies can also provide coverage for accidental death, medical expenses, and other related costs in the event of a tragic incident like the one experienced by the Eiriz family. Without such coverage, families may be left with costly medical bills, funeral expenses, and other related costs in the aftermath of a watercraft accident.

While watercraft activities can be fun and enjoyable, it is important to prioritize safety and be prepared for the unexpected. Investing in watercraft insurance can help protect families and individuals from the financial burden of an accident and provide peace of mind while enjoying water-based activities.

If you have a watercraft on Hilton Head Island, make sure you have the proper insurance coverage to protect yourself and your family. Coastal Plains Outdoors are specialists in insurance coverage for watercraft and are standing by to help you right now. Please call (843) 842-8880 today!