Although not in the generally considered by the general public, boat insurance is more than likely the oldest type of insurance in the world. Under the Marine Insurance Act, a boat is just as liable for insurance as any other type of vehicle. As with car insurance, policies come with an excess to discourage small claims and for boat insurance, this is usually quite a large sum of money, as the intention of the insurance is to cover you against substantial losses instead of just scratches and dents. There is little difference between the two types of policy except the amount of cover provided with boat insurance is considerably larger.

Standard boat insurance is a legal requirement in most American States and should be something that is done as soon as a person acquires the vessel. Houseboats are a strange case because although they are not generally moved that are required to have an insurance policy which covers pleasure boats like cabin cruisers, sailboats and ski boats etc. A speedboat for instance, is capable of high speeds requires a much different type of insurance than a small fishing vessel would because of the potential liability for the insurance company that comes with a speedboat compared to a fishing boat.

Almost all boat insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing the vessel, engine and the boat trailer but Actual Cash Value boat insurance plans only pay for replacement less any vessel depreciation from the point of loss. When the craft is a complete insurance right-off then the second hand value of the boat is used to estimate its market value. Optional insurance usually includes coverage for reasonable repairs, emergency services to your boat, motor, or boat trailer, and wreck removal. Where there has only been limited damage to the vessel, partial damage repairs include the restoration less any items that can be deducted.

Alberta Boat Insurance...

Agreed amount value boat insurance policies mean that the owner of the boat and the insurance company have decided on the cost of the boat, and in the aftermath of a total loss the owner will be compensated with that amount. Agreed amount value policies also replace old objects with new ones, exclusive of any assumption for depreciation. 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.

Essentially boat insurance covers two distinct areas; that of legal liability and that of damage or loss of property. Liability insurance is there to cover against claims by another person that the insured vessel caused damage or injury to a third party. It is just as important to find a boat insurance agent that looks after his clients by finding the best policies and obtaining the best settlements should they need them. A final piece of advice surrounds the liability section of the boat insurance and the need to ensure you are covered should legal charges be brought against you relating to a matter that is protected under the boat insurance.

Alberta Boat Insurance

Insurance for Dummies…

Technorati Tags: Boat Insurance Scuba, Li Boat Insurance, Small Boat Insurance