With boats being about the oldest form of transport still being used, it is not surprising when you realise that boat insurance has been available in varying forms for thousands of years. A boat, just like all vehicles is liable for an insurance policy, under the Marine Insurance Act. Boat insurance policies, just like vehicle insurance come with an excess except the excess for a boat is usually quite a substantial sum which is done in order to discourage small claims which is often the case with cars. There is little difference between the two types of policy except the amount of cover provided with boat insurance is considerably larger.

Almost all states make the standard boat insurance a requirement so it is important to abide by the law and obtain boat insurance as soon as you become a boat owner. 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. If you are an owner of a speedboat for example, your insurance premium will be higher than for that of a fishing boat owing to the potential for a larger claim.

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. In the event of total damage, second-hand boat pricing directions and additional funds are used to decide the estimated market rate of the boat. It is possible to take out Optional Insurance which will include additional extras such as emergency services to the boat, cover for reasonable repairs, removal, the motor and trailer. Partial damage repairs on the other hand are calculated by working out the full charge to restore the boat minus deductibles.

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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. The liability section covers the owner against claims by a third party if any damage is caused to that person or his property by the insured vessel. At an early stage it is worth trying to employ the services of an insurance agent who has experience and a reputation for locating the best boat insurance and settlements for his clients. Make sure your boat insurance policy also has provisions for lawful protection, in case one is charged for something that is protected under the boat insurance.

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