Boat insurance may not be mandatory in every state, but it’s something every boat owner should consider, especially in Southwest Florida. With its beautiful waterways, stunning beaches, and year-round boating opportunities, the region is a popular destination for boaters. Whether you own a motorboat, sailboat, or yacht, boat insurance protects your watercraft from a variety of risks, including accidents, theft, and weather-related damage. Having the right coverage can offer peace of mind, ensuring that you’re financially protected in case of an unforeseen event on the water.
Call John Perry Insurance at 863-777-4966 or message us online to request pricing.
Boat Insurance Coverage
1. Bodily Injury Liability
- Aids in coverage for injuries to others resulting from a covered accident if you are found to be legally liable.
- Covers lawsuit defense costs arising from a covered incident.
2. Property Damage Liability
- Covers property damage to others resulting from a covered accident if you are found to be legally liable.
- Covers fuel spills that cause property damage, up to the liability coverage limits.
- Includes defense costs for lawsuits stemming from accidents you are legally responsible for.
3. Medical Payments
- Covers medical expenses resulting from an accident while onboard, boarding, leaving, or being towed behind the insured watercraft, regardless of fault.
4. Uninsured/Underinsured Boaters Bodily Injury
- Covers medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages from an uninsured or underinsured boater.
5. Uninsured/Underinsured Boaters Property Damage
- Covers watercraft damage caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run boater.
6. Collision
- Covers damage caused by a collision, including roll-over incidents.
7. Accidentals
- Covers damages caused by vandalism, theft, weather events, and accidents involving animals.
8. Personal Effects
- Provides coverage for the loss of or damage to personal property onboard the watercraft, or while being carried on or off.
- Boat hoists and lifts may also be covered.
9. Fishing Equipment
- Protects fishing gear used in legal fishing activities. Coverage includes rods, reels, lures, tackle boxes, and electronic fish-locating gear.
10. Roadside Assistance
- Provides towing to the nearest qualified repair facility and necessary labor at the time and place of disablement.
Boat Insurance Does Not Cover
All boat insurance policies have exclusions. Here’s what boat insurance generally does not cover:
- Bug destruction
- Corrosion
- Damage from aquatic creatures
- Faulty boat design
- Manufacturer defects
- Mold damage
- Overuse
- Wear and tear from regular boat use
Factors that Determine Boat Insurance Premiums
The cost of boat insurance can vary based on several factors, including but not limited to:
- Boat age, length, and size
- Boat category, model, and type
- Engine type
- Experience level of the boat owner
- Location of boat use
- Owner’s past claims
- Place of anchorage
- Storage type
- Coverage amount and policy type
- Frequency of boat or watercraft use
- Value of the boat
Why Boat Insurance is Essential in Southwest Florida
Florida, famously known as a boater’s paradise, boasts picturesque beaches and expansive docks. With its ideal year-round climate and abundant aquatic supply, it’s no surprise that Florida has the largest marine industry in the United States. However, with the state’s unpredictable typhoons, rainstorms, and hurricanes, your fishing boat, sailboat, or yacht could easily be damaged. That’s why boat insurance is essential in Southwest Florida.
Leading Insurance Agency in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, FL
We proudly service Southwest Florida, including Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Clewiston, Fort Myers, LaBelle, and Okeechobee.
With over 30 years of experience in insuring boats, John Perry Insurance is here to provide you with the best coverage for your needs. We have the expertise to guide you in selecting the right insurance policy. We also provide you with rates from multiple insurance companies, so you can compare and select the coverage that fits your needs and budget.
