Whether you’re at Beaver Lake, Greers Ferry, Beaverfork, Lake Ouachita, or Lake Hamilton, make sure you and your boat are protected! Summer is here and we know you are ready to get out on the water. Continue reading to find more information about coverage options for your boat insurance, how to file boat insurance claims, and legal requirements for boating insurance in Arkansas.
What is Boater’s Insurance
Owning a boat can be a great experience and bring your friends and family many hours of enjoyment on the water. However, as with any other valuable asset, it is crucial to protect yourself and your boat with the right insurance. Boater’s insurance is designed to protect you from the financial risks that come from boating, such as costly repairs and medical bills, giving you peace of mind knowing you are protected on the water.
Coverage Options
Boater’s insurance provides a variety of coverage options to meet your individual needs. Some of the most common types are:
Liability Coverage: This coverage protects you if you are responsible for an accident that causes injury or property damage to others. It can cover legal fees, medical expenses, and repair costs. Arkansas requires boats with over 50-horsepower engines to have $50,000 of liability coverage.
Collision Coverage: This coverage helps you pay for repairs or replacement if your boat is damaged in an accident where you collide with another watercraft or object, regardless of who is at fault.
Comprehensive Coverage: This coverage covers damage that is not related to collision. These are things like theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.
Medical Payments Coverage: This coverage helps you pay medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Uninsured/Underinsured Boater Coverage: This coverage can help pay for damages and injuries if you are in an accident with a boater who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance.
Typically, the deductible you choose for boat insurance depends on how much your boat is worth. This is because the deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance starts to pay. Higher deductibles result in lower premiums. The deductible is influenced by the value of your boat because this helps balance the cost of premiums with the level of financial risk you are willing to accept if a loss were to happen.
Boat owners should purchase a separate policy for their boats, instead of adding them to their homeowners or auto policy. Some of the carriers we partner with that offer boat insurance are: Progressive, Auto-Owners, Safeco, and Foremost.
How to File Boat Insurance Claims
We know that filing a boat insurance claim can be scary, but we are here to help. If you follow these steps, the process can be smooth and efficient.
- Ensure the safety of everyone involved and report any serious accidents to the authorities.
- Document the incident thoroughly by taking photos and noting details such as time, location, and circumstances.
- Contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible to report the claim. Provide all necessary documentation, including your policy number, a detailed account of the incident, and any supporting evidence.
- The insurance carrier will assign an adjuster to inspect the damage, evaluate the incident, review the policy to determine coverage, and negotiate and pay the settlement.
- You will choose a repair shop or contractor to fix your boat. If you need a recommendation, we can help you get in contact with someone.
- Throughout the process, maintain open communication with your insurer and promptly respond to any requests for additional information.
By following these steps, you can help ensure a timely and fair resolution to your boat insurance claim.
Legal Requirements
As of 2024, Arkansas and Utah are the only states that require most boats to have insurance. Even if your state does not require boat insurance, you may need it if you want to finance your boat or keep it at a marina.
Arkansas law requires $50,000 of liability insurance on all personal watercraft with a 50-horsepower engine or above. Arkansas boaters must carry proof of insurance on the watercraft and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer. If your vessel requires liability insurance, your proof of insurance must be submitted along with registration application.
Conclusion
We know you have a choice when it comes to finding your boat insurance. At Integrity, our agents are not only knowledgeable, but they are also kind and hard workers. We really do love to help people with their insurance needs. Our agents have experience and will work to find the answers to any questions you throw their way. Let us help you find the right coverage for you, at the right price. Walk Securely with Us.