Sailboat Insurance Questions

Congratulations – you have a new boat! Now it’s time for you to think about sailboat insurance. True, it’s not usually something that you think about right away (no one likes to think about what could happen that you’d need it), so it pays to shop around, find your options and know what coverage you need.

One question that might be running through your mind is this – how is sailboat insurance different than, say, car insurance? It’s the same in that you are getting coverage on a vehicle (of sorts, at any rate), but different in the way you use it. A car is on roads and generally not all that far from help if something should happen. A sailboat can be far from land at time, and unless you hug the coastlines, far from assistance if needed.

However, boating isn’t just about land, or even just the boat. You’ll spend a lot of time docked, and in that period of time, you don’t want to lose your possessions that are on board. Many times, you can choose just what you want to have covered; electronics are an excellent example. But you’ll also want to think about things like riggings, anchors, sails and the like. After all, you can’t really sail without sails! And sad to say, crime at port can be a hazard, even if you happen to live aboard your boat.

While you might sail alone at times, you’ll likely have others on board your boat, too. If there’s an accident, you or your guests may need medical attention, so it pays to have sailing boat insurance that will cover this possibility. It’s not something anyone likes to think about, but there are all kinds of hazards, especially for someone who may be unfamiliar with sailing and boating.

Along those lines, there’s also liability insurance to think about. What happens if there is an accident that is your fault? For example, maybe you collide with another boat. If you’re found to be liable, you could be facing a lot of money you need to pay out. Liability coverage for sail boat insurance is something to seriously consider; it’s generally offered in increments of $100,000.

Here’s a question you’re wanting to know, and that’s how much will you pay for coverage? It’s variable, and it depends on your sailing experience, the kind of boat and it’s value. The boat’s age is a consideration as well, in addition to the kinds of navigational equipment you have onboard. Therefore, it’s not a set price, and you will have to shop around for sailboat insurance.