Personal Watercraft Insurance: What To Look For In A PWC Insurance Policy
Personal Watercraft (PWC) insurance is essential for the PWC enthusiast.
Are you a person that dreams of jumping boat wakes? Do you think about pulling the kids on a tube or boogey board behind your PWC? Can you close your eyes and see calm flat water just before dusk, inviting you to run wide open?
Your personal watercraft may be your family hobby. Do you hit the lakes with your wife or your kids?
Your PWC may be a workhorse. It may haul you back and forth from your yacht to the shore. It could even be used to haul more beer from the shoreline store to your party barge. If you are a business working offshore, it could be a handy tool.
No matter what your motivation is for owning and operating a PWC, you will need personal watercraft insurance. But all PWC insurance policies are not the same.
Here are some features and coverages you should look for when shopping for PWC insurance:
• Year-round coverages - Many people in warm climates run their machines year-round. Some insurance companies require a “lay-up period,” in which you cannot use your PWC without having no coverage.
• Wreck Removal - If your unit sinks, this coverage pays for recovery.
• Towing and Assistance - just like towing for your car.
• Personal Property coverage - for skis, life jackets, etc.
• Pollution Liability - This is very important coverage if you spill oil or gasoline into a waterway. Cleanup could run into many thousands.
• After-market parts and accessories - some policies don’t cover aftermarket parts. Make sure yours does.
• Transport trailer coverage - If you’re hauling your PWC on a trailer behind your vehicle, the trailer needs coverage. Instead of buying a separate policy for the trailer, put the coverage on this policy as a rider and save money.
• Collision Coverage and Other than Collision (OTC) Coverage - this coverage takes care of your machine if you run into something. OTC covers things like theft and fire.
• Increased limits on Liability - Carry at least the same liability limits on the PWC policy as you have on your auto policy. Also look for “Liability Only” coverage if you do not wish to buy Collision or Comprehensive coverage.
• Uninsured watercraft - pays you if you have an accident with an uninsured watercraft owned or operated by another person.
• Medical Payments - this is usually “good neighbor” insurance for injuries to others.
• Broad Eligibility - some insurance companies exclude certain models of PWCs, especially high-performance models.
PWC insurers also offer a variety of discounts, such as:
• Multi-Unit
• Multi-Policy
• Safety Course
• Prior Insurance
• Renewal discount for maintaining continuous coverage
You will also find a wide choice of deductibles and payment plans available. Choosing higher deductibles will lower your premiums. Flexible payment plans will help you manage your budget.
By using these strategies, you’ll have the best chance at having fun riding in the water!
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