As of right now, there are only three states in the U.S. that require boat insurance, and New York isn’t one of them. Regardless, we encourage every boat owner to obtain this valuable policy for what is covered. Should you be involved in a boating accident, boat insurance in New York covers you and your boat and/or personal watercraft against both liability and damage. This includes whether you are responsible for injuring someone else or damaging their boat or property as well. This type of policy also provides coverage if your motor or sailboat, jet ski, kayak, canoe, or any other type of watercraft is stolen. You may already be aware that this is significant coverage to have. Since most policyholders do not fully realize what their boat insurance in New York entails, we’ll cover that information in this posting.  

Coverage generally extends to most parts of a boat, including the hull, engine, furnishings, and basically any equipment that is permanently attached to the vessel or personal watercraft (PWC). At the onset, let’s be clear, your boat is most likely not covered under your homeowner’s policy due to size restrictions, horsepower, and other considerations. That said, your coverage for boat insurance in New York will typically include: 

Boats and Boat Owners:

  • Damage to the full, sails, equipment, furnishings, engine/motor, and trailer.
  • Liability
  • If your boat was new at the time of the accident/theft, coverage includes its replacement. 
  • Agreed hull value or actual cash value for older vessels.
  • Fuel spill liability
  • Medical payments
  • Wreck removal and salvage coverages
  • Uninsured boater protection

Other Involved Parties:

  • Damage to another craft
  • Property damage caused by your boat.
  • Injury or death of another person

Additional Coverage to Consider When Purchasing Boat Insurance in New York:

  • On and off the water towing options
  • Disappearing deductibles
  • Personal property coverage
  • Fishing equipment coverage
  • Ice/Freeze coverage

Since you are asking, here are some conditions and circumstances that are not generally covered by boat insurance in New York, including: 

  • General wear and tear. Sound maintenance practices will ensure a long service life for any vessel. While your policy will cover damages related to an unforeseen accident, natural deterioration is not a covered event.
  • Accidents are caused by collisions with marine life.
  • Infestations such as those caused by birds, insects, and/or vermin.

If you already have boat insurance in New York but are not clear about what it covers, give the insurance professionals at Grillo & Associates a call. Now, before the boating season begins, is the best time to evaluate your current policy and make sure that it provides the coverage you need. If not, we can assist you in obtaining comprehensive coverage to provide the peace of mind you need and your boating life requires. Call to schedule your consultation today!