Personal watercraft is an excellent investment if you enjoy watersports. Durable, fun, and easier to store than boats, these are perfect for fun days at the lake or the ocean. But owning personal watercraft also comes with significant responsibilities, such as making sure everyone who uses it respects safety measures and finding proper insurance. If you’re wondering, “where can I get excellent PWC insurance near me?” and why it is so important, keep reading.
PWC Insurance Near Me: 5 Reasons to Get Insurance for Your Jet Ski, Seadoo, or Waverunner
1. Medical Coverage
Personal watercraft vessels can reach very high speeds, which increases the risk of accidents. It seems pretty obvious, but the main reason to get PWC insurance is personal safety: yours (or whoever is driving the vessel), your passengers, and others in your way. In most states, you are liable for medical care if you injure someone in an accident.
Lack of insurance can translate into a heavy financial burden and even a criminal lawsuit.
2. Property Protection
Personal watercraft is an expensive investment, and there are many ways in which it can be damaged. Because it’s usually stored in seashore areas, it is vulnerable to climate events such as storms, flooding, and hurricanes. It’s also easier to steal than bigger vessels like boats, and it can even be severely damaged by hitting rocks or driftwood.
Full coverage insurance can offer you the peace of mind of knowing that you will not lose your money in an unfortunate event.
3. Liability/Third Party Property Damage
4. Roadside/Towing Assistance
Some policies cover roadside assistance and will send a tow truck to help you if you find yourself in trouble while transporting your watercraft. However, it is essential to note that most policies won’t cover accidents during transportation, as your car insurance covers these.
5. On-Water Assistance
Most policies will cover towing and mechanical assistance if your watercraft breaks down while on the water. This is a beneficial service that can help you save on mechanical repair costs and be life-saving for amateur riders stranded far away from the shore.
6. Compliance
Most waterside clubs and neighborhoods require PWC owners to have insurance, as they can be held liable for damages within their facilities. Before choosing an insurance company and deciding upon a policy, make sure that it covers all your HOA/Nautical Club requirements.
7. Financing Requirements
If you plan to get a loan to buy personal watercraft, you will need to get insurance and keep it during the whole period of the loan. Most financing companies will add insurance costs to the loan cost, so you will not be able to choose the insurance company. In this case, it is essential to understand what the policy covers and assess if you require additional coverage.
How to Find the Best PWC Insurance?
Several companies offer PWC insurance with different coverage and conditions. Before you choose one, we recommend:
- Researching all your options and talking to knowledgeable agents
- Understanding your coverage, deductibles, copays, and premiums
- Checking if there are ways to get discounts (for example, by purchasing car and PWC insurance with the same company)
- Understanding legal insurance requirements in your state
Online comparison sites are an excellent way to start familiarizing yourself with what different companies offer, the pros and cons of each policy, and what they require. These are also great to compare pricing and find significant discounts.
The Importance of a Good Agent
A good insurance agent will help you find the policy that’s best suited for you and help you navigate the claims process in case of an accident. Your agent can also help you find significant discounts and offer advice on the type of coverage you should get for specific situations or places.
Several websites offer information about agents local to you, but an excellent way to help you decide is to guide yourself by word-of-mouth. Your HOA or Nautical club may also have recommendations. Before making a final choice, meet with potential agents, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
When Can a PWC Insurance Company Deny a Claim?
It is essential to read and familiarize yourself with your insurance policies thoroughly. Your PWC insurance works a lot like your car insurance, and they can deny the claim if:
- You fail to perform the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance
- The driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- You fail to make a payment
- You improperly use your watercraft
- You modified the watercraft
- You failed to register the watercraft (this varies from state to state, but most require motorized vessels to be registered and titled).
If you believe your claim was wrongfully declined, you can appeal, and your agent may be able to help you understand what you’ll need to support your claim, the steps to follow, and your chances of winning the appeal.
Essential Factors to Consider Before Choosing a PWC Insurance Policy
There are several types of policies, and many companies offer PWC insurance, so you have to do some research before deciding which one is the best for you. Some important aspects include the following:
- If minors are regularly using your watercraft, make sure that your policy provides coverage for minors and that they are listed on your policy as operators
- If you are going to use your watercraft in more than one place, make sure it covers extensive navigation
- Make sure that your insurance covers drivers and passengers
When Do You Need Special Coverage?
There are mainly two situations that would require special coverage or a specific policy: if you race your watercraft and if you use it for commercial purposes. Commercial watercraft use requires special permits, which you need to address before seeking insurance. You don’t need special coverage for a one-time race, as this is usually covered by the race organizer’s insurance (but always ask about insurance before signing up for a race).
Safety Should Always Be a Priority
While insurance is the best way to prevent significant expenses resulting from an accident or watercraft malfunction, safety measures should always be followed. Before allowing anyone to drive your watercraft, make sure they fully understand how to operate it properly and what to do in case of an accident. Keep emergency numbers at hand, and make sure that someone on shore knows where you are and what to do if you are in trouble.
Never ride or allow someone to ride without a life jacket, and always respect speed limits and recommendations from the authorities. In most states, the minimum legal age to operate personal watercraft is 14 years old. Failure to follow basic safety regulations will not only void your insurance but can result in a potentially fatal accident.
Insurance is essential for any activity that poses potential risks, and finding adequate insurance should be a priority before using any personal watercraft. Protect yourself and your property by getting a quote with Iinsure today, and let us help you find a comprehensive policy that covers all your needs.