California Boat Insurance Requirements

California has approximately 840 miles of coastline, beautiful lakes and rivers. It’s, therefore, a perfect state for boat owners. What’s more, nothing comes close to enjoying a dash of wind through your body as you boat.

Unlike other states, boating in California presents a unique set of perils to vessels—earthquakes, ice and freezing damage, rock damage, or fires. Boat owners, therefore, require a particular policy to protect their investment.

If your boat sustains damage after colliding with the docks, you may incur a significant expense to make repairs. Consider speaking to a trusted boat insurance agent about your coverage options to comply with the California boat insurance requirements.

Does California Law Require You to Insure Your Boat?

California doesn’t require you to buy insurance before registering your boat. Nonetheless, you may need boat insurance coverage to dock in specific marinas. Also, if you’ve purchased the boat through finance, your lender may require you to have a policy.

Similarly, if you’re using the boat for commercial purposes, you may need coverage to protect your crew and clients.

Whether the requirement exists or not, you need coverage as it can save you lots of money in case of an accident or if someone steals or vandalizes your vessel.

What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

Boat insurance covers many vessels, including motorboats, sailboats, fishing vessels, cabin cruisers, showboats, jet skis, speedboats, and different factory-built boats.

Boat insurance coverage varies from one provider to the other. In addition, some coverage comes standard with one policy and is optional in others.

However, most boat insurance packages offer some or all of the following types of coverage:

• Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: The bodily injury liability can cover medical expenses for your passengers and yourself in case of a boat-related injury. If someone sues you, it can also cover the legal fees and settlement amount.

• Boating Liability Insurance: The coverage shields you from financial liability if an at-fault accident results in property damage or third-party injuries. Boating liability insurance provides more coverage than home or renters insurance.

• Physical Damage Coverage: The coverage caters to repairing or replacing your boat if lost or damaged, regardless of your fault.

• Equipment Coverage: The coverage can cater for the loss of aftermarket equipment or accessories not installed by the manufacturer but added later. These items include boat hoists, GPS units, anchors, cooling accessories, ladders, and misting systems.

• Towing Coverage: Towing coverage can cover the cost of repatriating your boat to the shore if it stalls due to a mechanical failure.

• Uninsured Boat Insurance: The coverage can cover the cost of repairs if the boat is involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured boat. It can also cater for medical expenses for those hurt in the incident.

Protect Your Investment With California Boat Insurance

Anything can happen in the waters: a collision, theft, vandalism, or stalling. If uninsured, you could lose your investment or incur a massive and unplanned expense. To that end, it is recommended to prepare for unforeseen risks using boat insurance.

More importantly, acquire the insurance package from a reputable, trusted agent like Panorama Insurance Agency.

Contact us online or call us at 818.579.9663 to request a quote.