BOATERS BLOG
Fishing boats, bass boats, and commercial fishing boats are among the most popular watercrafts in lakes, rivers, bays, and oceans. Although it may not be a requirement in your state, obtaining insurance for your fishing boat or bass boat has the potential to save you from a lot of headaches and financial stress. Whether you enjoy your own private bass boat or operate a commercial fishing boat, in the event of an emergency, accident, natural disaster, or another unexpected event, there is nothing more important than having the best coverage for you and your fishing boat.
When shopping for fishing boat insurance, you have the ability to customize your coverage and select the options that make the most sense for you, your lifestyle, and your watercraft. To help give you an idea of where to start, your friends and trusted experts here at NBOA are sharing their advice on coverage and items to consider adding to your policy.
Ensure Your Fishing Boat is Covered
While standard coverage such as property damage liability, bodily injury, medical expense, and physical damage to your fishing boat should be included with almost any boat insurance policy, additional coverage will ensure peace of mind both on and off the water. Consider asking your agent if your fishing boat insurance will cover all boat equipment, fishing equipment, travel, fishing tournaments, and roadside or on-water assistance.
Boat Equipment
Most boat insurance policies include coverage for standard boat equipment and accessories that come with your watercraft as a part of the original sale from the manufacturer. However, items like your boat trailer, hoist, electric trolling motor, kicker motors, marine instruments, safety equipment, life jackets, depth finders, and GPS devices are generally things that need to be added to your fishing boat insurance policy. Be sure to ask your agent what is and is not included before making your final decision.
Fishing Gear
Protection for your fishing equipment and gear, including fishing rods and reels, boat boxes, nets, tackle boxes, rigs, lures, rod holders, downriggers, outriggers, chairs, SCUBA gear, and onboard electronics and radar systems, is also imperative, especially as a fisherman. While many policies protect these items, do not assume that your particular insurance policy does. Check to see if your fishing or bass boat insurance covers your gear in case of damage, overboard loss, or theft.
Damage to Your Fishing Boat
Repairing a boat after an accident or emergency can be costly and depreciate the value of your watercraft. Some fishing and bass boat insurance can include a repair cost to help cover the financial burden that comes with restoring your fishing boat to its pre-damaged condition without depreciation. This is different from a total loss agreed value, which is the amount you will receive in the event your fishing or bass boat is lost to damages. If an unexpected event results in a partial loss of your boat, your insurance policy will cover the agreed total to repair your watercraft. Clarify the specifics of your insurance policy regarding fishing boat damage so you can be financially prepared.
Emergency Assistance
Similar to roadside assistance for your car, your fishing boat insurance can offer emergency on-water assistance for your vessel or roadside assistance for your trailer. This emergency assistance might include a tow back to shore or the closest marina if something goes wrong on the water or a garage or service station if you are traveling on the road with your boat. Mechanical labor at the site of breakdown and repairing flat tires on your boat trailer or delivery of gas, oil, or a battery to your boat on the water are just a few services that might come in handy as a fisherman.
Commercial Fishing Boat vs. Small Fishing Boat Insurance
When hunting for the best fishing boat insurance, it is crucial that you differentiate between a small or private fishing boat and a large or commercial fishing boat. Some insurance companies are unable to provide optimal coverage for commercial fishing boats due to the magnitude of their liability. Commercial fishing boat insurance should include protection against the watercraft as well as products and cargo on board, employees and/or clients, and extensive collections of gear and equipment. This may very well be your livelihood, so protecting your commercial fishing boat in the best way possible is priceless.
Boats are a significant investment! Whether you own a private fishing boat, large commercial fishing boat, or bass boat, they all require care and deserve coverage that eases your mind and eliminates stress. So that you can stay ahead of the game and be prepared, familiarize yourself with optimal fishing boat insurance options and rates here at NBOA. Our team has even made it simple and easy to get a quote right online.