A personal watercraft, also referred to as a PWC or water scooter, is a small, recreational vehicle used on the water, where the rider sits or stands. Due to its unique characteristics, it is not typically included on either a homeowner’s policy or an auto insurance policy; therefore a special personal watercraft insurance policy becomes essential. Quite a few risks are associated with using a personal watercraft, such as physical damage from an accident or wear and tear on the watercraft, theft, vandalism, and property damage to other watercrafts, not to mention bodily injury. These risks should be covered with an insurance policy designed specifically for personal watercrafts.
Types of Personal Watercraft Insurance
Liability – If you choose a liability only policy, you can offer your personal watercraft protection in the case of an accident that causes property damage. If you get into an accident with another personal watercraft or vessel, the liability only coverage will cover the costs associated with the property damage.
Liability and Physical Harm – To take your liability coverage one step further, you can include physical harm and injury as part of the insurance policy. If during your accident, the other person was injured; their medical costs would also be covered.
Uninsured Watercraft – Unfortunately, not all owners of personal watercraft will have adequate insurance coverage. If you involved in an accident with an uninsured watercraft, this policy covers the repairs to your own watercraft, as well as bodily injury coverage.
Increased Limits on Liability – No matter what type of liability insurance policy you choose, you will have limits on the liability. If you get into an accident with your personal watercraft, and the cost of damages exceed the limit, the increased limits on liability insurance policy can help to cover those additional costs.
Pollution Liability Coverage – In the case of your personal watercraft causing pollution or releasing toxic chemicals, such as oil or fuel spilling into the ocean after an accident, you may be responsible for the damages of cleaning up the oil spill. In this case, a pollution liability coverage helps to cover these legal costs.
Towing and Assistance – Using a personal watercraft in open waters puts you at risk of breaking down, or running out of gas. If this occurs, you may need towing assistance, the cost of which can be covered if you have towing and assistance insurance coverage.
Medical Costs Coverage – In the event of an accident with your personal watercraft, medical care may be necessary for you or another person on the watercraft at the time. Medical costs coverage helps to pay the costs of medical care and treatment.
Accessories – You may have additional accessories on board your personal watercraft, which you added after purchasing it. If you have accessories coverage, the loss or damage to these permanent accessories can be covered through personal watercraft insurance.
Trailer Coverage – You more than likely need a trailer for moving your personal watercraft from one location to another, which makes trailer coverage policies important. If something happens to your trailer that is used for transporting the watercraft, you can have insurance coverage for it.
Personal watercrafts can give you an enjoyable time spent on the water, but you should also be prepared for the potential risks that come with owning and operating a watercraft. By protecting yourself from these risks with adequate personal watercraft insurance coverage, you can enjoy your time without worrying about what could go wrong.
