Generally speaking, your state will require you to have some type of insurance coverage on your Jet Ski. You should first find out what your type of insurance plan your state requires. Next, you can check if your homeowner’s insurance covers Jet Skis, but in most cases it doesn’t. Many times, homeowner’s insurance will cover your jet ski if it has less than 50 horsepower. This usually includes models made before 1990.
If you don’t have Jet Ski coverage on your homeowner’s insurance, you may be able to simply add it to your policy plan. Check with your provider to see what your options are. Many times you may be able to obtain one additional insurance plan that can cover all recreational vehicles including Jet Skis, ATVs, and boats. Your Jet Ski Coverageshould include both liability and comprehensive insurance. Although, you may decide you don’t need comprehensive and decide to stick with liability only.
Liability Insurance Coverage
In most states, liability insurance is required for your personal watercraft. Some liability plans provide protection against accidentally injuring another person. You will also be covered if your watercraft damages some one else’s property. Liability insurance applies in the event that your watercraft collides with and damages another watercraft, your watercraft hits a swimmer who doesn’t have insurance, or your watercraft damages a dock you don’t own.
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
You may also decide your Jet Ski coverage should include comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive insurance protects against vandalism, theft, fire, and other damages. This type of insurance is usually not required, but is recommended. Accidents occur frequently and it is always best to prepare for the worst when dealing with insurance.
Insurance Exclusions
You should always be aware of the exclusions in your insurance plan. Many times, your insurance provider will have a list of incidents that are not included in your insurance plan. Here are a few common insurance exclusions:
- Striking a submerged object
- Limits on coverage on theft in high crime areas
- There is sometimes a catastrophe deductible associated with natural disasters
- Limitations for water skiing or towing
- Water sport exclusions
- Geographical limitations, i.e. the watercraft is only covered in certain states or certain bodies of water
- Some do not insure children under a certain age
- Accidental engine overheating
These are just a few common limitations. Be sure to check with your provider to find out the exact exclusions in your contract. But be sure to follow these few precautions to make sure you don’t go beyond the boundaries of your Jet Ski coverage:
- Strictly follow all of the guidelines in the workings of your Jet Ski. Make sure the operator of the vessel knows how to operate and properly shut down the Jet Ski.
- Use caution when storing and transporting your Jet Ski.
- Don’t operate your Jet Ski in bad weather.
- When renting a Jet Ski, make sure you understand the liability limitations when operating the vessel.
By Amber Callister