How Much is Pontoon Boat Insurance in Texas
From fishing on one of its many lakes to exploring its rivers and streams, boating is bigger in Texas. Whether you take your fishing boat out for a quiet morning, or cut through the waves in the Gulf on your jet ski, there are many choices for enjoying your favorite watersports in the Pontoon Boat Insurance in Texas. For as many different ways as there are to boat in Texas, there are just as many different types of insurance needs for boaters.
That’s why many Texans turn to SkiSafe to provide them with the most comprehensive boating insurance coverage available. We have extensive industry expertise and knowledgeable professionals, meaning that if you are in Texas and require ski boat insurance or PWC insurance in Texas, we’re the best source.
It goes without saying, but just like your car or truck, how your Pontoon Boat Insurance in Florida will very much depend on a range of factors. This can include the value of the boat, your record, how old you are, where the boat is kept, and how it’s used.
So, as you can understand, it’s impossible to give you an exact figure, but what I can do is give you some example estimates, plus examples of what you can claim for should you need to use your insurance – and fingers crossed you won’t!
Boats are a highlight of summer! They’re flashy, fun and freaking expensive to repair or replace. That’s why it’s better to pay for boat insurance than to hope you’ll get by with Pontoon Boat Insurance in Texas.
Boat insurance protects you financially if your boat is involved in an accident where property gets damaged or someone gets hurt. On average, boat insurance costs $200 to $500 a year—or around 1–5% of your boat’s value if you have a big, powerful or expensive boat.
What Factors Affect Boat Insurance Costs?
Many of the factors that affect car insurance rates also affect Pontoon Boat Insurance in Texas —but there are also some unique things to consider for watercraft.
Type of Boat
The more valuable a boat is, the more expensive it is to insure. For example, yacht insurance almost always costs more than pontoon insurance because yachts are more expensive.
Motor
High-powered watercraft are riskier, so insurance companies look at the type of motor (inboard or outboard, amount of horsepower and so on). Slow and steady usually wins the race to get low insurance rates!
Condition
To be considered in good condition, your boat must meet the U.S. Coast Guard safety standards from the time when it was built. Otherwise, you’ll pay higher premiums because of your boat’s outdated safety features.
Age
Your boat’s age matters—and so does yours.
Older boats are generally cheaper to insure, especially if they’ve only had one owner. You’ll probably also get better rates if you’re between 25 and 60 years old, because that’s when insurers think you’re the most responsible.
Uses
Fishing and floating are lower risk than towing Pontoon Boat Insurance in Texas. If you use your boat for “risky” activities, your insurance company will charge you higher premiums to make up for the accident they expect you to have.
Frequency
Boating accidents almost always happen on the water (duh). So if you occasionally take your boat out, you’ll pay less than if you boat every weekend. That’s also why people who live up north typically pay less for boat insurance—the shorter boating season means less time for accidents.
Location
Speaking of where you live, you’ll pay higher premiums for boating in an area with hurricanes (on the ocean), squalls (in the Great Lakes) or other hazards. And you’ll pay less if you live in a state with no coastline. That’s because lakes and rivers are typically safer than the ocean.
Driving Record
You’ll likely get low rates if you’ve got a good driving record (aka no accidents, injuries or recent insurance claims in a boat or car). But your inexperienced teen or your reckless cousin who’s totaled three cars? Not so much.
What’s the Best Insurance for Older Pontoon Boats?
You might find that if own an older pontoon, that some companies will not insure them. But, don’t fret as there are some companies out there who will.
But it might depend on what type of Pontoon Boat Insurance in Texas.
Replacement insurance might be troublesome, as an insurance company may feel that there is no value left to insure, especially if the pontoon has completely depreciated in value. But from my research I have found that you might still have some luck with the Progressive and State Farm insurance companies – they have been known to accept customers like this.
The policy that you can always apply for is liability insurance. That will be set-up for you regardless of how old your pontoon is. If you are still not getting very far with replacement cover, then try calling an insurance broker who will shop different providers to find you coverage.
Where Do I Get Boat Insurance?
The easiest way to get boat insurance is to work with an independent auto or homeowners insurance agent. Our network of Endorsed Local Providers (ELPs) will compare policies from multiple insurers to find the best one for your boat.
And our agents will go a step further: They’ll teach you how to actually understand your boat insurance policy so you can be confident you’re getting the insurance you need—without costly extras.
From fishing on one of its many lakes to exploring its rivers and streams, boating is bigger in Texas. Whether you take your fishing boat out for a quiet morning, or cut through the waves in the Gulf on your jet ski, there are many choices for enjoying your favorite watersports in the Pontoon Boat…