Although you’re not legally required to carry boat insurance in the state of Arizona, boat owners must do it anyway. After all, even careful boaters can get involved in accidents, and the right insurance will protect you from liability.
However, part of being a responsible Tucson, AZ boater means reviewing your policy frequently and understanding which factors can affect it. We at The Insurance House can help you make sense of the details, but in the meantime, here’s a list of examples to be aware of.
1. How You Use Your Boat
What you use your boat for matters regarding your insurance costs and coverage. For example, a boat owner who uses their vessel to tow parasailers or water skiers will likely be looking at higher rates than someone who uses their boat for recreational sailing or the occasional weekend spent fishing.
2. Safety Equipment
The more seriously a boater appears to take boating, the more benefits they’ll likely see regarding their policy or any claims they need to make. Every boater should ensure options like lifejackets (one per person), flotation devices, first aid kits, and similar items are onboard at all times.
3. Driving Records
Naturally, insurance providers will look at your boating history for clues about your responsibility. They’ll look at whether you’ve taken safety classes. They’ll also investigate whether you’ve made previous claims (and what type). But don’t despair if you’ve never owned a boat before. A clean driving record can be as beneficial as a positive boating history.
4. Where You Boat
Where you enjoy your boat matters, as well. For example, a Tucson, AZ boater who generally stays inland (as opposed to boating off the coast) represents a lower risk, so they’ll enjoy the benefits of that. The type of boat they own can further affect this factor.
Knowing the shot from every angle is essential before making big decisions about your boat or policy, so always discuss things with a professional insurance agent first. We at The Insurance House can help! Get in touch today, and let us know what we can do for you.
