Out on the water? Don't forget boat insurance
It's time to get out on the water.
The state doesn't require boat owners to buy insurance. But you're really exposed if you don't have it and injure someone or damage their property.
"You need to have liability coverage for that or you're personally liable for every penny of that," says Karl Newman, president of the Northwest Insurance Council.
"Typically, if you have a small boat like a canoe or a sailboat or powerboat of less than 25 horsepower, you can get some coverage through your homeowner's or renter's policy," says Newman.
"But typically, property damage coverage is limited to about $1,000 or less. And liability coverage is subject to the limits of your homeowner's or renter's policy. So for larger watercraft for sure, you want to have a separate policy to cover both damage to the boat and liability for damage caused to others."
Be sure all of your boat’s systems are working properly before launching. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free boat safety inspections.
Remember, carelessness and inexperience are the leading causes of boating accidents and fatalities in state waters.
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More info: Tips from the NW Insurance Council
The state doesn't require boat owners to buy insurance. But you're really exposed if you don't have it and injure someone or damage their property.
"You need to have liability coverage for that or you're personally liable for every penny of that," says Karl Newman, president of the Northwest Insurance Council.
"Typically, if you have a small boat like a canoe or a sailboat or powerboat of less than 25 horsepower, you can get some coverage through your homeowner's or renter's policy," says Newman.
"But typically, property damage coverage is limited to about $1,000 or less. And liability coverage is subject to the limits of your homeowner's or renter's policy. So for larger watercraft for sure, you want to have a separate policy to cover both damage to the boat and liability for damage caused to others."
Be sure all of your boat’s systems are working properly before launching. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free boat safety inspections.
Remember, carelessness and inexperience are the leading causes of boating accidents and fatalities in state waters.
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More info: Tips from the NW Insurance Council
