What Are Texas Regulations Regarding Boat Insurance?

Living in Willis, TX, offers a wealth of water sports and boating activities. If you’re considering buying a boat, you will likely have questions about boat insurance. At the Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency, we are frequently asked these questions. In this blog, we’re going to clear up one of the most common queries.

Does the state of Texas mandate boat insurance requirements?

Texas Law

Boat insurance requirements in Texas are straightforward. The state does not legally require boat owners to have insurance.

While that sums up the legal side of things, it’s important to note that even in the absence of state-level requirements, certain circumstances might necessitate boat insurance.

Lenders

Financing your boat is often one of these circumstances. If you secure a loan to purchase a boat, the lender will probably compel you to avail of an insurance policy to safeguard their investment.

Upon complete loan repayment, you gain more leeway in your insurance decisions, but until then, the lender has the right to impose a boat insurance policy and stipulate minimum insurance prerequisites.

Liability and Protection

Although Texas doesn’t mandate boat insurance, it also doesn’t protect you from liability. If an individual is injured on or by your boat, you may be held responsible, and ensuing charges could escalate rapidly. Liability protection helps cover these expenses (up to the policy’s limit) and shields you against potential lawsuits.

The state of Texas offers some additional recommendations for boat insurance. Without imposing any legal obligations, the state endorses different boat protection policies. These include replacement cost, actual cash value, and agreed-upon value policies, all offering varying levels of remuneration if your boat incurs damage.

As a resident of Willis, TX, you have multiple boat insurance options. Consult with your Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency representative to determine the insurance choice that best suits you.

Do You Really Need Boat Insurance? Yes!

As the owner of a boat, there are a lot of things you need to do to protect yourself and your watercraft. One way to get this protection is to get boat insurance. Because of the danger of boating accidents and other incidents, every boat owner needs to have this coverage. When you need this protection, you can call us at Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency in Willis, TX.

Boating Accidents

Like vehicle accidents on the road, boating accidents often happen on waterways. Many people don’t think much about boating accidents until they happen. Once they do happen, you could end up owing a lot of money if you’re at fault for the accident. Getting boat insurance can protect you against many of these costs. The minimum that you should have is bodily injury liability and property damage liability. These work much like auto insurance and keep you safe from having to pay huge amounts for boat damage or injuries. With the high cost of medical care, it’s always important to have this coverage in case of accidents. You should also carry collision coverage so that the damage to your own boat can be covered.

Other Boat Dangers

There are plenty of other things that can happen to your boat and cause it to become damaged. Some of these happen when the watercraft isn’t in the water. To protect against these events, you need to have comprehensive coverage in your boat policy. This will pay to repair or replace your boat when something serious happens to it on land.

Schedule A Consultation Today

If you’re a boat owner and you don’t have this coverage, it’s time to call us to find out more. You can contact us at Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency in Willis, TX to get started with a boat policy of your own.

5 Things You Need To Know About Boat Insurance

You own a boat and want to safeguard it, but there are a few things you should know before purchasing coverage. When shopping for high-quality boat insurance, keep these criteria in mind.

Your Boat Is Not Covered By Your Home Insurance.

Your Willis, TX homeowners insurance coverage will not protect you unless you possess a canoe or another small watercraft without a motor. A separate policy is required for any boat with a motor.

Boat insurance coverage options typically mimic those found in auto insurance policies, such as personal injury and property damage liability, comprehensive and collision, uninsured/underinsured boater, and medical costs.

Boat Insurance Offers Broad Coverage

A boat insurance policy will safeguard you in the event of a tragedy. These typically involve losses such as sinking, theft, collision, storm damage, and more.

You Can Buy Optional Coverage

Optional coverage for your boat is available to safeguard you against unforeseen events. One of these possibilities is coverage for emergency services if you become trapped in the water on the side of the road.

You can also get wreckage removal insurance. It pays for the lifting or removal of a sunken vessel covered by your coverage and when required by law. Other possibilities include coverage for fuel spills and protection if you use your boat for water activities like fishing. You can also preserve personal effects, defend against ice or freezing damage, and many other things.

Some Policies Allow a Coverage Pause

You may be able to purchase a policy that allows you to discontinue coverage when your boat is not in use. While this may save you money, it also means you won’t be able to utilize your boat during this period. If something goes wrong, you’ll be on the hook because you won’t have insurance.

Your Boat Insurance is in Great Hands At Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency

Here at Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency, we understand boat insurance and are here to help however possible. We’re proudly serving Willis, TX and can help you figure out the best boat insurance policy for your needs. Give us a call today and let us create a custom quote for you!

Do I Need Year-Round Boat Insurance in Pennsylvania?

If you live in the greater Willis, TX community, and own a boat, you may wonder if you need to insure it year-round. The answer to that question depends on several factors, including how long you use it during the year and store it in the off-season.

How Often Do You Use Your Boat?

If you only use your boat a few times during the year, you may not need to insure it year-round. However, if you use it regularly, especially if you keep it in the water during winter, you will need to insure it all year. This is because boats are susceptible to damage from the elements, even when not used. Your Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency agent can help you determine how often you should insure your boat.

How Do You Store Your Boat?

Where you store your boat during the off-season can also affect whether you need year-round insurance. If you store it in a garage or shed, it will be better protected from the elements than leaving it in the water. You may not need to insure it as often.

Is Boat Insurance Required?

In Pennsylvania, boat insurance is not required but should consider a policy. You will be responsible for the damage if your boat is involved in an accident. They could sue you for the damages if you do not have insurance.

Is There a Loan?

If you have a loan on your boat, the lender will require you to have insurance. This protects their investment in case the boat is damaged or totaled. You will need to insure your boat year-round if you have a loan.

Get Insurance Coverage For Your Boat Today

Your Melvin Gessner Insurance Agency agent can help determine if you need year-round boat insurance in Willis, TX. We can also help you get the coverage you need to protect your investment. Call us today!