What Boat Insurance Is and Why You Need It

There’s nothing like a beautiful day out on the water. If you own a boat, chances are that’s how you’ll be spending a lot of your time this summer. Whether you’re exploring South Holston Lake, cruising the Tennessee River, or searching for the perfect fishing spot at Percy Priest Lake, your watercraft is the key to your outdoor adventures. But does it have the protection it needs?

While Tennessee requires all boats to be registered and that any Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989, take an education class, the state doesn’t require you to have an insurance policy for your boat. That said, at Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, we believe in planning and protection, so that you can have peace of mind. Here’s why you should consider a watercraft insurance policy.

The Basics of Boat Insurance

One thing to keep in mind is that your auto and home insurance policies do not cover any watercrafts you own. If you don’t have a separate policy for your boat, then it isn’t covered. So, what does a boat insurance policy offer coverage for?

• Watercraft liability insurance can help cover expenses if you are found legally liable for damage done to other people’s property or injuries sustained by others while enjoying your watercraft. Accidents happen, and this kind of coverage can help make sure you don’t get hit with unexpected costs after a covered incident.

• Physical damage coverage can help cover a range of perils, from theft to collisions that physically damage your watercraft.

• Medical payments coverage can provide funds to help pay medical bills for yourself or for others in the event of an accident. Even with health insurance, hospital visits can be costly.

What Kinds of Boats Does Watercraft Insurance Cover?

Watercraft insurance doesn’t just cover your standard pontoon boat. At Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, our policies can extend to many different types of watercraft that are used exclusively for private, recreational purposes. This could include pontoons, small fishing boats, sailing vessels, jet skis, WaveRunners, or other personal watercraft. Talk to one of our local agents to learn more about which type of watercraft can be insured under a watercraft policy.

Choosing the Right Boat Insurance Policy

The bottom line is this: Having the right boat insurance policy protects your investment in your watercraft, you, your passengers, and your boat itself. Choosing boat insurance is the smart, financially sound decision.

Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee offers flexible coverage to meet the needs of you and your watercraft. Connect with a local agent today to learn more about our policies.