How to Get a Free Boat Insurance Quote
Before getting a boat insurance policy, you first need a quote for coverage. This will allow you to compare different coverage options and learn more about some of the basics in an insurance policy. Luckily, you can get a free boat insurance quote online with only a few clicks on the SkiSafe site.
If you find yourself with a bunch of questions regarding quotes, coverages, rates, limits, etc., you’re not alone. Plus, it’s always helpful to learn more about insurance before diving straight in.
Here’s everything you need to know about boat insurance quotes.
What are Quotes for Boat Insurance Coverage?
A boat insurance quote is an estimate of how much you’ll pay for the policy. The quote is typically calculated based on the information you provide, like the specifics of your boat, your experience, your previous claim history, the amount of coverage you want, and more.
From there, the insurance company will use this information to determine the cost of coverage. The insurer will then present that calculation in the form of a quote.
» MORE: Boat Insurance Basics: Helping You Understand How Insurance Works
How to Get a Free Boat Insurance Quote With SkiSafe
There are a few ways to get a boat insurance quote. You can do it directly online (which is the most popular option), through an insurance agent or broker, or over the phone.
Whichever option you choose, you will need to provide the following information:
Owner Info
- Type of ownership (individual/family, partnership, or corporation)
- The number of owners and operators, their names and dates of birth
- Location
- Occupation
- Contact information (email address and phone number)
Craft Info
- Type of craft
- Boat length (in feet)
- Year, make and model of the watercraft
- Number of engines
- Total horsepower
- The total value of the boat, including engine(s)
- Trailer value
- Storage location and method
- Year-round use or not
Options and Discounts
- Years of ownership
- Tickets/accidents and infractions on your motor vehicle record
- Number of boating claims in the last 4 years
- Type of waters navigated (fresh, salt, or both)
- Whether you took a boating safety course, and if so what type
Boat Insurance Quotes Online Versus With an Agent Versus Over the Phone
Online
Getting a boat insurance quote online is usually the easiest way to do it. It’s free, easy to understand, and will only take a couple of minutes to complete. You will fill out a dynamic form that captures all of the information everything mentioned above. If you have follow-up questions afterward, you can always reach out over the phone, via email or through the live chat feature on our site.
You can typically finalize coverage and purchase the policy entirely online, without ever needing to speak to a representative over the phone.
» MORE: How to Buy Affordable Boat Insurance Online
Pros of Getting Your Boat Insurance Quote Online
- Convenient and easy
- Low-pressure and can be done at your own pace
- Can easily compare different coverage options and limits
- Quickly adjust policy details to customize coverage
- Easily add on discounts and other options to see how it affects rates
With an Agent or Broker
You can also obtain a free quote through an agent or broker, who can help you figure out which policy type and coverage are right for you.
Pros of Getting Your Boat Insurance Quote With an Agent or Broker
- Insurance agent and brokers can explain the quote or policy and perhaps offer personalized advice
- Can form a long-lasting, personal relationship where the agent or broker is very familiar with your unique needs
Over the Phone
If you prefer to get a quote or purchase a policy over the phone, you can do that as well. When speaking directly with the insurer, an underwriter will record all of the information reviewed above in order to determine and present you with a personalized quote.
Pros of Getting Your Boat Insurance Quote Over the Phone
- Real-time question and answer opportunity regarding coverage and limits
- Underwriters are insurance experts and thus very familiar with the policy details and coverage options
In the end, it all depends on your preference. We find that most boater prefers to get an insurance quote online – it’s typically more efficient, convenient, and can expedite the process.
Deeper Look at What Goes Into a Boat Insurance Quote
Several factors will affect your quote. Here are the main ones:
Your Personal Information
As mentioned earlier, you will need to provide some personal information when getting a boat insurance quote. The insurer will ask for things like your age, location, occupation, contact information, and more. Some of this info is used to determine how likely you are to be involved in an accident or file a claim.
Example: A teenager owning and operating watercraft may have a higher rate than someone with a lot of experience on the water. Someone older may not only have more experience boating, but they will also likely to have more experience driving automobiles as well. Safely driving on the road for many years is a good indicator that this person will operate watercraft in a similar way.
The Coverage Chosen
This one isn’t very surprising, but the type and amount of coverage you select will havea big impact on your insurance quote and rate. The more protection you need, the higher it will cost. That is the case with every type of insurance policy, whether boat insurance, homeowner’s, auto or life.
Your boat insurance policy could include a blend of different coverages, such as:
- Bodily injury liability coverage
- Property damage liability coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- Towing and roadside assistance
- All-risk coverage
- Replacement cost, agreed value or actual cash value coverage
- And more
Example: If you choose to get a liability-only policy, it will cost less than a policy that includes coverage for physical damage. With all that in mind, it’s not a good idea to base the coverage you get solely on price. While price is an important factor to consider, you want to be fully protected from the perils you face.
» MORE: Boat Insurance – What It Is and What It Covers
The Details of the Watercraft
Your watercraft will major a role when the insurer evaluates the cost of coverage. The year, make, model, power and safety features of your boat will all affect your boat insurance quote.
More luxurious, newer boats with higher-end equipment will cost more to repair, and will therefore cost more to insure. The risk of your your boat being stolen will also be factored into your quote. Essentially, the insurer will want to know the details of your vessel to determine the amount of risk they are taking on.
Example: A brand-new luxury pontoon boat with a sticker price of $40,000 will cost more to insure than a jet ski that costs $7,000. If both were to experience a covered loss, the amount to replace or repair the vessel will vary significantly.
