If you need boat insurance in Spokane, you may be wondering if there are any age restrictions or if you can be too old to qualify for boat insurance. The short answer is that there are no age restrictions for getting boat insurance, but there are age restrictions when it comes to operating boats and other types of watercraft. Let’s examine what insurance carriers take into consideration when underwriting insurance policies for boats.
Does Washington State Restrict Boat Insurance to Individuals Over a Certain Age?
Washington State does not restrict who can purchase boat insurance according to their age. Instead, anyone who is legally listed, and is 18 years or older, as the owner of the boat on the title can purchase boat insurance for that boat.
Can A Person Be Too Old to Get Boat Insurance?
A person’s physical age does play a part in how much they might pay in insurance premiums. For example, if an individual is young with limited boating experience, they may pay more in insurance premiums than someone who is older. It is possible that a boat owner and operator who is at an extremely advanced age might pay more in insurance premiums, but other factors are often at play too, including if the individual is in good health and has good eyesight, and if the individual is perceived to be at a higher risk for an accident or incident with the boat.
When Does Age Matter When Operating a Boat?
In Washington State, your age may dictate what types of boats and watercraft you can operate. For example, Washington State dictates that boaters who are 12 years or older are legally allowed to operate a boat with a 15 hp engine or greater if they also have a Washington Boater Education Card. Otherwise, the individual must be supervised by someone who is at least 16 and has a boater education card. In addition, any who wishes to operate a personal watercraft must be at least 14 years old. It’s also worth noting that individuals must be at least 16 years old to rent, hire or lease a personal watercraft.
Who Needs Boat Insurance in Washington State?
Everyone who owns a boat should consider getting it insured for their own peace of mind, but boat insurance is not required by law in Washington State, meaning you can legally operate your boat without an insurance policy. However, if you owe money on your boat to a lending institution, they may require that you have a certain amount of boat insurance.
Additionally, some marinas in Washington State require proof of boat insurance. For example, the Port of Kingston requires that boat owners have at least $300,000 in liability insurance that includes pollution liability coverage if they plan to moor at the marina.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Boats?
Homeowners insurance may provide a small amount of coverage, usually up to $1,500, for small boats, but it usually doesn’t provide coverage for personal watercraft or larger boats.
What Factors Affect Boat Insurance Rates in Washington State?
- The Age of the Boat Owner – As a general rule, older individuals typically have lower boat insurance rates, but boating experience and physical health can also play a part in how much someone pays for boat insurance.
- The Market Value of Your Boat – Boats that are more expensive tend to have higher insurance premiums.
- The Size of Your Boat – Larger boats typically have higher insurance premiums, and insurance carriers may have requirements for insuring large boats.
- Whether or Not Your Boat Has Outboard Motors – If a boat has outboard motors, insurance premiums tend to be lower because they’re easier to maintain.
- Whether or Not You Own a Home – Many insurers view owning a home as a positive thing. As a result, your boat insurance premiums may be lower.
- Your Driving Record – Your driving record can influence your boat insurance rates.
- Where You Operate Your Boat – Individuals who operate their boats inland typically pay lower rates than boat owners who operate their boats in open waters.
- Whether or Not You’re Married – Married boat owners typically enjoy lower boat insurance premiums.
- Whether or Not You’ve Taken a Boating Education Course – If you’ve taken a boating education course, your premiums may be lower.
- Whether or Not Your Boat Has a Fire Suppression System – Boats with fire suppression systems tend to have lower insurance premiums.
- The Safety Features Installed on Your Boat – If you have a lot of safety features installed on your boat, your premiums may be lower.
- The Types of Coverage and Your Policy’s Limits – the types of boar insurance coverage that you choose and the limitations will affect how much you pay in premiums.
If You Need Boat Insurance in Washington State, Let Boyd Insurance Brokerage Inc. Help You Find Your Ideal Policy
If you’re looking for affordable boat insurance that helps financially protect you if your boat is damaged during a covered event, we can help you at Boyd Insurance Brokerage Inc. We have boat insurance policies that include liability, property damage, wreckage removal, fuel spill cleanup and even watersport coverage for boaters who also like to waterski and tube.
To get a quote for boat insurance, call us at 509-340-2693.
