Note to Texas Boaters: Is Your Boat Insurance All Washed Up?

Soon, families all over Texas will be loading up the boat and jet skis and heading out for weekends and vacations designed for sun and fun. In order to relax and relieve your stress, you need to know that your family is safe and protected. That means knowing you have the right kind of boat insurance on all your watercraft before you head off for your family adventure.  You need an insurance agency that will work closely with you to plan for the best coverage in your boat insurance policy for your boat, water toys and, even more importantly, your family. In the North Dallas, Plano and Frisco areas, Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. can be reached at 214-387-0600 for all your boat insurance needs. 

John Coyle, of Tri-Star Insurance, has been in the insurance business for nearly 20 years and specializes in serving customers in North Dallas, Plano and Frisco, TX.

Boat Insurance Required By Law

When it comes to insurance for your boat and personal watercraft, the place to start is with Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability (BI/PD.) This coverage is required by law and covers injuries and property damage in the event of an accident. Your BI/PD coverage will pay for medical costs and lost wages in the event of injuries and will pay for any property damage sustained in an accident.

Texas law requires that you carry at least a 20/40/15 boat insurance policy for BI/PD coverage on your boat. The 20/40/15 coverage translates to $20,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for any one person with a total of $40,000 bodily injury liability maximum for any one event and $15,000 property damage liability coverage.

Additional Optional Coverage

In addition to BI/PD insurance, there are several other types of coverage that you should consider for complete protection and coverage.

·         Collision coverage- This option will pay for damage to your own boat from a collision with another boat, vehicle or other property. You choose a deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage begins.

·         Comprehensive Boat Coverage- This coverage will pay for damages to your boat that is caused by risks other than an accident. These risks include theft, fire, earthquake, flood and other events that are beyond your control.

·         No Fault Coverage- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – PIP coverage is not required by law, but it can be a very important option for you and your family. PIP pays medical expenses for injuries resulting from a boating accident, regardless of who is at fault.

·         Uninsured/Underinsured Boater Coverage- This option will cover your injuries caused by another boater who has no liability coverage or in the case of a hit-and-run accident.

Don’t let the high cost of repairs and medical bills add to your stress should you have an accident or other damage to your boat. Make sure that you have all the boat insurance coverage that you need to cover your damages, should you need it. The best way to make sure that you have the best boat insurance options for your unique situation is to speak to the insurance experts at Tri-Star Insurance. 214-427-7231.