Taking A Boat Out Of State

[Sam]

We've got Geico car insurance for now, but I switch companies every 3 or 4 years because it seems like they all hit you with a big rate increase for no reason after about that long. I just add my boats to the car insurance policy - insurance for my bass boat costs about $120 a year, and the 12' aluminum boat is about $18. That's liability and medical accident insurance only, no insurance on damage to my boats.

I only buy boat insurance to protect myself. I have no idea whether it's legally required by any state, and I've never had to show proof of boat insurance to anybody. I think it's a good thing to have, though, in case somebody gets hurt and wants to sue.

[Stump bumper]

My boat was hit by a drunk driver on the way to the lake last year, it didn't damage the boat but the prop did go through his hood. The police only asked for the boat regestration and boat proof of insurance from me, and the driver had no insurance. I thought the truck insurance would cover the boat when I was towing it, but after calling both insurance I found I was wrong.

Had I not had insurance on the boat I would have had a fine, even not having proof in the boat rates a fine.

[jdmidwest]

Here in MO, your tow is insured for liability only if it is attached to an insured vehicle. If you want replacement or Comp, otherwise known as "full coverage" on the towed item, you need to purchase separate policy. There are some states that are starting to require a liability policy while the boat is floating on the lake I believe. Once again, if you are going to operate a Motorized boat in another state, you need to check the ON THE WATER RULES for operating a boat. That would be available on the States Water Patrol site or Dept. Of Revenue.

And, it has to be licensed, titled, and stickered in at least some state in a current year for operation. Same applies to the motor, trailer, and possibly the trolling motor in some instances.

[flytyer57]

If buying boat insurance as a rider on your homeowners policy, be carefull. A lot of those riders will only cover your boat while it is parked in your garage, not on the water or while being towed.