Living near Lake Michigan, it is no wonder so many Waukesha area residents are boat owners. In fact, Wisconsin is among the top states for watercraft ownership, with more than 615,000 boats registered in the state as of 2010. Here at Carrigan Insurance, we know how much time, money, and work our customers put into their boats. That is why we work hard to provide insurance coverage that adequately protects you and your watercraft from the risks and hazards you face both on and off the water.
Some scenarios where boat insurance would be beneficial include:
Your cabin cruiser breaks down 25 miles offshore, requiring tow support. Back on land, you receive a bill for $4,000.
You take your pontoon boat out and scrape up against an embankment, gashing a hole in the side of your vessel. With the help of a recovery service, you are able to pull the boat from the water, but the repairs and recovery bills will cost thousands.
You take the ski boat out on a sunny day, catching waves at high speeds. You round a bend and clip another craft, causing irreparable damage to the other boat and injury to its passengers. You are sued for medical bills and lost wages, as well as the cost to replace the damaged vessel.
Your personal watercraft is hit by an uninsured or underinsured boater. With no assets to sue against, you find yourself responsible for the cost of your own medical bills, lost wages, and repair or replacement of your watercraft.
Standard and Custom Boat Insurance in Wisconsin
We can provide coverage for a wide range of vessels, including:
- Fishing boats
- Pontoon boats
- Cabin cruiser boats
- Sailboats
- Ski boats
- Personal watercraft
- And more
A lot of factors go into the amount of coverage you need and the premiums you will pay for boat insurance. In addition to the type of craft, insurers typically consider the age, length and value of a boat, as well as its horsepower and condition.
A standard boat insurance policy will generally include liability protection if you cause injury or property loss to another person while using your craft, as well as risk coverage to replace or repair damages to your own boat and its permanently attached equipment (i.e. anchors, oars, and life jackets). Keep in mind that certain damages may not be protected if caused by a non-covered event, such as a manufacturer defect, animal damage, or general wear and tear.
In addition to standard boat and liability coverage, we can also help you with add-on protections depending on your needs. This may include the cost of towing, wreckage recovery, or protecting expensive navigation equipment.
Shopping for Milwaukee Boat Insurance
If you find yourself in the market for boat insurance, purchasing coverage through an independent agent means accessing quotes from multiple leading insurance carriers under one roof. You can explore your coverage options, as well as any discounts that may be available to lower your premiums. Examples include:
- Claims-free and safe-driving discounts
- Seasonal non-use deductions (storing your boat during the winter)
- Boater education discounts
- Multi-line coverage discounts (available when you bundle boat insurance with home or auto protection)
For more information about Wisconsin boat insurance or to request your free quote, contact our office today. We look forward to serving you soon.
