Boating enthusiasts in coastal areas understand the risks that come with owning a boat during hurricane season. Not only do boaters have to worry about the safety of themselves and their passengers, but they also have to worry about the potential damage that could be done to their vessels. One question that many boaters ask is whether hurricane damage to boats is covered by insurance.
In short, the answer is yes, but it depends on the type of insurance coverage that you have. In most cases, homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage to boats. Instead, you will need to have a separate boat insurance policy that includes coverage for hurricane damage.
Boat insurance policies typically come in two forms: actual cash value (ACV) and agreed value. With ACV policies, your insurance company will pay out the value of the boat at the time of the loss, minus any depreciation. These policies are generally less expensive, but they may not provide enough coverage to fully repair or replace a boat that has been severely damaged by a hurricane.
Agreed value policies, on the other hand, provide coverage based on the amount that you and the insurance company agree upon prior to purchasing the policy. This means that if your boat is damaged or destroyed by a hurricane, you would receive the full amount that you agreed upon with the insurance company. While these policies are often more expensive, they provide greater peace of mind and can help ensure that you are able to fully repair or replace your boat after a storm.
It is important to note that most boat insurance policies have specific exclusions for certain types of damage that can occur during a hurricane. For example, flooding damage may not be covered if your boat is not stored in a safe location during a storm. It is important to review your policy carefully and understand what is and is not covered, so that you can make sure you have the appropriate coverage in place before a storm hits.
If your boat is damaged during a hurricane, the first step is to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine what repairs need to be made. Be sure to document the damage yourself, taking photos and videos if possible to ensure that you have evidence of the extent of the damage.
If you own a boat and live in a hurricane-prone area, it is essential to have the appropriate insurance coverage in place to protect your investment. While insurance cannot prevent all damage from occurring, it can help ensure that you are able to recover financially after a hurricane. As with all insurance policies, be sure to review your coverage carefully and understand what is and is not covered, so that you can make sure you are properly protected.