Yachts and larger vessels require a different insurance for boats than smaller pleasure crafts, larger vessels have unique needs to be taken into consideration. While ski boats, fishing boats and pontoons are used for leisure activities, there is no comparison between them and yachts. Proper yacht insurance coverage is important to insure yachts locally and offshore without running the risk of being underinsured.

Yachts as a classification are vessels that measure at least 27 feet in length while boats are 26 feet or under. Although smaller yachts may have many of the same needs as smaller ski boats, fishing boats, and pontoons larger vessels have many differences.

Here are some important considerations for selecting yacht insurance rather than getting insurance for boat:

Appropriate navigation limits – Insurance for boat policies will allow for different exposures for navigation limits. It is common for boats to be permitted unlimited transport on land by trailer. Yacht insurance coverage in contrast, is more typically restricted to shorter distances for trailering.

Agreed value policies – It is more prudent to opt for agreed value rather than actual cash value for yacht insurance in particular. Actual cash costs less for policy rates, but that is because any claim will include depreciation considerations and market value when determining any payout. In contrast, agreed value will cover what it costs to replace the vessel. There are certain elements that can be excluded from the agreed value assessment, such as cushions or covers.

Deductibles – Boat policies traditionally offer a flat rate for the deductible in the event a claim is made. Yacht policies, however, are frequently variable depending on the type of loss. It could, for example, be a deductible of three percent for damage to the hull and more for a total loss.

Liability coverage – Yachts by their very size and navigation have more potential risk than smaller pleasure boats so it makes sense that boat coverage would not be broad enough to fully protect a yacht. Insurance for yachts offers broader coverage designed to offer full coverage for liability. Yacht owners need to consider the need for liability coverage for guests on board as well as crew, who under the federal law known as the Jones Act can sue for damages suffered while working. Unlike boat policy coverage with its general liability protection, yacht coverage will also extend to liability to remove wreckage – typically with higher coverage under protection and indemnity. The way in which yacht policies offer protection for salvage varies and may be a set dollar amount or a percentage.

Warranties – It is standard for yacht insurance policies to come with warranties for things such as navigation limits, lay-up limits and seaworthiness.

Legal defense – In the event of a mishap, a yacht policy places legal defense within protection and indemnity where a standard insurance for boat policy will limit it to liability.

Owning a yacht is part passion and part investment. As with all things in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to insurance for your yacht. While adding a boat to homeowner insurance may seem simpler, the coverage isn’t geared to the requirements of boat ownership and the insurance representatives are not specially trained to meet the needs of boat owners.

Looking for the best and most comprehensive yacht insurance policy? Don’t settle for insurance for boats when you own a yacht. Contact the marine insurance experts at Global Marine Insurance for a customized policy for your yacht.